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Bea Mullins Takes a Shot
A League of Their Own meets The Mighty Ducks in this fierce and heartfelt queer MG contemporary novel about learning to face your fears even when your goals are on thin ice.
Some goals are worth falling for.
After a lifetime of humiliating sports experiences, Bea Mullins knows the best way to survive middle school is to stick to the sidelines. When PE is suddenly canceled, though, Bea is forced to join an after-school activity...which is how she ends up as a member of the Glenwood Geese, her middle school's first all-girls hockey team.
Bea would be happy sitting on the bench, but she doesn't want to let down her best friend, Celia. Plus, the more time Bea spends on the rinks, the more she comes to enjoy her teammates, especially the incredibly talented--and incredibly cool--co-captain Gabi. But when low funding puts the Geese in danger of never playing again, Bea realizes she may lose everything she didn't know she wanted.
A hilarious and heartfelt middle-grade contemporary about first crushes and fierce friendships from debut author Emily Deibert.
Some goals are worth falling for.
After a lifetime of humiliating sports experiences, Bea Mullins knows the best way to survive middle school is to stick to the sidelines. When PE is suddenly canceled, though, Bea is forced to join an after-school activity...which is how she ends up as a member of the Glenwood Geese, her middle school's first all-girls hockey team.
Bea would be happy sitting on the bench, but she doesn't want to let down her best friend, Celia. Plus, the more time Bea spends on the rinks, the more she comes to enjoy her teammates, especially the incredibly talented--and incredibly cool--co-captain Gabi. But when low funding puts the Geese in danger of never playing again, Bea realizes she may lose everything she didn't know she wanted.
A hilarious and heartfelt middle-grade contemporary about first crushes and fierce friendships from debut author Emily Deibert.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 2025
About the author
Emily Deibert
1 book21 followersEmily Deibert spent most of her life in Toronto, Canada, but now lives in La Serena, Chile where she writes children’s books by day and works as an astronomer by night. BEA MULLINS TAKES A SHOT is her debut novel. In her spare time, Emily likes to play ice hockey—but like her novel’s protagonist, she’s not very good at it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
November 6, 2024
3 stars - a middle grade book about a Canadian tween questioning her identity through the lens of a hockey team. Another one I read to finish a challenge. I felt it was rather slow and longer than it needed to be, so if a retired reader feels that way, what will hold the attention of the target demographic, given both their ages and short attention spans due to the internet? Anyway, I did like the points made about women’s sports & misogyny, in general, and appreciated the author’s note about the current and changing state of women’s hockey.
September 20, 2024
this is so so wonderful
Listen, if you tempt me with a queer hockey book, I'm gonna read it. But this? THIS I relished in. It was marketed a A League of Their Own meets The Mighty Ducks and that SUCH a perfect comp.
Part of me think Deibert is two seventh graders in a trench coat, because how was this so accurate to my middle school experience?
Middle school is full of so many awkward situations- new crushes, navigating a parent's divorce, sibling relationships, a first fight with a best friend, trying something new on a very visible stage - it's no wonder Bea's feelings are all over the place! The story tackles each one with heart and such thought, and you really can't help but root for Bea and her gaggle of Geese teammates.
Found family is one of my all time favorite tropes, and what better found family is there than a hockey team? Watching the girls all work together and get better was one of the most rewarding parts of the story and they just! Tried so hard!
Also, I can't tell you how much I loved reading about a girl's hockey league where they talked about women hockey players! I read Sarah Nurse and Natalie Spooner's names in this book and it had me looking like that Leonardo DiCaprio meme where he's point at the tv. You know the one. Also any book that mentions my queen Tessa Virtue is a win in my book.
A sincere, charming debut that I know is going to hit home with so many young kids. I cannot recommend this enough!
Listen, if you tempt me with a queer hockey book, I'm gonna read it. But this? THIS I relished in. It was marketed a A League of Their Own meets The Mighty Ducks and that SUCH a perfect comp.
Part of me think Deibert is two seventh graders in a trench coat, because how was this so accurate to my middle school experience?
Middle school is full of so many awkward situations- new crushes, navigating a parent's divorce, sibling relationships, a first fight with a best friend, trying something new on a very visible stage - it's no wonder Bea's feelings are all over the place! The story tackles each one with heart and such thought, and you really can't help but root for Bea and her gaggle of Geese teammates.
Found family is one of my all time favorite tropes, and what better found family is there than a hockey team? Watching the girls all work together and get better was one of the most rewarding parts of the story and they just! Tried so hard!
Also, I can't tell you how much I loved reading about a girl's hockey league where they talked about women hockey players! I read Sarah Nurse and Natalie Spooner's names in this book and it had me looking like that Leonardo DiCaprio meme where he's point at the tv. You know the one. Also any book that mentions my queen Tessa Virtue is a win in my book.
A sincere, charming debut that I know is going to hit home with so many young kids. I cannot recommend this enough!
February 25, 2025
This is so stinkin' cute and it makes me sad that I haven't been reading more middlegrade lately. I love middlegrades that you can even take life lessons from as an adult, and this was definitely one of those. Bea is such a relatable character, and I loved seeing her growth throughout the book. If you love reading about sports, definitely don't count out middlegrade! I really enjoyed this debut and am hoping for more from the author - I'll definitely pick it up.
April 11, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone should be reading more middle grade is all I'm saying. This was a book about confronting anxiety and the fear of failing and putting yourself out there for the sake of your friends. It was also about hockey.
I'll add also normally I'm not a fan of a heavy reliance on social media and modern technology in novels in general but especially middle grade. HOWEVER, I do think, in this case, it really suited the theme and overall message. It's hard being a human in the world knowing that we exist in a time of 0 sense and 0 privacy, the idea of being a tween in a world with smart phones constantly recording? Horrifying.
In short: cute read, okay balance of plot vs the gentle romance B plot, hockey was understandable to someone who has never seen a single game before.
Everyone should be reading more middle grade is all I'm saying. This was a book about confronting anxiety and the fear of failing and putting yourself out there for the sake of your friends. It was also about hockey.
I'll add also normally I'm not a fan of a heavy reliance on social media and modern technology in novels in general but especially middle grade. HOWEVER, I do think, in this case, it really suited the theme and overall message. It's hard being a human in the world knowing that we exist in a time of 0 sense and 0 privacy, the idea of being a tween in a world with smart phones constantly recording? Horrifying.
In short: cute read, okay balance of plot vs the gentle romance B plot, hockey was understandable to someone who has never seen a single game before.
April 3, 2025
This was absolutely delightful, I had the cheesiest grin on my face the entire time I was reading.
Bea Mullins Takes a Shot has everything I love: sapphics, sports, friendships, and personal growth. Bea is a skittish middle schooler whose best friend forces her to join their school’s new ice hockey team with her. Bea grew up watching hockey with her dad and brother, but she soon learns that watching and playing are two very different things. As she slowly learns how to play this new sport, and dies from embarrassment over her inexperience, she begins to develop a crush on one of her teammates.
Bea is constantly plagued with thoughts that she isn’t good enough, that she’s a burden, and that she’s being mocked by those around her. Most of the plot’s conflict arose from this insecurity and fear, so seeing Bea slowly gain confidence in herself was very satisfying. I love when character growth is woven in with athletic improvement. It was really refreshing to see how large of an impact hockey had on Bea. Her love for the sport, and the joy and confidence it instilled in her, brought to life my own experiences with playing sports growing up. Finding a sense of belonging on a team and the strong bonds that form from such camaraderie.
I’ve made it a personal goal of mine to read more queer middle grade because it was something I didn’t have access to as a kid. There is something so pure and sweet about witnessing queer kids experience first love like their straight peers. Gabi and Bea’s relationship was so adorable and was largely what put such a wide smile on my face while reading. I really loved their connection and how hockey brought them closer. Cecilia was another great character and her sharp contrast to Bea made their friendship so real.
