Middle Grade Review: The Best Worse Summer of Esme Sun

Esme has two sisters who have their talents. Esme isn't good at anything, but maybe this summer can change that. When her friend is away for the summer, Esme is happy to be swimming at the pool. She grew over the last year. She has to learn to turn again. At the qualifying meet, Esme and her friends each come out near the top during the races. Could Esme finally be good at something?  

Her new friends are "cooler" than Esme. Esme promises the coolest girl that she will be more chill. But Esme can't help being excited about swimming and maybe breaking a pool record.  Can she and her new friends remain friends throughout the summer?

Will this summer be the best or the worst?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. There's so much friendship and family drama. I wasn't Tegan's biggest fan or a huge fan of Esme's mom. Esme isn't ready to grow up yet and I loved that she figured that out. She found things and people that made her happy. I loved the moments about swimming and being part of the team. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library 

Middle Grade Review: The Beautiful Game

 

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

Middle Grade Review: Bea Mullins Takes a Shot

 

Bea Mullins had trouble with basketball. When gym is canceled, Bea needs to figure out a sports credit. She reluctantly joins the hockey team, secretly hoping they won't have enough girls to make the team. When the team start practicing, Bea isn't great at skating. She's nervous that she will make a fool of herself.

The first game doesn't go well; they're forced to play the best team in the league. Bea skates away from the puck, rather than embarrass herself further. She has a hard time passing the puck. Unfortunately, one of her classmates films their games. They create a video compellation of all their mistakes. Bea is so embarrassed, but the other girls lean into the videos, even creating some of their own. 

Gabi, a team member, starts helping Bea with her hockey skills. The hockey team doesn't have much funding, so they have to fundraise. Bea and her best friend Celia brainstorm ideas to help earn some cash. Could she find herself happy being on the hockey team?

My Thoughts: I loved this book; it was five-star read. I love girls sports books. This book was such a good read with all the drama: sports, friendship, and a little bit of romance. Bea's family were fun and supportive. I loved her Dad, and the hockey moments. I felt bad for Bea and how she struggled sharing her feelings. I understood her lack of enthusiasm for being on camera making a fool out of herself. I loved the romance between Bea and Gabi. This is Emily Deibert's debut novel and it was amazing. I can't wait to see what she writes next! 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

 Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school or public library.

Middle Grade Review: Crushing It

 

Mel's the captain of her soccer team - and they are so close to going back to the championship game. Last year, they lost the game. It crushed Mel. She's not sure why the team made her Captain this year, but as the games get more intense, the team starts falling apart. It's up to Mel to get them back on track. But there's a lot going on with her team.

Tory's having a hard time at home. Her mother's remarried and barely has any time for her. Just when Tory thinks she's found an ally in her step-brother, he joins the Army. And she's crushing over a girl she met online. 

Tory's not one to share her feelings and it's clear something is very wrong with her. Her best friend Chloe is frustrated that Tory won't talk to her. 

Mel's having trouble with her best friend Rima. Rima's running for student-body President and she doesn't have time for Mel. She's so focused on the election that she doesn't see that Mel is struggling. Mel also doesn't like some comments Rima's been making about her lately. Is there a reason they are still friends?

Will all the drama off the field, can they come together on the field?

My Thoughts: This debut crushed it! There's so much in this sports book: all the DRAMA (friendship, family, romance, and school), a little romance, poetry, and public speaking. I didn't want this to end. Middle school friendships are hard, and this book captured all of it. I loved the sports parts and the question of what makes a good captain. I love how everything turned out. Looking forward to whatever Erin Becker writes next! 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have sports book for your school and public library collection.

Middle Grade Graphic Novel Review: Mia and Friends

Mia Hamm became the face of Women's Soccer - this graphic novel shares her story: from the first moment she touched a soccer ball to the 1999 Women's World Cup final. 

She (and her teammates) inspired a generation of women. She didn't give up; her work ethic was amazing.

