Welcome to the blog tour stop for this fun new title!

An empowering new series from the cyclist who runs Shred-Girls.com is guaranteed to give readers an adrenaline rush!

Lindsay can’t wait to spend her summer break reading comics and watching superhero movies–until she finds out she’ll be moving in with her weird older cousin Phoebe instead. And Phoebe has big plans for her: a BMX class at her bike park with cool-girl Jen and perfectionist Ali. Lindsay’s summer of learning awesome BMX tricks with new friends and a new bike turns out to be more epic than any comic book–and it’s all leading up to a jumping competition. But some of the biker boys don’t think girls should be allowed to compete in BMX. Now it’s up to Lindsay, Jen, and Ali to win the competition and prove that anyone can be great at BMX.

MY THOUGHTS: I’d heard of BMX biking, but beyond that I couldn’t tell you the difference between a Case, Bunny Hop, or J-Hop. Now after reading the first book in the Shred Girls series I feel like an expert.  The first person narration with Lindsay in the driver’s seat is spot on for a twelve-year-old. Her worries will be familiar with many girls her age: friendships, clothes, first crush, and learning a new skill.

Young readers won’t mind having the parents off in another country while Lindsay stays with Phoebe, a cousin who hasn’t been the most responsible person. Older readers may pause, but the parents obviously know more about the 23 year old than they let on. Phoebe gives Lindsay the confidence to be who she wants to be. The 33 chapters are separated with entries in Lindsay’s journal. It’s her honest appraisal of everything going on in her world—a nice progression of how much she changes in one summer.

Most of the action stays close to the Joyride Training Center where Phoebe works. It’s a fascinating look at a whole different sporting competition I’ve never come across in middle grade books. The story is perfect for girls, but this might be a hard sell for boys. They might join in if they know there are all sorts of awesome tricks and tips on training—worthwhile for any sport. The tale may also serve as a recruiting guide for the next BMX class.

Give it a go and climb aboard this fun new series for a fast moving ride.

Molly Hurford is the author of four books on cycling, and a writer for Bicycling Magazine as well as many other fitness and outdoor publications. She’s the co-host of The Consummate Athlete Podcast, creator of TheOutdoorEdit.com, and a lover of all things bike-related. She spends her time traveling the world to find the best places to ride, race, and explore.

READ MORE AT THE SHRED GIRLS WEBSITE