I thought this was a wonderful story that holds so much heart and joy. I loved the championing of women’s sports. I think this book will have such a positive impact on young readers and hopefully inspire many to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.
Bea Mullins Takes a Shot has everything I love: sapphics, sports, friendships, and personal growth. Bea is a skittish middle schooler whose best friend forces her to join their school’s new ice hockey team with her. Bea grew up watching hockey with her dad and brother, but she soon learns that watching and playing are two very different things. As she slowly learns how to play this new sport, and dies from embarrassment over her inexperience, she begins to develop a crush on one of her teammates.
Bea is constantly plagued with thoughts that she isn’t good enough, that she’s a burden, and that she’s being mocked by those around her. Most of the plot’s conflict arose from this insecurity and fear, so seeing Bea slowly gain confidence in herself was very satisfying. I love when character growth is woven in with athletic improvement. It was really refreshing to see how large of an impact hockey had on Bea. Her love for the sport, and the joy and confidence it instilled in her, brought to life my own experiences with playing sports growing up. Finding a sense of belonging on a team and the strong bonds that form from such camaraderie.
I’ve made it a personal goal of mine to read more queer middle grade because it was something I didn’t have access to as a kid. There is something so pure and sweet about witnessing queer kids experience first love like their straight peers. Gabi and Bea’s relationship was so adorable and was largely what put such a wide smile on my face while reading. I really loved their connection and how hockey brought them closer. Cecilia was another great character and her sharp contrast to Bea made their friendship so real.
I thought this was a wonderful story that holds so much heart and joy. I loved the championing of women’s sports. I think this book will have such a positive impact on young readers and hopefully inspire many to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.
July 25, 2024
This charming debut middle grade novel has everything young readers could ask for: friendships, school angst, first crush, sibling dynamics, and finding ways to take action. In this case, it's finding a way to save a hockey team the protagonist, Bea has come to love--even though she joined it grudgingly.
I loved the humor, the hockey references, and the genuinely sweet discoveries Bea makes throughout the novel. In times that feel rather dark, this novel is a bright light. Bea improves as a hockey player, but realistically. Her growth feels organic and natural. She develops a crush on fellow player, Gabi and but isn't sure if the feelings are reciprocated--one of the most relatable situations possible to middle grade readers! She loves her older brother, but has to deal with his teasing and annoying behavior towards her, which is also a very relatable experience.
This book ends on a bright and hopeful note. I enjoyed watching Bea's growth over the course of the book and I think young readers will find her story relatable. There are plenty of lessons here about friendship, finding a love for playing a sport and not just winning, and handling bullying behaviors by fellow students. But the book never feels as if it's trying to teach lessons. Bea Mullins Takes a Shot will make a great addition to upper elementary and middle school classrooms.
I received a digital ARC from NetGalley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the humor, the hockey references, and the genuinely sweet discoveries Bea makes throughout the novel. In times that feel rather dark, this novel is a bright light. Bea improves as a hockey player, but realistically. Her growth feels organic and natural. She develops a crush on fellow player, Gabi and but isn't sure if the feelings are reciprocated--one of the most relatable situations possible to middle grade readers! She loves her older brother, but has to deal with his teasing and annoying behavior towards her, which is also a very relatable experience.
This book ends on a bright and hopeful note. I enjoyed watching Bea's growth over the course of the book and I think young readers will find her story relatable. There are plenty of lessons here about friendship, finding a love for playing a sport and not just winning, and handling bullying behaviors by fellow students. But the book never feels as if it's trying to teach lessons. Bea Mullins Takes a Shot will make a great addition to upper elementary and middle school classrooms.
I received a digital ARC from NetGalley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2025
I loveee sweet first crush stories and I love sports romances so I’m obsessed with this book!