I love how this graphic novel shares the history of that women's soccer team, and how they exploded into popularity. They made women's soccer exciting.

    

There are two pieces after the story ends:

1. update on players today

2. how the women fought for a won equal pay (honestly, this could have been its own graphic novel)

It's important to see the history so we can see how far we have come. 

Graphic Novel Review: Tryouts

The middle school baseball team is going for a decade of winning the championship. Al's been playing baseball for years, she's not sure that she'll be allowed to tryout for the team. But baseball is her life, and she's determined to try.

She doesn't have to fight to join the team. The coach is more than happy to give her a shot. It seems like everything is working out - until the team gets their first win. The local news channel wants to interview her. Even though Al talks about the team, that part is cut. The interview makes it seem like Al is responsible for the win. The rest of the team isn't thrilled about this. 

They keep losing and moral is at an all-time low. Even though this is a rebuilding year, they still want to win.

My Thoughts: This is the second book in the yearbook series. I love how this one centered around sports. Al was great - strong, determined, and talented. The team didn't gel, but they did have some good moments. I loved the side stories: the art club, the mascot, and the girls' basketball team. I love how the coach didn't need to be convinced to let a girl try out for the team. I admired that. I'll be honest, that wasn't where I thought the story was going. Lots of strong friendship moments in this graphic novel series. Looking forward to the next book in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Strong

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great graphic novel series for your school and public library collection

Review: Every Reason We Shouldn't

At 16, Olivia is washed up figure skater. She and her partner took the junior level by storm, but couldn't make it at the senior level. After a humiliating showing, they hung up their skates. Egg went off to college and Olivia became a normal teenager.

But she's never been normal. When a young speed skater with Olympic dreams starts training at her parents' gym, Olivia begins to think she might want to start skating again. But does she have what it takes?

My Thoughts: I was so happy to see this is the start of a series because I didn't want this book to end! I loved Olivia, Jonah, and their school friends. I loved Mac. I enjoyed the sporty moments - and the talent and drive of both Olivia and Jonah. I love how Mac pushed Olivia out of her comfort zone. I wasn't a huge fan of any parents in the book, but I loved how the friends pulled together to form a family. I enjoyed how Olivia and Jonah's school friends didn't understand their dedication to skating or how they viewed high school life. Of course I enjoyed the romance. I can't wait to read more about these two amazing athletes. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A great sports book for your school and public library collections.

If You Like:

Review: Break the Fall

Audrey Lee's dream came true - she's going to the Olympics! She can't believe it - and she's going with her best friend Emma. The two of them have been working towards this goal forever. She just hopes her back will be strong enough to last through the last little bit of her competitive life.

But everything changes on the first day of training camp. The FBI swarms the building and her coach is taken away in handcuffs. Now everything is up in the air and rumors are swirling.

Audrey's supposed to keep her head in the game, but how can she when everything is happening? Her teammates don't support each other. Audrey's not sure what to believe about her coach, but she starts to understand the signs. Her new coach isn't letting the girls practice as much as they would be. And she's falling for a boy who is off limits.

With a month left until the biggest days of her life, how is she supposed to hold it all together and bring home the gold medal she's been working towards her entire life?

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book; I couldn't put it down. It gave me the biggest book hangover. I'm a huge fan of gymnastics, so I loved reading about this sport (especially at such a high level). I loved the teamwork and the sisterhood - even though not all teammates were supportive. I loved the story how they came together. I loved Audrey's determination, her strength, and her ability to focus. My heart broke for the girls as I read about the abuse at the hands of their coach. I love how that wasn't glossed over but everything happened off page.  I loved the reality of the ending. I adore the eyeshadow part. I can't wait to read more from Jennifer Iacopelli!

Cover Thoughts: Awesome - I love the chalk
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library.

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Review: Throw Like a Girl

During a play-off softball game during her junior year, Liv throws a punch after a girl says something homophobic about her sister. Liv must suffer the consequences of her choices - sitting the bench for the rest of the playoffs, having her scholarship revoked for her private school, and having to figure out her next move. There's no way she can't play softball her senior year, especially if she wants to play in college.

