Middle Grade Monday: Offside

With the World Cup happening, I'm highlighting a soccer graphic novel out tomorrow

The soccer team at the middle school has gone co-ed and not everyone is happy about it. 

1. Nicky fought for the opportunity to try out. Her friends are mad that she left the girls' team. She wants to play professionally.

2. Al, the team captain, is NOT happy to play with girls. 

3. His father makes a bunch of comments to his family about how girls shouldn't play soccer. 

4. Palmer gets injured off the field and it out for the season

5. Fabiola and Seba are new to school and speak Spanish but not much English

6. Their coach is excited about this team

Can they find a way to play together?

My Thoughts: This graphic novel has a lot going on. There is both Spanish and English text, which is cool. I loved the coach and how he was inspired by Ted Lasso. The misogyny and bullying in this book made me angry - but I did enjoy how it all worked out. The characters made a lot of mistakes. I didn't agree with many of the choices, but I enjoyed their problem-solving skills. I really liked the storyline with Palmer as a journalist and meeting an adult journalist. There wasn't one central character, which I enjoyed. This graphic novel is perfect for any reader; there's something for everyone here. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: This is a great sports graphic novel with ALL the drama - a must have book for school and public libraries.

Bookstagram (13)

Graphic Novel Review

I've been waiting to read this graphic novel for a while. 

And it did not disappoint. 

It's about a group of kids who meet in the cafeteria for community service hours. 

They are not friends - yet. But as the time goes by, they discover a secret and they come together to help someone else. 

A Breakfast Club type graphic novel

 

Tween Tuesday Review: Moving Target

Cassie is in Rome with her father. One day, he pulls her out of school with no explanation. Then they are attacked and her father is severely injured. He's holding on to a deadly secret.

He tells her the name of one person she can trust.

Instead, she goes to her best friend. They find her there, so she turns towards her father's friend where she finally uncovers answers.

Ancient blood runs through her veins that allows her to wield the Spear of Destiny. This weapon has the power to change the future. The spear has been lost - until Cassie uncovers it. Now two secret organizations want both the power and Cassie.

Cassie doesn't trust either of them - but can she survive on her own with help from her friends?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book. It grabbed me from the very beginning. I loved the action and the danger. I loved Cassie turning to her friend and a new friend Asher. I love how together they searched for the clues. I found the two societies a little confusing and I didn't understand how they were different and what they stood for. I hope to get more of a sense in the next book. I loved the two twists at the end.

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Christina Diaz Gonzalez created a Da Vinci Code for Tweens with lots of action and danger keeping your turning the pages quickly. I'm eager to read more of Cassie's story.