When Nordic ski jumper Maureen “Mo” Clark set foot in Finland, she breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, escape from her famous skier father’s shadow and a chance to jump in the renowned Lahti Ski Games. But Mo quickly realizes that balancing practice and classes is more challenging than she expected. So when a gorgeous bad boy teammate offers coaching assistance—for a little publicity in return—how can she refuse? Surely she can work in a few extra practices somewhere between studying for calculus and sightseeing in Finland? Amid snowmobiling and dog-sledding, ice hotels and Northern lights, Mo begins to discover what strength and perseverance—the Finnish sisu—is all about. Now it’s up to her to take that final jump and cross the finish line in style.

Personal response:

American girls goes to Finland and has trouble adjusting. Racism against gypsies there surprises her. Ski life and romance with a smattering of Finnish culture thrown in. Good read, enjoyed it more than I expected.

Cirriculum/programming connections:

A display of books on Olympics, Finland, exchange students, or a book group book for dicussing racism, sexism, acceptance.