• Age: 10 to 13
• Grade: 4 to 8
• Reading age: 7 to 10

Jayleen lives for the rodeo. She's sure she can be the fastest amateur barrel racer in all of British Columbia, in all of Canada.

Her coach, however, doesn't share this faith. Jayleen finds her heavy-handed coaching style completely unhelpful. In order to excel, Jayleen knows she'll have to find someone to believe in her--so she sets out to do just that.

Cutting It Close is the story of a spirited young woman who decides to take charge of her own destiny.

Marion Crook has written many books for young adult and middle readers. Here, she offers advice on writing, publishing and marketing. Crook’s background in child development education as a nurse and her PhD in education giver her solid knowledge, but she maintains that a keen observation of people, places and events can be the author’s most useful tool. An experienced teacher and writer, she gives her readers clear and practical tips, with humor and understanding of what it’s like to write and publish.

Marion Crook's profile page

"Superb characterization, an intricate plot, and careful attention to descriptive detail make this one of the best choices in the Sports Stories series.... Cutting it Close will appeal especially to horse lovers and young female atheletes.... Recommended."

Canadian Book Review Annual