Willa is working hard in her backyard practising for an upcoming gymnastic competition. She’s happy with her floor routine and her beam work, but still needs to work on her vaulting. It’s a little scary, but so is not doing her best in the competition with her team.

An older girl at school named Evie is really good at all gymnastics and Willa wants to be like her. She decides to build a vault out of things in the garage – with hair raising results!

Worrying about the competition is put aside in Willa’s mind for a while when she and her best friend Tae visit the Sunset Views Retirement Village next door. The manager tells them about a new event he’s planning for the residents – A Tournament of the Ages Competition. It will be between students at Willa’s school, and the Village residents.

But Evie has been invited too and doesn’t want Willa there. Suddenly Evie is everywhere. At school, in the changing rooms at gym, watching her in gym class. She is even mean to her on the playground. Willa brushes it off, but then something terrible happens and all her gym practice feels like it was for nothing. Was Evie right about her all along? For the first time, Willa feels so awful she won’t even talk to her best friend Tae.

Another friend is nearby to help. Her best old age friend Frank comes for a chat and a cheer up, as Willa has done for him in the past. Maybe Willa can see something good from her mishaps? Maybe even a new friend?

No. 5 in this series, Willa is still one of my favourite book characters. Let the Games Begin is the 1st time Willa’s positivity and smile wavers, as her pressure on herself to do well in a gymnastic competition and to keep smiling around a bully becomes difficult.

Her friendship with elderly resident and neighbour Frank shines through once more, restoring Willa’s smile and the wonderful relationship they have. References to past books in the series are made throughout this episode, but it is still possible to read this book in this funny, sweet series on its own.

Author – Jacqueline Harvey

Illustrator – A Yi

Age – 7+

(2023, Penguin Aust, Series, Humour, Funny, Bullies, Friendship, School, Growing up, Retirement Home, Gymnastics, Competition, Games)