Review: We Are the Wildcats

The Wildcats' season is just beginning, but they're coming off the loss of the championship game. There are reasons for the loss. But now the team has to pull themselves together.

They just discovered their teammates and there's a scrimmage tomorrow against the team that beat them. They have one night to gel as a team. Luckily the sleepover tradition will help.

This is the one night of the season that they break all the rule in the name of tradition. The initiation ceremony helps seal the bond of friendship and teammates. But the coach throws a wrench into their plans and the night pivots in a way Mel, the captain, never imagined.

My Thoughts: I've been waiting to read this book since I heard Siobhan talking about this during her book tour for Stay Sweet. And it was really good. It kept me guessing and I couldn't wait to see how everything turned out. I loved the multiple perspectives and how all the stories came together within a 24 hour window. My heart broke for these girls but it also cheered for them. I loved their friendship, their loyalty, and their sportsmanship. It's hard to talk too much about this book without giving away spoilers, but I really really enjoyed it. I didn't want to put it down and I didn't want the book to end. I want more about these characters. 

Cover Thoughts:
Source: Book from the library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your library. Siobhan Vivian is now an auto-buy for me for the library's collection.

Top Ten Tuesday: Sports Books

This week's topic is why I love girls sports books!

I've been reading a lot of great girl sports books lately, but we need more of them!

Here's why I love them:

The talent - the girls aren't afraid of their talent. They know they are good and they are unapologetic about it.

Which means the main character is usually feminist

And they sometimes want to prove themselves (especially if they are playing on a boy's team)

And they have the heart and the desire to kick butt (Both on the sports field and off the field).

The team - usually a group of girls on the team are friends

The comradery during the sporting times (bus rides, practice...)

Obviously for the sports parts. As a sporty girl myself, I love reading about the games/practices. And it almost doesn't even matter which sport.

Romance - there's usually a side romance story

Have you read any great sports books lately that you think I would like?

Mini Review: Courage to Soar

Simone Biles's story from discovering gymnastics to earning a spot of the Olympic team and winning Gold.

The Good:
I loved learning about the good days and bad days
The struggles to learn a certain move
The gymnastic people she met along the way
Her family life
The strength and commitment it took to maker her dreams come true.
One dream at a time
Her work ethic
Knowing her family was behind her.

The Bad:
Just a nitpicking thing - but the financial obligation to the sport wasn't talked about.

Final Thoughts: A wonderful book about going after your dreams and achieving them. Grab this one for your school or public library to inspire others. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Sports Books

I changed from this week's topic - to sports books, because it's perfect for the Summer Reading Program theme. I really enjoy sports books and here are some of my favorites:

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish 

Tween:

Teen:

Nonfiction: 

Celebrate the World Series with Baseball Books

Check out these books: