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Ten Thousand Tries
A middle school soccer whiz’s determination to keep things from changing is tested when his father’s ALS symptoms worsen in this “heart-tugging and uplifting” ( Kirkus Reviews , starred review) story about growing up and facing loss, perfect for fans of Shouting at the Rain .
Twelve-year-old Golden Maroni is determined to channel his hero, soccer superstar Lionel Messi, and become captain of his soccer team and master of his eighth grade universe…especially since his home universe is spiraling out of orbit. Off the field, Golden’s dad, once a pro soccer player himself, is now battling ALS, a disease that attacks his muscles, leaving him less and less physically able to control his body every day. And while Mom says there’s no cure, Golden is convinced that his dad can beat this, just like any opponent, they just have to try.
Golden knows that if you want to perfect a skill you have to put ten thousand tries in, so he’s convinced if he can put that much effort in, on and off the field, he can stop everything from changing. But when his dad continues to decline and his constant pushing starts to alienate his friends and team, Golden is forced to confront the idea that being master of your universe might not mean being in control of everything. What if it means letting go of the things you can’t control so you can do the most good for the things you can?
Twelve-year-old Golden Maroni is determined to channel his hero, soccer superstar Lionel Messi, and become captain of his soccer team and master of his eighth grade universe…especially since his home universe is spiraling out of orbit. Off the field, Golden’s dad, once a pro soccer player himself, is now battling ALS, a disease that attacks his muscles, leaving him less and less physically able to control his body every day. And while Mom says there’s no cure, Golden is convinced that his dad can beat this, just like any opponent, they just have to try.
Golden knows that if you want to perfect a skill you have to put ten thousand tries in, so he’s convinced if he can put that much effort in, on and off the field, he can stop everything from changing. But when his dad continues to decline and his constant pushing starts to alienate his friends and team, Golden is forced to confront the idea that being master of your universe might not mean being in control of everything. What if it means letting go of the things you can’t control so you can do the most good for the things you can?
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2021
21 people are currently reading
2068 people want to read
About the author
Amy Makechnie
5 books123 followersAMY MAKECHNIE is the author of the middle grade novels, THE UNFORGETTABLE GUINEVERE ST CLAIR, TEN THOUSAND TRIES, and THE MCNIFFICENTS.
Like Guinevere St. Clair, Amy once set sail for the Mississippi on a large piece of Styrofoam (she didn't make it.) Like Golden from TEN THOUSAND TRIES, she's a little obsessed with soccer. And those funny children in THE MCNIFFICENTS? Well, she has a few - plus a miniature schnauzer that's really named Lord Tennyson (just like in the book).
Amy lives with her family in in a small New Hampshire town, and when she's not dissecting body parts with her A&P students, you might see her out running; that's where she works out her best plot points.
Subscribe to the newsletter, where she talks about happy things like books! https://amymakechnie.substack.com
https://www.instagram.com/amymakechnie/
https://twitter.com/amymakechnie
Like Guinevere St. Clair, Amy once set sail for the Mississippi on a large piece of Styrofoam (she didn't make it.) Like Golden from TEN THOUSAND TRIES, she's a little obsessed with soccer. And those funny children in THE MCNIFFICENTS? Well, she has a few - plus a miniature schnauzer that's really named Lord Tennyson (just like in the book).
Amy lives with her family in in a small New Hampshire town, and when she's not dissecting body parts with her A&P students, you might see her out running; that's where she works out her best plot points.
Subscribe to the newsletter, where she talks about happy things like books! https://amymakechnie.substack.com
https://www.instagram.com/amymakechnie/
https://twitter.com/amymakechnie
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
July 28, 2021
Wow. Just wow. This book made me FEEL. Feel in ways I usually try to push back. I’m so thankful I won this in a giveaway, because I prioritize giveaway wins(along w/books for review). I was definitely going to buy it, but who knows when I would have stopped being scared to “feel” enough to read it? Y’all know I don’t like to read books that make me sad. This made me sad. So sad. BUT it also made me laugh, hopeful, happy, amazed, & grateful.
Golden is an amazing kid, who has a lot going on in his life at once-most of it isn’t that great. The main thing is his dad getting ALS-all I knew before reading this, was that it was the same disease Stephen Hawking had. It’s sad to say, & feels weird saying it-but he was lucky. Most don’t get anywhere near living that long with it. To see such a powerful force-a man in the prime of his life, a dad & husband to four kids..an athletic man who LOVES soccer & coaching..to see what this did to him was heartbreaking. But he kept the best attitude. He made each day count. Each day was 1 more day he got with his family.
