Raising the Bar Nominated for NAACP Image Award

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Jan. 10, 2014 - PRLog -- Zondervan is honored to announce that Raising the Bar by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and author Gabrielle Douglas has been nominated for the distinguished NAACP Image Award  for Outstanding Literary Work in the Youth/Teen category.

The NAACP Image Awards are presented each year with 54 competitive categories in film, television, music and literature. It is the country’s foremost event for recognizing the outstanding achievements and performances of African Americans. The Image Awards are also presented to groups who promote social justice. Voting begins on January 13, 2014 among NAACP members and winners will be announced during the 45^th NAACP Image Awards on February 22^nd at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA.

“We are elated to learn of this esteemed honor for Raising the Bar,” said Annette Bourland, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher at Zondervan, “it is a testament to Gabrielle Douglas’s extraordinary life of faith, endurance and perseverance that inspires us all.”

In Raising the Bar, two-time Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Gabrielle Douglas shares photos, quotes, and some of her favorite things, as well as tips on wellness and keeping strong under pressure. After competing in the 2012 London Olympics and winning two gold medals, Gabrielle Douglas’s life changed forever … but in many important ways, it stayed the same. Throughout Raising the Bar Gabrielle shares an inside look at her day-to-day world, from the things that are still important to her---time with her friends and family, her favorite comfort foods, and her training routine---as well as what it is like to suddenly walk the red carpet and be interviewed. Along the way, Gabrielle also offers tips on how readers can raise the bar in their lives and accomplish their dreams. Through candid photos taken by Gabrielle to exclusive images taken behind the scenes, readers experience what it is like to be an Olympic Champion and a normal teenage girl balancing a life in the spotlight with a life in the gym.

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About the Author: Gabrielle Douglas is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she made history, becoming the first US gymnast to take home a team and an individual gold medal in the same Olympics. Gabrielle began her training at age six, and became the Virginia State Champion only two years later. When she was fourteen, she left her family in Virginia Beach to train with coach Liang Chow in Des Moines, Iowa. Under Chow’s guidance, and with tremendous faith in God’s plan for her, Gabrielle competed in the Olympic Trials and walked away with the only guaranteed spot on the team. Since her Olympic triumph, Gabrielle has used her platform to inspire millions with a powerful message: With hard work and persistence, any dream is possible. Visit her online at www.gabrielledouglas.com

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

About the NAACP: Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization.  Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.