Valeria has an unusual life. She lives with her grandparents. She's in contact with her father, who rarely comes to visit. She's a soccer star; she plays on the boys' team. They've had a great season and they're heading to the play-offs. Her grandfather coaches the team. Some of the boys on the team are her best friends.But everything changes during a game when she gets her period. She misses much of the game as the blood seeps through her underwear and shorts. Her grandmother is out of the country visiting family. Her aunt is very sick. One of the parents helps her out, telling her want to do with the pad. The team loses the game.Valeria is angry and sad. But she never would have believed they would kick her off the team. She's their best player. Also she's devastated that neither her grandfather nor her friends spoke up in her defense. She's heartbroken.
My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I wanted to wrap Valeria up in a hug. She seemed so lost most of the time, but she's also prickly too. There were so many layers: family drama, period drama, friendship drama, sports drama, and becoming comfortable in your own skin. I really loved reading how Valeria (Magic) struggled her way through finding her place in the world with friendships, with her family, and with her soccer team. There's lots of soccer in this book, but it's mixed with plenty of drama to keep middle grade readers happy.
Cover Thoughts: powerful
Source: My Library
Why I read it: I love girl sports books
Library Recommendation: A fantastic book with so many layers. This is a must have book for school and public libraries.
Hand this to: Readers who love sports and readers who love drama
7 comments:
I can tell you love girls sports stories. This sounds like one that will really pull at your heart. I already feel for the main character from your review.
The enticing cover will bring a lot of readers. The story sounds great too. Thanks for being a part of MMGM this wee!
The storyline reminds me of a book I featured a few months ago: Lena, the Sea, and Me by Maria Parr. It also featured a girl playing on a boys' soccer team and everything changing in middle school.
I felt stressed reading the description! Poor Valeria!! Puberty is just one long awkward embarrassing time (was for me anyway, so glad we don't get to go through it twice!!). Thanks for sharing!
Sounds like a really good book for kids of that age.
I used to think I didn't love sports stories, but I've read a few lately that I thought were great. Sounds like this one has a lot going on - and a lot going for it!
This sounds like a great story. thanks for telling me about it.
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