The local high school just happens to be the team she fought against. The softball coach isn't convinced at having Liv on the team. She knows Liv is super talented, but she might ruin the dynamic of the team. The coach suggests Liv try out for a fall sport and show off her sportsmanship.

Liv is willing to do anything to earn a post on the team, so when the injured quarterback sees her goofing off with her brother and offers her a spot on the football team - she can't turn him down. Together they come up with a plan that benefits them both.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I liked how seamlessly Liv found herself on the team and there wasn't (much) crap from the boys on the football team. I loved reading about the workouts and the conditioning. I loved seeing her relationship with Grey playout. I loved her best friend  and her brother. Even though she wasn't the best at managing either of those relationships, I loved them. I love how she defended her sister even though it cost her almost everything. I love that this book tackled real issues: feminism, homophonic slurs, what it means to be a team player, concussions in football, and more. A really great read.

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries

Feminist Read: Michigan Vs The Boys

When the girl's school hockey team is cut due to lack of funding, Michigan isn't sure what to do. She's busted her butt for years.  She doesn't want to stop playing but she's not sure about any other options. Even though the high school cut the team, Michigan's still hopes to play in college. But when a crazy idea occurs to her - to try out for the boy's team - she goes for it.

And she makes it.

But she never thought about what would happen after she made it.
She never thought about the coach's sexist behavior. She never thought about the harassment and pranks her fellow teammates would play on her. And she never imagined she's be the star of the team.

But what happens when everything becomes so much worse than she imagined? At what point should Michigan speak up?

My Thoughts: I loved this book but it also made me seethe with anger. I Hated the boys on the hockey team. I hated the coach. I wanted justice and revenge so very badly. My heart broke for Michigan and all that she went through. The ending was nicely done. I loved the idea of the girl's hockey team with friends supporting each other. I enjoyed Michigan's relationship with Jack. I really loved Trent (her brother) and their relationship. I loved Meghan and how she looked up to Michigan. I couldn't put this book down, I Had to find out what happened and if those boys would get what they deserved. I want another book about Michigan STAT! 

And this is a debut. I'm excited to see Carrie S. Allen writes next.

Cover Thoughts: Awesome
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Review: Girl out of Water

Anise can't wait to spend the last summer before senior year hanging out with her friends and surfing. She feels most at home by the ocean, so much so that she isn't considering leaving for college. But when her aunt is in a serious accident, her father decides that they will both spend the summer in Nebraska helping out.

Anise isn't pleased with this situation.She's going to miss so much time with her friends and the waves. Sure, she wants to be good and help take care of her cousins, but she also wants her own summer.

Taking care of three kids isn't easy, but luckily their town has a skate park where they hang out most days. Anise gets suckered into learning how to skate with a bet from Lincoln. Could skating help her overcome her loneliness and make the time go by?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the surfing and the skating parts. I enjoyed watching Anise struggle while she tried to not follow in the footsteps of her mother who leaves everyone behind. I loved her moments with Lincoln (a diverse character). I really liked her moments with her cousins - both the twins and Emery. I like that both Lincoln and Anise had baggage but they were able to look past it. i like how they were able to tell each other the truth about themselves. A great summer romance with family and friendship drama while trying to figure out your path in life. 

Cover Thoughts: Great - I get it more after reading the book
Source: ARC sent for review.
Library Recommendation: A great book for your library - sporty romance.

Tween Tuesday Review: Saving the Team

 * First in a series *

Devin loves playing soccer, especially with her friends. When she moves across the country to California, she's hoping to make the soccer team. She worried for nothing. Tryouts are a joke. Everyone makes the team. Everyone seems to get equal playing time, no matter how good they are.

And Devin is good.

