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The Beautiful Game
A powerful story about family, fútbol, and playing like a girl from the award-winning author of Furia.
At thirteen years old, Valeria "Magic" Salomón is already the best soccer player her town has ever seen. She has talent in spades and an abuelo whose tough-love coaching and lessons about “strength and honor” have made her the star of the Overlords, the top boys’ team in the state.
But everything changes at the State Cup semi-final when Valeria gets her first period while Wearing. White. Shorts. After her team is unexpectedly eliminated, she goes from their secret weapon to their scapegoat. Soon, she doesn’t have a team at all anymore. She’s not sure she has a relationship with her grandfather either.
Valeria’s a fighter, however. And with the help of her grandmother and support of her cheerleader BFF, she finds herself on a girls’ team for the first time. But the Amazons aren’t exactly excited to have her there. After all, Valeria’s spent years ignoring their existence. With the next tournament looming on the horizon, Valeria has a month to figure out her place on her new team and learn how to play like a girl.
The award-winning author of Furia returns to the world of “the beautiful game” in this uplifting, heartfelt novel about family, self-confidence, and the power of second chances.
At thirteen years old, Valeria "Magic" Salomón is already the best soccer player her town has ever seen. She has talent in spades and an abuelo whose tough-love coaching and lessons about “strength and honor” have made her the star of the Overlords, the top boys’ team in the state.
But everything changes at the State Cup semi-final when Valeria gets her first period while Wearing. White. Shorts. After her team is unexpectedly eliminated, she goes from their secret weapon to their scapegoat. Soon, she doesn’t have a team at all anymore. She’s not sure she has a relationship with her grandfather either.
Valeria’s a fighter, however. And with the help of her grandmother and support of her cheerleader BFF, she finds herself on a girls’ team for the first time. But the Amazons aren’t exactly excited to have her there. After all, Valeria’s spent years ignoring their existence. With the next tournament looming on the horizon, Valeria has a month to figure out her place on her new team and learn how to play like a girl.
The award-winning author of Furia returns to the world of “the beautiful game” in this uplifting, heartfelt novel about family, self-confidence, and the power of second chances.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published September 17, 2024
6 people are currently reading
3590 people want to read
About the author
Yamile Saied Méndez
44 books727 followersYamile (sha-MEE-lay) is a fútbol obsessed Argentine-American. She’s the mother of 5 kids and 2 adorable dogs. Yamile’s an inaugural Walter Dean Meyers Grant recipient, a graduate of Voices of our Nation (VONA) and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Writing for Children program.
She’s represented by Linda Camacho, from the Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency.
She’s represented by Linda Camacho, from the Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 1, 2024
E ARC provided by Netgalley.com
Valeria Salomón lives in Utah with her grandmother (Lita) and grandfather, who is also her soccer coach for the Overlords. Her parents were very young when she was born, and her father has only visited her five times, since he lives on the east coast and travels a lot as a photographer. Val loves soccer, and is a very good player. She's played with the Overlords for years, and her best friend, Sasha used to be on the team as well. Now, however, Val is the only girl on the team. Her grandmother and father are supposed to come to a crucial game, but the family is devastated to find out that her Tia Antonello in Argentina is not doing well at all. Lita packs up to go, and Val's father joins her. Val isn't feeling well during the game, and realizes too late that it's because she's gotten her period. A time out is called, and the entire team changes from white to black shorts. Distracted, Val blows a play and feels embarassed and awful... until she finds out that Abuelo found out during the game that her aunt has died. Since he's had a tumultuous relationship with the aunt, he doesn't handle things well, and Val decides to stay next door at Sasha's house, where her mother gets her period supplies and tries to help her through the difficult days. Eventually, Lita comes home... with Antonella's son Maxwell in tow. Since it's summer, he has time to settle in to living in Val's father's old room, and even starts to play with the Overlords, since Val was kicked off. Val thinks it's unfair, but her grandmother points out that if she wants to be considered for the Olypic Development Program, she needs to play on a girls' team. The best coach out there is Linda Blume, but when Val calls her, Coach Blume tells her that her team is full, and she's just missed the try out period. Undaunted, Val goes to her house and explains why she didn't go through the tryouts. She gets on the Amazon team as the 19th player on the roster. Still stinging from being kicked off the boys' team, Val doesn't do well at first. Eventually, she starts to realize that she's not playing WITH the team, but is just trying to showcase her own skills. Once she figures this out, she starts to play better, and Sasha helps her connect socially with her teammates. Lita jumps in to full soccer mom mode, bringing her knitting and sitting between Maxwell and Val's teams. Abuela may be struggling with his daughter's death, and letting the other coach, José, work with the team, but Maxwell is slowly acclimating to his new home situation. When both Maxwell and Valeria have a big tournament, Val's dad comes in, and there's plenty of team drama as the Overlords and the Amazons play for their respective league trophies.
