book review

We are happy to be able to publish the full review of ‘Out of Bounds’ by online magazine and librarian professionals resource, School Library Connection, here on our site. Enjoy!

Montalbano, Andrea. Out of Bounds. 176pp. $7.99 pbk. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. 9781492644811. Grades 3-6

Makena James begins her summer doing the two things she loves best: playing soccer and spending time with her friends. These “soccer sisters,” created by the perfect blend of soccer and friendship, make even a losing game seem like a victory.

When a new player, Skylar, joins the team, the soccer sisters embrace their new teammate but then quickly begin to question the choices she makes both on and off the field. Makena continues a friendship with Skylar, but finally must break free when Skylar’s rule-breaking goes too far. With Makena’s leadership, the soccer sisters refocus on what qualities they choose to live by in the game and in life.

Soccer aficionados will delight in the play-by-play game descriptions and will be cheering for the soccer sisters’ success. The shining spot in this first book in a series is the focus on friendships, empathy, and making good choices that will positively impact others.

Readers will connect with Makena and the soccer sisters, and will look to emulate the positive relationships described throughout the book.

Teachers and families will appreciate the accompanying book club questions, soccer glossary, and information about the Soccer Sisters—an organization founded by Montalbano—and its ambassador Brandi Chastain.

– Anne O. James, Librarian, Brownsville Elementary, Crozet, Virginia

The massive book reviewer School Library Journal has just published their review of Caught Offside! We’re happy to be able to run Jessica Bushore’s full piece here. Enjoy!

Montalbano, Andrea. Caught Offside. 176p. (Soccer Sisters: Bk. 2). Jabberwocky. Oct. 2017. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781492644842.

Gr 3-6 – The “Soccer Sisters” return with a story about putting one’s values and self-worth before the callous opinions of others.

Val and Makena are best friends. They come from different towns; Val from working class Highland Ferry and Makena from affluent Brookville. Many residents of Highland Ferry work for the families of Brookville, including Val’s father. But Makena would never put her friend down for their differences in circumstance. Other team members like Jessie are not as considerate. Singling Val out for her Mexican heritage and financial differences, Jessie tells Val she’s no longer welcome on the team. Val also wonders if Makena’s newfound interest in the upcoming Snow Fairy Dance signals a change in their friendship.

Montalbano’s second series entry maintains the empowering tone of the first book while introducing more complex themes of social justice. The story remains full of soccer action sequences that are skillfully written to engage readers. The book is rounded out by a lengthy soccer term dictionary to bring unfamiliar readers up to speed. While geared towards a female readership, the engaging characters will appeal to a broad segment of middle grade readers. A recommended purchase for discussing racial stereotypes and microaggressions in a sensitive manner for younger readers.

VERDICT: A winning combination of sports, self-respect, and friendship. A strong purchase where realistic and accessible sports fiction is in demand. – Jessica Bushore, Xenia, OH

School Library Connection Reviews ‘Soccer Sisters: Out of Bounds’

School Library Journal Reviews ‘Soccer Sisters: Caught Offside’

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