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School Library Journal Reviews ‘Soccer Sisters: Caught Offside’

Image: School Library Review JournalThe 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.

Image: Caught Offside coverGr 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

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

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