I adored Bea. And while I don’t personally relate, I understood her fears and insecurities. I know the anxiety of not wanting to let your team down and how much it sucks to lose big in a game. I also know how scary it is to come out, even to people you know will be supportive.
But this blossoming friendship with Gabi was everything. It’s the kind of sweet romance that has you smiling and kicking your feet while reading. I loved the way all the storylines wrapped up. And ugh Bea and Gabi are simply the cutest! I want them to have all the happiness in the world!
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to read a sweet first crush sports romance!
Pub Date: Feb. 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for a copy of this eARC.
I adored Bea. And while I don’t personally relate, I understood her fears and insecurities. I know the anxiety of not wanting to let your team down and how much it sucks to lose big in a game. I also know how scary it is to come out, even to people you know will be supportive.
But this blossoming friendship with Gabi was everything. It’s the kind of sweet romance that has you smiling and kicking your feet while reading. I loved the way all the storylines wrapped up. And ugh Bea and Gabi are simply the cutest! I want them to have all the happiness in the world!
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to read a sweet first crush sports romance!
Pub Date: Feb. 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for a copy of this eARC.
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February 8, 2025I loved this queer hockey book SO VERY MUCH 🥹.
And I don't even like hockey!! 🤣 That's how you know it's good. Truly my favorite middle grade I've read so far this year.
Give this one to the kids in your life who love sports books, the ones who root for stories about underdogs, the kids who get the warm fuzzies over stories about misfit players coming together as a Team™️.
And most of all? Give this one to the queer girls searching for happy endings & unwavering support 🌈.
BEA MULLINS TAKES A SHOT comes out February 25, so start requesting those library purchases now! You don't want to miss this one 🏒.
And I don't even like hockey!! 🤣 That's how you know it's good. Truly my favorite middle grade I've read so far this year.
Give this one to the kids in your life who love sports books, the ones who root for stories about underdogs, the kids who get the warm fuzzies over stories about misfit players coming together as a Team™️.
And most of all? Give this one to the queer girls searching for happy endings & unwavering support 🌈.
BEA MULLINS TAKES A SHOT comes out February 25, so start requesting those library purchases now! You don't want to miss this one 🏒.
June 11, 2025
I loved this middle school story about a 7th grader, her struggling girls’ hockey team, and her crush on a teammate. This is a strong addition to any middle grade sports collection.
Source: Sora ebook via WSDLC
Source: Sora ebook via WSDLC
February 24, 2025
This was a moving middle grade debut by a Canadian author that features an awkward, young queer girl who gets placed on an underdog hockey team finds a community and group of friends she wasn't expecting.
Good on audio and perfect for fans of The Mighty Ducks movies or books like On thin ice or Crushing it by Erin Becker. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Good on audio and perfect for fans of The Mighty Ducks movies or books like On thin ice or Crushing it by Erin Becker. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Read
June 10, 2025Queer hockey romance for middle grade! Extremely up my alley. I certainly enjoyed this one, but I think kids looking for romance will be disappointed by just how much hockey there is, and Bea's obsessive crush on Gabi will annoy kids who pick it up for the sport.
December 28, 2025
"You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don't take."
This was just absolutely lovely middle grade read! I am on a mission to read every hockey fiction my library has to offer (not very large mission because the selection is.... let's say small) and I was so excited to find middle grade book! The fact that it gave me the cutest little first love lesbian romance just made it all so much better!
This book also reminded me of my conversation about why people don't watch women's hockey and according to him it's because they don't play as well. Ohhhh, you bet I was fuming. Women's hockey is not as popular because women don't have the same opportunities as men. Like personally speaking, I am from hockey city. My city has not one, but TWO, hockey teams. Men's, of course. Growing up, even if I wanted to play hockey (which I did but well money stopped me long before I ever could even bring it up) there were no options for me. There was no team for girl's.
So, reading about Bea having that chance to start and fall in love with the sport healed a part of me, I think. I was smiling the whole time I was reading this book and now my cheeks are hurting because I sat down today to read and didn't get up until I finished this.
I also loved following along as Bea faced her fears ang grew braver as the story went on. Truly, this was absolute delight to read! 5/5 no notes, would highly recommend!
This was just absolutely lovely middle grade read! I am on a mission to read every hockey fiction my library has to offer (not very large mission because the selection is.... let's say small) and I was so excited to find middle grade book! The fact that it gave me the cutest little first love lesbian romance just made it all so much better!
This book also reminded me of my conversation about why people don't watch women's hockey and according to him it's because they don't play as well. Ohhhh, you bet I was fuming. Women's hockey is not as popular because women don't have the same opportunities as men. Like personally speaking, I am from hockey city. My city has not one, but TWO, hockey teams. Men's, of course. Growing up, even if I wanted to play hockey (which I did but well money stopped me long before I ever could even bring it up) there were no options for me. There was no team for girl's.
So, reading about Bea having that chance to start and fall in love with the sport healed a part of me, I think. I was smiling the whole time I was reading this book and now my cheeks are hurting because I sat down today to read and didn't get up until I finished this.
I also loved following along as Bea faced her fears ang grew braver as the story went on. Truly, this was absolute delight to read! 5/5 no notes, would highly recommend!
May 13, 2025
Bea Mullins is not into team sports. Not since the disastrous events at basketball camp. But when gym class is canceled and all middle schoolers must join a team sport to pass phys ed, she finds herself convinced to try hockey, partly because of her best friend Celia's urging, and partly to get to know the magnetic girl behind the table. But Bea is determined that this time, she won't embarrass herself, even if that means never taking a shot.
Honestly, this is a clever book with charming characters and a heartwarming story. I particularly appreciate the way the girls are able to reframe their failures and find strength instead of depression when they don't win. The queer plot line is also thoughtfully done, and while it relies somewhat on a miscommunication trope, middle schoolers aren't exactly known for being great at understanding and expressing their feelings, so it feels authentic. I'm not super into sports plots, but if I had a favorite sports novel, this one would be a contender.
Honestly, this is a clever book with charming characters and a heartwarming story. I particularly appreciate the way the girls are able to reframe their failures and find strength instead of depression when they don't win. The queer plot line is also thoughtfully done, and while it relies somewhat on a miscommunication trope, middle schoolers aren't exactly known for being great at understanding and expressing their feelings, so it feels authentic. I'm not super into sports plots, but if I had a favorite sports novel, this one would be a contender.
February 15, 2025
I was lucky enough to get approved by NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
Bea Mullins had a terrible experience when she joined the basketball team, something I can totally relate to! I was also tall for my age, just like Bea, and everyone expected me to be a natural. Bea had no plans to join another team sport—ever. But when the gym is rendered unusable for PE and Bea is forced to join the all girls hockey team, she has to face her fears of bullying and not living up to anyone’s expectations—even her own. I totally relate to her trepidation!
Emily Deibert captures the challenges and triumphs of navigating first crushes, best friendships, new friendships, and failure. She also shines a light on the unfairness in boys vs girls sports (thank youuuu!) Bea's journey is both relatable and inspiring, making this book a must-read for young readers seeking stories of courage and self-discovery.
Bea Mullins had a terrible experience when she joined the basketball team, something I can totally relate to! I was also tall for my age, just like Bea, and everyone expected me to be a natural. Bea had no plans to join another team sport—ever. But when the gym is rendered unusable for PE and Bea is forced to join the all girls hockey team, she has to face her fears of bullying and not living up to anyone’s expectations—even her own. I totally relate to her trepidation!
Emily Deibert captures the challenges and triumphs of navigating first crushes, best friendships, new friendships, and failure. She also shines a light on the unfairness in boys vs girls sports (thank youuuu!) Bea's journey is both relatable and inspiring, making this book a must-read for young readers seeking stories of courage and self-discovery.
February 27, 2025
Emily Deibert's debut book is all about finding confidence in yourself and on a team! This book is great for both sports enthusiast and those unfamiliar with sports. I am from the latter group, but this book and the discussion of sports didn't feel unapproachable or overwhelming. Instead, I felt very connected with the characters and, like Bea, found myself excited about hockey and team sports in general. I also loved that Emily Deibert spent time discussing women's hockey - both the history and the future. The characters themselves were well written and felt very real. I loved Bea's relationship with Celia and Gaby and her learning to navigate friendships and crushes
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for a copy of this book!
I really enjoyed it. I really love women, women in sports, queer people, and a supportive group of people. This book has all of those in abundance. I recommend this to everyone who is having a hard time and is in need of a pick me up and sense of belonging. We all need something that brightens our spirit and gives us hope. (and jealousy of what could be)
I really enjoyed it. I really love women, women in sports, queer people, and a supportive group of people. This book has all of those in abundance. I recommend this to everyone who is having a hard time and is in need of a pick me up and sense of belonging. We all need something that brightens our spirit and gives us hope. (and jealousy of what could be)
July 20, 2025
I absolutely adored this! It’s a fun, heartfelt story that shines a much needed spotlight on girls’ hockey and the fight for equal rights in sports. I loved how it tackled big themes like friendship, finding your voice, persistence, and standing up for what’s right, all while keeping things relatable and funny. The growing romance between Bea and Gabi was so sweet and added a lovely layer to Bea’s journey. This book is a perfect mix of empowerment, humor, and heart, definitely recommend! ❤️🥹
August 29, 2025
It's a really great book! It is in my top 3 middle grade novels I have read this year. It is comparable to Erin Becker's "Crushing It" in that the social aspect is extremely well written and will give you all the feels, but where this book tops that one is with the accuracy of the sports portions of the story. If the author had never played hockey, I would never believe it.
Overall, it is a great book that I will be ordering for my school library.
Overall, it is a great book that I will be ordering for my school library.
January 11, 2026
11 year old me probably would've called this her favorite book of all time. This is reminiscent of so many of my childhood loves: The Mighty Ducks, The Sandlot, The Big Green, and all those feel-good family sport movies that defined a generation. I even see some glimpses of Flipped with the way first crushes are navigated in this. This book is super cute and I'm glad publishing is allowing queer children a safe space to explore those feelings in an age appropriate way, especially in a political climate that actively discourages it. More books like this please.
October 11, 2026
So glad all that gay hockey smut taught me who Wayne Gretzky is so that I could sob my way through these lesbian middle schoolers figuring it out in peace and knowledge 😌
CNs for severe anxiety, bullying in sports (not within the team the plot follows), something that reads like internalised homophobia, even though the world is pretty non-homophobic, divorced parents (part of the setting, not heavily in the plot)
CNs for severe anxiety, bullying in sports (not within the team the plot follows), something that reads like internalised homophobia, even though the world is pretty non-homophobic, divorced parents (part of the setting, not heavily in the plot)
June 11, 2025
Bea Mullins Takes a Shot by Emily Deibert is a heartfelt middle grade novel that brings much-needed representation to girls’ hockey and queer identity. Aimed at younger readers, it captures the awkwardness and growth of middle school with warmth and honesty.
Bea is a relatable 12 year old who ends up on her school’s first all-girls hockey team. What starts as a reluctant participation turns into a journey of confidence, friendship, and first crushes. The hockey scenes feel authentic, and the story highlights real challenges like underfunded girls’ sports and the struggle to find your place.
The budding interest between Bea and her teammate Gabi is sweet and sensitively handled, offering positive queer representation for younger readers, which is so so nice to see.
A great pick for young readers who love sports stories with heart, humor, and inclusivity🥺💜
Bea is a relatable 12 year old who ends up on her school’s first all-girls hockey team. What starts as a reluctant participation turns into a journey of confidence, friendship, and first crushes. The hockey scenes feel authentic, and the story highlights real challenges like underfunded girls’ sports and the struggle to find your place.
The budding interest between Bea and her teammate Gabi is sweet and sensitively handled, offering positive queer representation for younger readers, which is so so nice to see.
A great pick for young readers who love sports stories with heart, humor, and inclusivity🥺💜
March 17, 2025
I love queer middle grade books because of the representation. I love that there could be a baby queer who reads this and sees themself in it. It's one of the reasons why I read this because I know that a younger me would have really benefitted from reading these inclusive stories.
BEA MULLINS TAKES A SHOT had really great representation, but I am mixed on the other aspects of this book.
I spent the book wishing there was better communication, especially because this is a MGLit book and I'd like for kids to think it's okay to talk things out with friends. I didn't like how the MC just kept lying and/or avoiding things because she didn't want to deal with the fallout. It's realistic in the way that I know at that age, emotions are high and everything feels like the end of the world. But I like that characters are sometimes unrealistically reasonable and brave enough to talk things out, just so they can be a source of support for younger readers.
Weirdly, this felt like a YA instead of MGLit BECAUSE of the drama and avoidance. I'd even say this fits best in that awkward space between YA and MGLit--especially with the importance placed on romance.
I really enjoyed the sports aspect--we need more girls in hockey! I like that we got to see a character who had to fight for her ability to play well and wasn't just handed the skill easily.
But yeah, main complaint was the communication. I did, however, love how accepting this world was for the MC.
Happy reading!
BEA MULLINS TAKES A SHOT had really great representation, but I am mixed on the other aspects of this book.
I spent the book wishing there was better communication, especially because this is a MGLit book and I'd like for kids to think it's okay to talk things out with friends. I didn't like how the MC just kept lying and/or avoiding things because she didn't want to deal with the fallout. It's realistic in the way that I know at that age, emotions are high and everything feels like the end of the world. But I like that characters are sometimes unrealistically reasonable and brave enough to talk things out, just so they can be a source of support for younger readers.
Weirdly, this felt like a YA instead of MGLit BECAUSE of the drama and avoidance. I'd even say this fits best in that awkward space between YA and MGLit--especially with the importance placed on romance.
I really enjoyed the sports aspect--we need more girls in hockey! I like that we got to see a character who had to fight for her ability to play well and wasn't just handed the skill easily.
But yeah, main complaint was the communication. I did, however, love how accepting this world was for the MC.
Happy reading!
August 29, 2026
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
This was a cute middle-grade story about first crushes, facing your fears, and coming of age. While I found Bea to be a bit of an annoying character, I loved everything else about the story. There was great representation and it was Canadian, which made for a relatable book.
This was a cute middle-grade story about first crushes, facing your fears, and coming of age. While I found Bea to be a bit of an annoying character, I loved everything else about the story. There was great representation and it was Canadian, which made for a relatable book.
April 29, 2025
RTC
This book is everything to me!!!
This book is everything to me!!!
May 24, 2025
I wuv hockey. this book was cute and fine, though the last 20% I ended up skimming because I felt I had gotten what I was aiming for out of it. ")
March 4, 2026
3.5 rounded up
July 25, 2026
Loved this book, it was very sweet and the relationships were very real (and demonstrated super healthy communication!). The last page literally gave me goosebumps. I loved that Bea isn't a superstar, and it just doesn't matter.
October 8, 2026
it was fun!!!!! wasn't a big fan of the way the conflicts occured but it was written fairly realistically so i accepted it
September 9, 2025
Icebreaker HAS NOTHING on this book.
December 16, 2025
A cute middle grade story about Bea joining her newly formed girl's hockey team. Her best friend Celia joins as well, and they meet Gabi, a great hockey player and Bea's new crush. I enjoyed this queer coming of age, but whew the secondhand embarrassment was strong! The writing was good, but I couldn't hang around the middle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews