By Lizzy ellis
Summer to Soar
Middle Grade / Young Adult Novel
Thirteen-year-old Lily Matthews was rising fast in trampoline and tumbling—until a devastating fall at the season opener left her with more than just physical scars. Now she can’t even attempt her routine without freezing.
Her parents’ solution? Ship her off to Camp Birch Line, an elite gymnastics camp in the Virginia mountains where there’s nowhere to hide from her fears.
But camp brings more challenges than just gymnastics:
- A mean girl who leaves anonymous notes
- A national champion who is objectively, unfairly, distractingly cute
- A coach and sports psychologist team who give her real tools to coexist with fear — and get back to doing what she loves anyway
- A mysterious midnight incident at the forbidden lake that changes everything
With the best new friends she never saw coming and wise coach by her side, Lily discovers that real courage isn’t about never falling—it’s about choosing to bounce back.
Author and coach
Lizzy Ellis
Lizzy Ellis began her journey in artistic gymnastics, a foundation that helped her transition to performing flying trapeze in the early 2000s. To enhance her air awareness, she took up trampoline as cross-training—an interest that evolved into launching a competitive team. Over the years, while coaching artistic, acrobatic, trampoline and tumbling, and circus arts, Lizzy has witnessed countless pivotal moments when athletes must decide: let fear take over, or rise above it. These experiences, along with fond memories of summers spent at gymnastics camp, became the inspiration behind Camp Birch Line.
Lizzy holds an MBA in Finance and worked in banking prior to pivoting to her passions.
“If I have to stop reading so I can go to bed, I wonder what will happen next and can’t wait to read even more the next day.”
– Joana, age 10
Upcoming Events
July 10-12, 2026
2026 Stars and Stripes Championships • Sevierville, TN
Want a signed copy of Summer to Soar? I’ll have a small number available for purchase, please come find me!
In the Works!
Fall to Rise
Middle Grade / Young Adult Novel
A sequel.
Blog
Follow Along
Hello world!
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!