She wants to win.She wants the team to be an actual team. She makes friends with a few girls on the team. Before long, she's co-captain. Can she make a difference and help change the team to become more serious?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this sports book - both for the fun of sports and the seriousness of playing because you love the game. I liked how Devin made new friends and helped out her teammates. I love the bond they had. I felt a little bad for Mirabelle, because I feel there's more to her story. But I do love how Devin stood up for herself and her teammates against bullies and those who spoke badly about the team. I love how she infected the team with her love for the sport. I love her ideas for her two friends who had trouble playing in front of people. I loved how annoyed Devin was at the soccer conditions for the girls team and how she worked to change it. An entertaining read with great messages. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great soccer book all about teamwork and friendship - perfect for any school or public library. Recommended.

Mini Review: The Flip Side

Charlie Ryland wants it all - and she's willing to go to great lengths to keep her two identities secret for as long as possible. Sooner or later the truth will come out about who Charlotte really is, but Charlie's hoping that will happen on her terms and after she qualifies for the Olympic gymnastics team.

The Good:
I didn't want to put this book down, I read it over two nights and stayed up late the second night to finish it.

• I loved the double lives - the double friends.
• I loved the moments when they crossed over
• I loved the training moments
• I loved the moments between Charlie and her brother
• I loved the secret
• I loved how hard Charlie/Charlotte pushed herself, even when life seemed to be spinning out of control.
• I loved the student government angle
• I didn't like the speical treatment, but course it happens and I like how Charlie handled it.

The Bad:
There were a few places where the editing could have been a little tighter. A few times I was jarred out of the story.

Final Thoughts: Great for your gymnastic loving fans, or readers who wish to be famous, or anyone getting pumped up for their own sporting event.

Cover Thoughts: I actually really like this cover (especially the guy with the book) but it doesn't match any scene in the book, which saddens me. I almost wish there was an addition scene based on it!

Library Recommendation: Grab it for your library!

I wrote a little bit about it on the teen library blog

Mini Review: Roller Girl

Astrid and Nicole are best friends. When Astrid's mother takes both of them to see a roller derby match, she can't wait to try it. Nicole isn't all that interested. In fact, she seems to be much more interested in Robin, boys, and ballet. Can Astrid survive roller derby without her best friend by her side?

The Good:
Great illustrations
Friendship drama
Astrid's letters to her idol
Learning more about roller derby
The roller derby names
Getting back up after you fall down
It makes me want to learn to skate
The socks!

The Bad:
It ended too soon (I do hope there's another book or four coming!)

Overall Thoughts: One of those rare books that should be in every library! Plus is fits perfectly with this year's summer reading theme.

Review: Matter of Heart

Abby's amazing at swimming. So amazing that at age 16, she's hoping to qualify for the Olympic team. She's on track.

Until she faints after a race. Her coach makes her get checked out by a doctor before she's back in the pool. Abby assumes that she'll be back swimming before the end of the week. But the doctor hears something with her heart.

Abby goes for more tests, not believing that her dreams could come crashing down. Who is she without swimming?

My Thoughts: I couldn't put this book down, I devoured it in one sitting.

I felt horrible for Abby - working so hard on this dream and then to have her world change. She struggled so hard  and went through the stages of grief. Abby is strong, determined, and at times reckless. There were times when I hated her choices, but ultimately, I admired her drive and determination. 

I loved the moments of her teaching the kids - especially with Alec.

I really liked Jen - how she researched the disease and tried to talk sense into her friend. 

I wasn't a fan of Abby's boyfriend. He seemed too focused on perfection on the outside. He wasn't there for her. Plus he pressured her. 

I liked the tension between Alec and Abby - despite his rivalry with Connor.

I liked Abby's parents. I liked the moments between her and her father - especially the late night chats. I felt badly for him for having his dreams ripped away from him. But then he put all his hopes on his daughter. 

I really loved how this book was about chasing your dreams and then dealing with the aftermath of losing them. 

Cover Thoughts: Ok - doesn't really speak to me or say what the book's about
Source: Book sent for review

Final Thoughts: A powerful book about finding yourself when everything around you is crumbling. This one is a must read - add it to your list.