Strengths: This was a very realistic look at how families can take many different forms. While Lita and Abuelo are Val's grandparents, they are raising her, so feel a bit more like a mom and dad. There's a nice scene when the Amazons have a "mother-daughter" party, and Val feels a bit awkward asking Lita, who of course is perfectly happy to attend. There are a lot of my students who are in similar circumstances, so I liked how matter-of-fact the family situations were. The draw for young readers will be all of the soccer details. I know in Ohio, girls can play on boys' teams, but boys can't play on girls' teams, so this seemed realistic. The Overlords generally liked Val, but there were some members who were irritated, which also seemed realistic. The difficult family situation after the aunt's death was well handled, and one of my favorite moments was when Sasha and Maxwell met and Val could tell they liked each other. Yes, tween life still goes on, even under stressful circumstances. Val is a little jealous of Maxwell, since he has spent more time with her dad, but she does acknowledge that this is a bit petty, since he has just lost his mother. There are never enough books with sports in them, and this will be a very popular book with my students, who have also enjoyed this author's Shaking Up the House and Wish Upon a Stray!
Weaknesses: While I really liked that Val had to contend with her period during a couple of points in the story, I'm not sure how I feel about first periods that are super noticeable to everybody. Having been in a middle school for 26 years, I've never seen this happen, and I am more likely to be consulted for help than the school nurse in these matters. I also talked to several friends and my daughter, who had their doubts. Should girls be prepared? Absolutely. Is it good to scare them this way? I'm still thinking about that one. Both of my daughters would pass out at school on occasion, so it is good to have period issues as part of the story.
What I really think: I'll definitely be purchasing this title, and recommending it to readers who enjoyed Morgan's The Kicks series, Matheson's Select, and Lupica's Defending Champ.
Valeria Salomón lives in Utah with her grandmother (Lita) and grandfather, who is also her soccer coach for the Overlords. Her parents were very young when she was born, and her father has only visited her five times, since he lives on the east coast and travels a lot as a photographer. Val loves soccer, and is a very good player. She's played with the Overlords for years, and her best friend, Sasha used to be on the team as well. Now, however, Val is the only girl on the team. Her grandmother and father are supposed to come to a crucial game, but the family is devastated to find out that her Tia Antonello in Argentina is not doing well at all. Lita packs up to go, and Val's father joins her. Val isn't feeling well during the game, and realizes too late that it's because she's gotten her period. A time out is called, and the entire team changes from white to black shorts. Distracted, Val blows a play and feels embarassed and awful... until she finds out that Abuelo found out during the game that her aunt has died. Since he's had a tumultuous relationship with the aunt, he doesn't handle things well, and Val decides to stay next door at Sasha's house, where her mother gets her period supplies and tries to help her through the difficult days. Eventually, Lita comes home... with Antonella's son Maxwell in tow. Since it's summer, he has time to settle in to living in Val's father's old room, and even starts to play with the Overlords, since Val was kicked off. Val thinks it's unfair, but her grandmother points out that if she wants to be considered for the Olypic Development Program, she needs to play on a girls' team. The best coach out there is Linda Blume, but when Val calls her, Coach Blume tells her that her team is full, and she's just missed the try out period. Undaunted, Val goes to her house and explains why she didn't go through the tryouts. She gets on the Amazon team as the 19th player on the roster. Still stinging from being kicked off the boys' team, Val doesn't do well at first. Eventually, she starts to realize that she's not playing WITH the team, but is just trying to showcase her own skills. Once she figures this out, she starts to play better, and Sasha helps her connect socially with her teammates. Lita jumps in to full soccer mom mode, bringing her knitting and sitting between Maxwell and Val's teams. Abuela may be struggling with his daughter's death, and letting the other coach, José, work with the team, but Maxwell is slowly acclimating to his new home situation. When both Maxwell and Valeria have a big tournament, Val's dad comes in, and there's plenty of team drama as the Overlords and the Amazons play for their respective league trophies.
