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

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

Inside Soccer Sisters – Makena

When Soccer Sisters was launched, I had to find the name of a main character for Out of Bounds. I had already used my daughter, Lily, in Breakaway, so was searching for some inspiration.

It didn’t take me long. For many years, I was the head coach of a team called the Roadrunners, a great travel team that got recruited to be a part of NY Rush. That team was so amazing and super talented! We made it to the Finals of the NY Cup (lost in PK’s!) and were Champions of many tournaments, including the Delco Cup.

But most special to me were the girls and the parents. Every last one of them was dedicated and just so much fun. All of them, amazing people. There was one girl who came to our team a little later, Makena Ward. She started as a guest player – and would say yes to any invitation to play. Makena is not only talented, she is also fierce and clutch! I loved coaching her. Unfortunately, when the age changes came a few years ago, our team could not stay together. We were split down the middle with some girls born in 03 moving to the older age group.

Our last game together ended up being the championship match at a big tournament called Delco. We were outmatched for size by a great team from Syracuse. Thunderstorms forced us to play the finals inside! It was all a little crazy. We hadn’t had many chances in the game until the final three minutes when Abby, one of our original Roadrunners, who I had coached since she was 8, got the ball and made a perfect pass to Makena. Makena hit her shot left-footed and beat the keeper. GOAL! The other team was stunned, the coach just shook his head. We all went crazy. But, the game wasn’t over yet. They pounded us for the final three minutes! Finally, the whistle blew.

It was fairy-tale ending that I could not have written. People always ask me if I am writing about myself in my books, and I say, yes, there is a part of me in the characters. But, so many of the friendships and moments were inspired by amazing kids like Makena and my daughter, Lily, Kiki, Lauren, Milly, Megan, Ariana, Ana, Olivia and all of my awesome players. When was writing Out of Bounds, I was looking for an Irish name, and I loved the original spelling, Makena. She and her parents allowed me to use it. I miss coaching those kids, but am so happy to see so many of them continue to love soccer.

Thank you Makena for your love of the game and lovely name.

New York City Football Club Hosts ‘Soccer Sisters’ at Yankee Stadium

In February, NYCFC announced the launch of its Girls Academy as part of its commitment to growing girls soccer.

Now, NYCFC is proud to bring one of the legends of the women’s game to Yankee Stadium.

Two-time World Cup and Gold Medal winner, Brandi Chastian, will be in the house on Thursday, June 29 to cheer on NYCFC, share the love of the game, and introduce fans to the new book series “Soccer Sisters.”

Brandi Chastain commented:

“This is exactly the kind of book I wish I’d had the chance to read as a girl.”

Hundreds of lucky fans will get to meet Brandi and author, Andrea Montalbano, at a book signing and photo op before NYCFC face Minnesota at Yankee Stadium. During the match, the group will sit together in a girl power section to root on the boys in blue.

About New York City FC:

New York City Football Club is an American professional soccer team based in New York City that competes in Major League Soccer. It was announced as the league’s twentieth franchise on May 21, 2013 and is the first and only Major League Soccer Club located within the five boroughs of New York City. Majority owned by City Football Group, which includes Manchester City FC, Melbourne City FC and Yokohama F. Marinos, New York City FC plays its home games at Yankee Stadium, which is also home to minority owner, the New York Yankees.

New York City FC is embarking on its third ever season in 2017 and has former US National Team captain Claudio Reyna as its Sporting Director and former World Cup winner Patrick Vieira as its coach, in addition to Designated Players: Captain David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, and Maxi Moralez.

Website: NYCFC.com | Twitter: @NYCFC | Instagram: @NYCFC | Hashtags: #NYCFC | Facebook.com/NewYorkCityFC

Stadium: Yankee Stadium | Training Facility: SUNY Purchase

About Soccer Sisters:

“Soccer Sisters” is a new book series which follows a young girl trying to not only do well on the soccer field but build lasting relationships with teammates through sportsmanship and friendship.

About Brandi Chastain:

Brandi Chastain is an iconic U.S. sporting figure. Brandi and her U.S. teammates brought women’s soccer to the masses during the 1999 Women’s World Cup finals. That’s when Brandi scored a goal on a penalty kick after the second overtime of the U.S. versus China match and struck her famous pose. She was photographed on her knees, mouth wide open, eyes closed, fists in the air, wearing a black sports bra, and white soccer shorts. Her celebration pose was featured on magazines and newspapers around the world. After that, Brandi became a household name. People knew her for her sports bra, but she’s much more than that. She is a devoted wife, a mom, a reporter, an author, a philanthropist, and more.

Brandi has been one of the best ambassadors for soccer during her playing and post playing career. She has faced adversity while winning Two World Cups, Two Olympic Golds, One Olympic Silver, the Inaugural WUSA Championship, and recorded 192 caps in her International Career. This summer she was elected into the US Soccer Hall of Fame and is the Official Soccer Sister.

About Andrea Montalbano:

Andrea Montalbano is the author of the “Soccer Sisters” series. She grew up playing soccer in Miami, Florida, benefiting from the opportunities provided by Title IX. A star in high school, she was a four-year starter and co-captain at Harvard and in 2008 was inducted into the Harvard Varsity Club Hall of Fame. Andrea enjoyed a long career as a journalist and was a writer and Supervising Producer for NBC News’ TODAY Show. Andrea left NBC to write books, determined to write a soccer series for girls. Out of Bounds (Sourcebooks), the first of the three-book series was released in April. Each book tells the story from the perspective of a different player on the team. Caught Offside will be available in October 2017 and One on One in spring 2018. Andrea is also a long time coach and advocate who believes in the power of sport for education and empowerment.

Press Contacts:

Amanda Marston, NYCFC Director of Communications

(512) 565-8755

amanda.marston@nycfc.com

Alex Yeadon, Sourcebooks

(630) 961-3900 Ext. 343
alex.yeadon@sourcebooks.com

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