Soccer Sisters

Love the game. Love yourself. Love your sisters.

  • The
    Books
  • The
    Blog
  • Play it
    Forward
  • Press
    Box
  • The
    Team
  • Contact
    Us
Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On Instagram

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.

Image: Out of Bounds coverWhen 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

Filed Under: Blog, Press Box

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

Image: School Library Journal logo
The massive book reviewer School Library Journal has just published their review of Out of Bounds! We’re happy to be able to run Jessica Bushore’s full piece right here on SoccerSisters.com. Enjoy!

MONTALBANO, Andrea. Out of Bounds. 176p. (Soccer Sisters: Bk. 1). glossary. Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. Apr. 2017. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781492644811.

Image: Out of Bounds coverGr 3-6 – An empowering first entry in a female-centric soccer series focusing on putting personal values before fitting in with the cool kids.

Makena (Mac) Walsh defines herself through soccer, particularly her close bond to her “soccer sisters” on her team. Her teammate Chloe leaves the league for ballet summer camp, and Skylar joins the team as her replacement. Skylar is the embodiment of cool, with her spiky, multicolored hair and temporary tattoos. Mac quickly falls under her spell, both on and off the field. But Skylar isn’t just a risk taker; she’ll do anything to win or get her way. Mac quickly realizes the thrill of excitement is too close to the fear of discovery. When high jinks escalate to lying to her family and friends, Mac must choose between Skylar’s friendship and her soccer sisters. With a professional soccer background, Montalbano grounds the story with details and writes fast action scenes.

The book targets soccer players specifically, but sports lovers of all kinds will be able to orient themselves using the handy glossary of terms. Characters are likable and well developed, with particular resonance for female readers. The length and simplicity make this selection ideal for reluctant readers.

VERDICT: A general purchase for its exploration into an underdeveloped genre, and a solid recommendation to soccer fans and sporty kids. – Jessica Bushore, Xenia, OH

Filed Under: Blog, Press Box, Uncategorized

Connect with Soccer Sisters!

Love soccer? We do too! Connect with Soccer Sisters
for news, events and sharing the beautiful game.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • The
    Books
  • The
    Blog
  • Play it
    Forward
  • Press
    Box
  • The
    Team
  • Contact
    Us

Copyright © 2025 · SOCCER SISTERS · Developed by Overlay

 

Loading Comments...
 


    Buy Now!