Strengths: This was a very realistic look at how families can take many different forms. While Lita and Abuelo are Val's grandparents, they are raising her, so feel a bit more like a mom and dad. There's a nice scene when the Amazons have a "mother-daughter" party, and Val feels a bit awkward asking Lita, who of course is perfectly happy to attend. There are a lot of my students who are in similar circumstances, so I liked how matter-of-fact the family situations were. The draw for young readers will be all of the soccer details. I know in Ohio, girls can play on boys' teams, but boys can't play on girls' teams, so this seemed realistic. The Overlords generally liked Val, but there were some members who were irritated, which also seemed realistic. The difficult family situation after the aunt's death was well handled, and one of my favorite moments was when Sasha and Maxwell met and Val could tell they liked each other. Yes, tween life still goes on, even under stressful circumstances. Val is a little jealous of Maxwell, since he has spent more time with her dad, but she does acknowledge that this is a bit petty, since he has just lost his mother. There are never enough books with sports in them, and this will be a very popular book with my students, who have also enjoyed this author's Shaking Up the House and Wish Upon a Stray!
Weaknesses: While I really liked that Val had to contend with her period during a couple of points in the story, I'm not sure how I feel about first periods that are super noticeable to everybody. Having been in a middle school for 26 years, I've never seen this happen, and I am more likely to be consulted for help than the school nurse in these matters. I also talked to several friends and my daughter, who had their doubts. Should girls be prepared? Absolutely. Is it good to scare them this way? I'm still thinking about that one. Both of my daughters would pass out at school on occasion, so it is good to have period issues as part of the story.
What I really think: I'll definitely be purchasing this title, and recommending it to readers who enjoyed Morgan's The Kicks series, Matheson's Select, and Lupica's Defending Champ.
October 11, 2024
This was a big-hearted middle grade debut featuring a fútbol loving tween girl who lives with her grandmother and grandfather and plays on the boys' team that her abuelo coaches only to have her dreams of taking the team to gold dashed when she gets kicked off for being a girl. Luckily she is able to join the girl's team where she learns about what it means to be a girl, a friend and a good daughter/granddaughter. I really loved this story from the author of Furia, it has great female in sports rep and endometriosis rep and a lovely unconventional family that loves deeply. Highly recommended for fans of Bend it like Beckham and books like Crushing it by Erin Becker. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and print ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!
April 15, 2025
a children's chapter book with a strong young female protagonist, soccer, and family.
what we have here is a great novel perfect for kids who are having difficulty seeing how things in life are changing. how their body changes, how life sometimes can be very unpredictable and sometimes it might hurt you.
our main character is a soccer player, she has to deal with her first period, her changing family situation, and the amazing sides of girlhood.
not only is this an amazing book for kids but also adults.
Big thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for providing me with an e-arc. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
what we have here is a great novel perfect for kids who are having difficulty seeing how things in life are changing. how their body changes, how life sometimes can be very unpredictable and sometimes it might hurt you.
our main character is a soccer player, she has to deal with her first period, her changing family situation, and the amazing sides of girlhood.
not only is this an amazing book for kids but also adults.
Big thank you to Algonquin Young Readers for providing me with an e-arc. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
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July 28, 2024I loved this one so much I blurbed it! I can absolutely see Yamile's Valeria and my Valentina (from my upcoming 2025 book) being besties.
"As powerful and engaging as Valeria "Magic" herself, THE BEAUTIFUL GAME will have you cheering from the sidelines from start to finish, because truly, there is no better feeling than playing like a girl. The perfect story for anyone who has ever felt scared of showing up as their full selves."
"As powerful and engaging as Valeria "Magic" herself, THE BEAUTIFUL GAME will have you cheering from the sidelines from start to finish, because truly, there is no better feeling than playing like a girl. The perfect story for anyone who has ever felt scared of showing up as their full selves."
August 20, 2024
This is a definite purchase for my middle school library. Why?
*A strong girl main character who has lots of room to grow - and does.
*A variety of characters that represent different kinds of people that feels natural.
*A family with issues that they begin to deal with.
*First period for a girl - perhaps a bit too dramatic since middle school students know a lot more about periods and are prepared - but menstruation did not dominate the storyline.
*Futbol/soccer theme - a girl who plays on the boys team, then learns to play with girls and becomes a good teammate and friend.
This book will appeal to many of my middle school readers. It definitely fills a niche. I look forward to suggesting it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
*A strong girl main character who has lots of room to grow - and does.
*A variety of characters that represent different kinds of people that feels natural.
*A family with issues that they begin to deal with.
*First period for a girl - perhaps a bit too dramatic since middle school students know a lot more about periods and are prepared - but menstruation did not dominate the storyline.
*Futbol/soccer theme - a girl who plays on the boys team, then learns to play with girls and becomes a good teammate and friend.
This book will appeal to many of my middle school readers. It definitely fills a niche. I look forward to suggesting it!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2025
I really loved this. Even though it was a little short and I wish some stuff could have been elaborated on, I just think this was really well written and had good representation for people who have non traditional families. I always love good period representation and I really felt for her when she got it in the middle of the game!
May 21, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Valeria, aka Magic, is 12 years old and playing on the boys' soccer team, coached by her abuelo. It's game day, and something isn't...right.
Fast forward, and she needs a new team, but she's only ever played with boys and a need to prove herself, so she doesn't know what to do, but she needs to learn quickly. Throw in her unique family situation (raised by grandparents, father an infrequent visitor, birth mother not in the picture), and it's about to be a huge summer of growth for Valeria.
This is a middle grade book that kids need. I picked it up because I loved the author's young adult book, Furia, and have since read and enjoyed two of her adult novels, and this book has so much more to offer. There is Latine rep, puberty/menstruation, rep for different types of families, and of course, the love of the game of football, fútbol, "soccer" (if you must). Definitely recommend, hopefully one I'll be seeing a lot after its publication!
Valeria, aka Magic, is 12 years old and playing on the boys' soccer team, coached by her abuelo. It's game day, and something isn't...right.
Fast forward, and she needs a new team, but she's only ever played with boys and a need to prove herself, so she doesn't know what to do, but she needs to learn quickly. Throw in her unique family situation (raised by grandparents, father an infrequent visitor, birth mother not in the picture), and it's about to be a huge summer of growth for Valeria.
This is a middle grade book that kids need. I picked it up because I loved the author's young adult book, Furia, and have since read and enjoyed two of her adult novels, and this book has so much more to offer. There is Latine rep, puberty/menstruation, rep for different types of families, and of course, the love of the game of football, fútbol, "soccer" (if you must). Definitely recommend, hopefully one I'll be seeing a lot after its publication!
October 31, 2024
This book is an uplifting, heartfelt novel about family, self-confidence, and the power of second chances.. and soccer. It’s one of the first books I’ve seen that explores layers of complexity in such a I-can’t-stop-reading kind of way. From the challenges of being a girl on an all-boys soccer team to the complications of an unconventional family and everything in between (including getting your first period, making new friends and learning what family actually means), this book stole my heart. It’s a book about soccer. It’s a book about family. It’s a book about friendship. It’s a book about growing and changing and there is something for every reader on these pages.
July 16, 2024
Fútbol is the most important thing in twelve-year-old Valeria Salomón's life, especially when life feels like it's turning against her. But when Val gets her first period in the middle of the most important soccer game of her life (so far), the fallout slide tackles her into a summer harder than she'd ever imagined. In this delightful middle-grade read full of attitude, Val is forced to dig deep, figure out who she is as a teammate, friend, and daughter, and- most importantly- learn to play like a girl.
December 30, 2024
"This tough and resilient protagonist is easy to root for as she talks her way onto a girls’ soccer team, despite having missed the tryouts. The narrative and action flow smoothly as Magic nervously navigates friendships with girls on her new team, adjusts to having a coach who prioritizes teamwork over relying on a hotshot, and navigates changing family dynamics at home." [Kirkus Reviews]
May 18, 2024
I received an ARC of this at a library conference. I recognized the author immediately because I LOVED Furia. I don’t read a lot of middle grade novels, but this was lovely. A true testament to family, friendship, and of course fútbol.
July 23, 2024
Wonderful MG book about family, fútbol, growing up, and finding your people!! LOVED this book. Fabulous voice and so much heart. Thx to the publisher for a free copy at ALA. :)
December 28, 2025
omg i loved this book so much!! i love soccer and i really enjoyed this book!! i would rly recommend if u are in middle school and play soccer :D
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September 23, 2025Yamile Saied Méndez thrusts readers into action from the very start of her forthcoming middle grade novel, 'The Beautiful Game.' Valeria “Magic” Salomón – star player of the Overlords – is playing in a State Cup game.
And the 13-year-old is determined to win. So Valeria decides to sidestep a play her coach (and Argentine grandfather) planned and try things her way. “I stomped my foot, pulverizing Coach’s order under the spikes of my pink cleats.”
One of Valeria’s teammates whispers, “You got it, Magic.”
She nods. The same teammate moves out of the way at the last minute for her to take the shot. And Valeria does. GOOOOALLLLL!!!!!!!
“I ran and ran and ran, fighting the impulse to take my jersey off and swing it in the air like the boys did,” she narrates. “The ref would card me if I showed my sports bra, even if it was mainly for decoration right now.”
Valeria is the only girl on her all-boys team, which isn’t really an issue until something happens to her later at the State Cup semifinal. She gets her first period, during that game. The following day, Valeria overhears her grandfather-coach and members of her team discussing moving forward without her. If she stays, the Overlords wouldn’t be able to play in a tournament. Girl players have their own tournament.
The news shakes Valeria to her core, and angers her. She soon finds herself without a team, and at increasing odds with her grandfather. Her home is also struggling with a recent death in the family.
But with the support of her grandmother and best friend, Valeria rises up and decides to try to join a team she’s long ignored: an all-girls team known as The Amazons. Can Valeria find her place on her new team and learn to play like a girl?
For Méndez – author of the Pura Belpré Award-winning Furia – 'The Beautiful Game' is a heartfelt novel that interweaves many themes of family, perseverance, and second chances.
I spoke with Méndez, my 2023 Writers Mentorship Program mentor, about her wonderful book. You can read our full conversation over at Latinx in Publishing: https://latinxinpublishing.com/blog/t...
And the 13-year-old is determined to win. So Valeria decides to sidestep a play her coach (and Argentine grandfather) planned and try things her way. “I stomped my foot, pulverizing Coach’s order under the spikes of my pink cleats.”
One of Valeria’s teammates whispers, “You got it, Magic.”
She nods. The same teammate moves out of the way at the last minute for her to take the shot. And Valeria does. GOOOOALLLLL!!!!!!!
“I ran and ran and ran, fighting the impulse to take my jersey off and swing it in the air like the boys did,” she narrates. “The ref would card me if I showed my sports bra, even if it was mainly for decoration right now.”
Valeria is the only girl on her all-boys team, which isn’t really an issue until something happens to her later at the State Cup semifinal. She gets her first period, during that game. The following day, Valeria overhears her grandfather-coach and members of her team discussing moving forward without her. If she stays, the Overlords wouldn’t be able to play in a tournament. Girl players have their own tournament.
The news shakes Valeria to her core, and angers her. She soon finds herself without a team, and at increasing odds with her grandfather. Her home is also struggling with a recent death in the family.
But with the support of her grandmother and best friend, Valeria rises up and decides to try to join a team she’s long ignored: an all-girls team known as The Amazons. Can Valeria find her place on her new team and learn to play like a girl?
For Méndez – author of the Pura Belpré Award-winning Furia – 'The Beautiful Game' is a heartfelt novel that interweaves many themes of family, perseverance, and second chances.
I spoke with Méndez, my 2023 Writers Mentorship Program mentor, about her wonderful book. You can read our full conversation over at Latinx in Publishing: https://latinxinpublishing.com/blog/t...
September 15, 2024
This is such a great book for anyone, but especially girls heading into junior high. This is the second book I’ve read recently featuring a character getting her period for the first time and figuring out how to deal with that change in her body. But similar to the other book, this story isn’t just about periods—it’s just a piece of the overall picture.
Valeria is such a rootable character. She didn’t always make decisions I agreed with, but I always wanted the best for her. I enjoyed seeing the way she grew and learned. Not only that, but there was a lot of growth within Felipe as well. It’s a bit more in the background, but coming from a family of immigrants, I could see some similarities between him and some of my family members.
Overall, I thought this was such a great book. It’s a book about sports, periods, womanhood, family, and so much more.
Note: I received an early finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Valeria is such a rootable character. She didn’t always make decisions I agreed with, but I always wanted the best for her. I enjoyed seeing the way she grew and learned. Not only that, but there was a lot of growth within Felipe as well. It’s a bit more in the background, but coming from a family of immigrants, I could see some similarities between him and some of my family members.
Overall, I thought this was such a great book. It’s a book about sports, periods, womanhood, family, and so much more.
Note: I received an early finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2024
I received this book as a free/giveaway book. I was surprised at how much I liked a book written for older elementary/middle school children. I thought the cover was too cartoony but maybe that appeals to this age group.
I enjoyed this story with an intelligent, athletic protagonist. I don’t know anything about soccer/fútbol but there are plenty of other plot points with which I identified.
I empathized with Valeria/“Magic” Salomón when she started menstruation, over family relationship challenges, being sassy and ‘talking back’ to adults, wearing boys’ clothing and navigating friendships in groups of girls.
Quick read for me (5-6 hours) and it seems appropriate for recommended audience - ages 9 and up, grades 4-7.
I wanted to know more about “Magic’s” birth mom and her biological dad - maybe there will be a sequel.
I enjoyed this story with an intelligent, athletic protagonist. I don’t know anything about soccer/fútbol but there are plenty of other plot points with which I identified.
I empathized with Valeria/“Magic” Salomón when she started menstruation, over family relationship challenges, being sassy and ‘talking back’ to adults, wearing boys’ clothing and navigating friendships in groups of girls.
Quick read for me (5-6 hours) and it seems appropriate for recommended audience - ages 9 and up, grades 4-7.
I wanted to know more about “Magic’s” birth mom and her biological dad - maybe there will be a sequel.
September 23, 2024
I’ve read a few of this author’s books, and enjoyed them all, including this one. The fútbol play-by-plays and behind the scenes descriptions of stresses and strategies will make this book irresistible to sports oriented kids. I suspect females will be more drawn to this book because of the inclusion of the main character’s puberty issues, but this is a book for everyone. Family, friends and fútbol… a great middle grade combination. Recommend for ages 10 to 13.
Thanks to the author, Workman Publishing Company, and NetGalley for the advance reading copy. This book just published!
Thanks to the author, Workman Publishing Company, and NetGalley for the advance reading copy. This book just published!
October 25, 2024
Valeria/Vale aka magic by her otherwise all-boy soccer team, coached by her Abuelo. Raised by her grandparents because her mother wouldn’t raise her, father wanted her but he travels. Complicated intense relationship with coach-abuelo. He expects a LOT. Her abuela is the buffer.
Gets her period during game, not prepared, and also finds out her aunt has died in Argentina. Banished to girls team, where she flourishes and finds joy in the game again, after navigating girl vibes and uncertainties.
Great soccer action, family, friendship and life advice.
Gets her period during game, not prepared, and also finds out her aunt has died in Argentina. Banished to girls team, where she flourishes and finds joy in the game again, after navigating girl vibes and uncertainties.
Great soccer action, family, friendship and life advice.
March 12, 2025
This was a wonderful coming of age story that wove difficult family issues into it. Magic is an 8th grade girl who has only played club soccer on boys teams. When tragedy strikes her family and her cousin comes to live with her, he takes her place on the team and she is forced to find another team. She goes to play for the top girls team in Utah, much to her grandfather's dismay. Mendez's beautiful writing brings Magic and her family to life, while touching on hot topics in modern youth. This is a fantastic read!
November 3, 2024
4.5- Méndez writes her passions and that comes through in "Magic" Valerie's struggle and growth through soccer and her atypical family situation- familiar themes for Furia readers. Her first J-fiction does a great job of staying safe, giving readers what they expect from a motivational sports story but also diving in to heritage and gender in a way that feels very true to the age group. I enjoyed this and will read her next for sure.
February 20, 2025
Such a relatable book for me as a female soccer player who played on a co-ed team and against boys! Plus, it included some much-needed menstruation representation. I think it could have been a bit longer to tie up some more loose ends, but overall, I loved it!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
November 3, 2024
In this soccer (futbol) focused book, Mendez looks at the gender binary; what it means to be a talented young girl athlete, particularly as the athletes get older and co-ed becomes less societally acceptable; and how puberty and periods affects all who deal with them. Any reader who loves soccer and realistic fiction around strong female characters will want to pick up this book.
November 24, 2024
Val is fierce on the fútbol field! She’s called Magic for a reason. But over the course of a summer, she learns that fierce doesn’t always equate to being the one in the spotlight. Sometimes it means being there for her teammates both on and off the field. And those lessons help her navigate some fraught family relationships.
Middle grade soccer fans are in for a treat.
Middle grade soccer fans are in for a treat.
August 31, 2024
I loved this MG novel about a young soccer player who is trying to find her place on a new soccer team while dealing with puberty and family challenges.
September 23, 2024
Thank you for picking me as a giveaway winner. This book was a good read and dealt with some important topics kids go through.
October 25, 2024
(Giveaway winner!)
My 4th graders, especially the girls, are excited to pick up and read this book!
My 4th graders, especially the girls, are excited to pick up and read this book!
November 29, 2024
Such a relatable book as a former soccer player.
January 10, 2025
I liked this book, but her abuelo is so mean and I don't get why he can't just get over it. I also like how it takes place in Utah, where I live!
February 22, 2025
Everyone watches girls sports.
This book really captured those vulnerable and super confusing relationships and dynamics of growing up. This was excellent!!
This book really captured those vulnerable and super confusing relationships and dynamics of growing up. This was excellent!!
March 17, 2025
Man, this book made me miss my soccer-playing years.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews