The Kip

Join Marissa for a summer of violin, chess, and the challenge of learning a kip.

Marissa is a gymnast, violinist, and chess player. This summer she is busy in an orchestra, chess tournament, and learning her Level 4 gymnastics skills. In the past, doing all three activities has been a snap for Marissa. She is hardworking and smart. But this summer she can't seem to get her kip, a difficult skill on bars. If she doesn't learn a kip she won't be competing Level 4 in the fall with her friends at Perfect Balance Gymnastics Academy. As the summer progresses, it's not looking good. Everyone else is getting their kip except for Marissa. What will she do if her friends move on without her?

Perfect Balance Gymnastics Books teach girls to be kind to each other, flexible in life, courageous, strong, and most of all, confident. The books set the reader in the world of gymnastics. The characters are relatable and have age-appropriate challenges. Each book explores a major life lesson that empowers girls to understand their own inner strengths.

Perfect Balance Gymnastics Books increase reading level from 2nd grade to 6th grade as the series progresses. The Kip is the 5th book in the series and is a 3rd/4th grade reading level. The Kip appeals to 8-12 year-olds. Perfect Balance Gymnastics Books are chronological, but each story can stand alone.

Written in Century Gothic, a dyslexic-friendly font.

Melisa Torres grew up in San Jose, California. She trained at Almaden Valley Gymnastics Club where she competed in USA Gymnastics' Junior Olympic program for ten years. Melisa then went to compete for Utah State University where she was a two-time Academic All-American and team captain.Melisa currently lives in Utah and is a single mother to two active boys. Their favorite things to do together are skiing, swimming, going to the library, and dancing in the kitchen.