Golden also deals with the threat of 1 of his 2 best friends, who has always lived next door, moving to another state. On top of that it’s the last year of middle school, & he wants nothing more than to be soccer captain, & get to, & win, the championship. This book isn’t focused on ALS, or all sad. It is balanced with the soccer, & all the other things happening in this kids life. Plus, even though Golden is in a denial of sorts(I call it hope-sometimes it’s all you have to hold onto), you know it will be sad-they say(parents)so from the very beginning.
I cried during a few different parts of the book. There are so many amazing parts in here too. My favorite is the part that the cover is taken from-that scene was pure magic, & I cried at the beauty of that moment. This is full of family, friendship, loss, love, determination, struggles, hope, & even humor-when I wasn’t crying, I was laughing lol!
This has amazing & relatable characters. Characters who make mistakes, & learn from them. Golden, Lucy, & Benny have an amazing friendship. Also, I don’t even like soccer, but the author wrote about it to where I enjoyed reading about it. I never felt confused or bored either with it. HIGHLY recommend! I will be thinking about this book for weeks to come, I’m sure. Such a beautiful cover of such a beautiful scene by Abigail Dela Cruz as well!💜
Golden is an amazing kid, who has a lot going on in his life at once-most of it isn’t that great. The main thing is his dad getting ALS-all I knew before reading this, was that it was the same disease Stephen Hawking had. It’s sad to say, & feels weird saying it-but he was lucky. Most don’t get anywhere near living that long with it. To see such a powerful force-a man in the prime of his life, a dad & husband to four kids..an athletic man who LOVES soccer & coaching..to see what this did to him was heartbreaking. But he kept the best attitude. He made each day count. Each day was 1 more day he got with his family.
Golden also deals with the threat of 1 of his 2 best friends, who has always lived next door, moving to another state. On top of that it’s the last year of middle school, & he wants nothing more than to be soccer captain, & get to, & win, the championship. This book isn’t focused on ALS, or all sad. It is balanced with the soccer, & all the other things happening in this kids life. Plus, even though Golden is in a denial of sorts(I call it hope-sometimes it’s all you have to hold onto), you know it will be sad-they say(parents)so from the very beginning.
I cried during a few different parts of the book. There are so many amazing parts in here too. My favorite is the part that the cover is taken from-that scene was pure magic, & I cried at the beauty of that moment. This is full of family, friendship, loss, love, determination, struggles, hope, & even humor-when I wasn’t crying, I was laughing lol!
This has amazing & relatable characters. Characters who make mistakes, & learn from them. Golden, Lucy, & Benny have an amazing friendship. Also, I don’t even like soccer, but the author wrote about it to where I enjoyed reading about it. I never felt confused or bored either with it. HIGHLY recommend! I will be thinking about this book for weeks to come, I’m sure. Such a beautiful cover of such a beautiful scene by Abigail Dela Cruz as well!💜
November 10, 2021
This is one of the cutest, most heartfelt books I have listened to in a long time. I just randomly came across it when I was looking for something to listen to for a long drive. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized it was about soccer, but honestly, even if you're not a big soccer fan, the story line is just so cute and full of real emotions I think you'll like it anyway.
May 16, 2021
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
TEN THOUSAND TRIES by Amy Makechnie is a story about a young boy’s dream to become a top-notch soccer player while dealing with the challenges of having a parent with ALS. It deals with the reality of living in a home where an actively involved parent now has a degenerative disease, and Golden must come to terms with some of his dreams for the future no longer in reach.
Golden is obsessed with soccer. His small stature draws him to professional soccer star Lionel Messi, and he’s determined to follow in the footsteps of his parents, who were both soccer players. But Golden’s dad has ALS that’s rapidly progressing. He wants his dad to try harder to train with him to regain lost movement, and Golden refuses to believe that his dad can’t improve if he tries hard enough. Golden is thrilled when he’s given the honour of being one of his team’s captains, but he quickly learns there’s a lot more to being a good captain than simply wearing the armband. As his dad’s condition worsens and the household struggles to adjust to rebalance the workload, Golden realizes that family, friendship, and community are essential qualities of a successful team.
I knew very little about ALS, and this book does an excellent job of showing its progression and impact on a family. It’s difficult to watch the deterioration of Golden’s dad, but it’s necessary to see how its rapid progression affects Golden and his family dynamic. At first, I struggled with Golden’s naivety, but I realized how desperately he wanted to avoid the truth and hold on to hope. I also really liked how supportive Golden’s friends were, especially Benny, who quietly went through his own difficulties at home and accepted the changes in Golden’s family before he did.
There is a lot of soccer detail in this book, making it a great recommendation for sports fans. The ALS storyline also makes it a book to recommend to readers who enjoy sad stories. It’s on the long side for a contemporary realistic fiction story at almost 400 pages, but I will definitely be recommending it.
TEN THOUSAND TRIES by Amy Makechnie is a story about a young boy’s dream to become a top-notch soccer player while dealing with the challenges of having a parent with ALS. It deals with the reality of living in a home where an actively involved parent now has a degenerative disease, and Golden must come to terms with some of his dreams for the future no longer in reach.
Golden is obsessed with soccer. His small stature draws him to professional soccer star Lionel Messi, and he’s determined to follow in the footsteps of his parents, who were both soccer players. But Golden’s dad has ALS that’s rapidly progressing. He wants his dad to try harder to train with him to regain lost movement, and Golden refuses to believe that his dad can’t improve if he tries hard enough. Golden is thrilled when he’s given the honour of being one of his team’s captains, but he quickly learns there’s a lot more to being a good captain than simply wearing the armband. As his dad’s condition worsens and the household struggles to adjust to rebalance the workload, Golden realizes that family, friendship, and community are essential qualities of a successful team.
I knew very little about ALS, and this book does an excellent job of showing its progression and impact on a family. It’s difficult to watch the deterioration of Golden’s dad, but it’s necessary to see how its rapid progression affects Golden and his family dynamic. At first, I struggled with Golden’s naivety, but I realized how desperately he wanted to avoid the truth and hold on to hope. I also really liked how supportive Golden’s friends were, especially Benny, who quietly went through his own difficulties at home and accepted the changes in Golden’s family before he did.
There is a lot of soccer detail in this book, making it a great recommendation for sports fans. The ALS storyline also makes it a book to recommend to readers who enjoy sad stories. It’s on the long side for a contemporary realistic fiction story at almost 400 pages, but I will definitely be recommending it.
January 27, 2022
A pretty typical juvenile fiction novel, just what I like.
Honestly the most impressive part of the main character's growth that the book just casually mentions is that he learns to do his little sisters' hair, French braiding by the end!
All in all, a cute book that I would recommend to any 11-year-old.
Honestly the most impressive part of the main character's growth that the book just casually mentions is that he learns to do his little sisters' hair, French braiding by the end!
All in all, a cute book that I would recommend to any 11-year-old.
August 10, 2022
Macechnie pulls together a tale of eighth-grader Golden Maroni as he is determined to put ten thousand hours of effort into each one of these things; 1) perfecting his soccer skills and becoming his team captain, like Lionel Messi, his hero; 2) to stop his best friend Lucy from moving away; 3) the most important; helping his dad battle ALS.
This was a quick and lighthearted read, although the ending was predictable and slightly melancholic. Three stars because I liked it but it wasn’t really blew-me-out-of-the-ballpark good? I don’t know, maybe it’s the writing style or my general apathy towards soccer (due to one too many traumatic accidents) and I didn’t feel much for it. Still, if you’re looking for a quick and slightly sad middle-grade novel with a 14-year-old protagonist who really wants growth hormone, look no further!
This was a quick and lighthearted read, although the ending was predictable and slightly melancholic. Three stars because I liked it but it wasn’t really blew-me-out-of-the-ballpark good? I don’t know, maybe it’s the writing style or my general apathy towards soccer (due to one too many traumatic accidents) and I didn’t feel much for it. Still, if you’re looking for a quick and slightly sad middle-grade novel with a 14-year-old protagonist who really wants growth hormone, look no further!
July 14, 2021
Ten Thousand Tries is a moving, heartwarming story about family, friendship, community, soccer, and the love of a father. This book artfully manages the delicate balance of real-life suffering with the humor we can find lurking in small, mundane moments. With engaging soccer scenes; and warm, healthy friendship and family dynamics; this book is hard to put down. If you like books about soccer, families banding together, and books that make you laugh and cry, this is not one to miss.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2021
Damn it. Now my heart is broken.
May 1, 2022
I adored this tender, heart-tugging, beautiful book! Many different themes and threads for a wide range of readers to connect with around family, friendship, and sports.
January 8, 2022
I absolutely loved this story, about friendship and family and love. So much love.
That's the hardest part about life. When you try your vary hardest, when you give everything...and can't give any more...and it still doesn't go the way you want it to...go. <--Cue all the tears.
Note: I would definitely recommend this as more Upper MG.
That's the hardest part about life. When you try your vary hardest, when you give everything...and can't give any more...and it still doesn't go the way you want it to...go. <--Cue all the tears.
Note: I would definitely recommend this as more Upper MG.
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August 25, 20214.25 stars
A cute heart-warming (and heartbreaking) quick read that will definitely leave you in tears, so keep a tissue box beside you while reading it. A definite must-read!
A cute heart-warming (and heartbreaking) quick read that will definitely leave you in tears, so keep a tissue box beside you while reading it. A definite must-read!
November 23, 2021
Golden Maroni loves his friends and soccer more than anything else. When his father, a renowned soccer coach, begins to struggle with ALS, Golden has to learn how to be a leader people can count on. Perfect for 5/6th graders.
June 14, 2021
This is a book for young readers, but as with Amy Makechnie's debut (The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair), Ten Thousand Tries will satisfy any reader who enjoys stories about family overcoming hardship.
Golden is a small soccer fanatic, determined to not give up
--on attaining Messi-level soccer mastery,
--on friendship,
--on his father, who has been diagnosed with ALS.
First, the soccer details are wonderful, even for not-so-sporty-me. They add lightness to the serious subject of coming to terms with a parent diagnosed with a terminal illness. I loved this moment when Golden picks up one of the many soccer balls rolling around the house, because that is apparently what you find on the floors of a soccer-loving family of six. He starts to practice his soccer juggling and chips the paint off the window frame. His reaction paints his family in one stroke, and ties right in with the idea of what it means to dive deep into something for the sake of mastery. Chipped doorframes are an acceptable price.
The subplot of his best friend's potential move, and his struggle to accept the possibility of change works well with the larger theme of Golden and his family coming to terms with his father's ALS diagnosis, and the quick physical deterioration that the disease brings. Golden goes through the stages of grief on his journey, spending a lot of the story in denial. Through soccer, hard work, a little heartache, and help from friends, he gets to the acceptance, and the hope that is critical in an emotional middle grade story.
Another favorite moment for me, one of the several that choked me up, comes when Coach, also known as mom, is giving a pep talk during the big game, and something clicks for Golden - Choose to give everything - no matter what happens next.
So, for me, this story has all that I look for in middle grade - great characters, laughter and tears, and details that make the story authentic, and that teach me something.
Amy Makechnie has become one of the I'll-read-everything-she-writes authors on my list.
(I won an ARC of this book in a giveaway, as a reader of the author's email newsletter. I would have read it anyway, since I loved Amy Mackechnie's debut, but I feel lucky to have had the chance to read it early!)
April 26, 2024
(!WARNING! If you are reading this book, make sure you have tissues on hand.)
I thought this book was so good! I think the author did a really good job of making this book focus on more than one things which made it a more enjoyable read. It had soccer, friendships, getting through hard things in your life, etc.
I think another reason I was so emotional about this book and loved it so much is because I love soccer, and there was a lot of soccer in this book. Golden, the main character, plays and loves soccer. I think adding in this sport was a really fun experience to read about, and I felt myself on edge during his soccer games, wondering how things would go. I think that even if you do not play soccer or particularly like it you would still enjoy this book because, as I mentioned before, it has has many factors to it and does not focus on just one thing.
Overall, this was an amazing read! ❤️
I thought this book was so good! I think the author did a really good job of making this book focus on more than one things which made it a more enjoyable read. It had soccer, friendships, getting through hard things in your life, etc.
I think another reason I was so emotional about this book and loved it so much is because I love soccer, and there was a lot of soccer in this book. Golden, the main character, plays and loves soccer. I think adding in this sport was a really fun experience to read about, and I felt myself on edge during his soccer games, wondering how things would go. I think that even if you do not play soccer or particularly like it you would still enjoy this book because, as I mentioned before, it has has many factors to it and does not focus on just one thing.
Overall, this was an amazing read! ❤️
June 16, 2021
Warm and witty, TEN THOUSAND TRIES tackles difficult subjects- ALS, loss, middle school- with just the right blend of humor, middle school silliness, and sentiment. It's a great book for helping middle grade readers of all ages think about how to handle disappointment, loss, and that annoying kid on your soccer team who always kicks your ball away. Golden, the main character, is funny and realistic. He has a great voice, makes some big mistakes, and learns from them. I could relate to him on many levels, but especially because when I was Golden's age, my mother was in a wheelchair too. The struggles Golden's family tackles as it manages an ALS diagnosis are presented accurately and thoughtfully. If you like books about friendship, family, soccer/sports, and the challenges of growing up, you will love TEN THOUSAND TRIES. :)
March 2, 2024
Golden dreams about becoming a professional soccer player. He spends hours practicing his skills and even becomes captain of his middle school team. While he can control what happens on the soccer field, at home life is deteriorating. Golden’s father has been diagnosed with ALS and his body is failing.
What a phenomenal book! This book deals with tough subject matters like terminal illness, managing friendships, and leading a team. This story is raw in its descriptions of what happens to someone as ALS takes over the body and how a middle schooler must face the reality of his father dying.
What a phenomenal book! This book deals with tough subject matters like terminal illness, managing friendships, and leading a team. This story is raw in its descriptions of what happens to someone as ALS takes over the body and how a middle schooler must face the reality of his father dying.
May 27, 2025
I loved this book. 100% for family and life values; vicarious life lessons learned, and the ups and downs of life. Cannot recommend enough. It has ups and downs, but it won’t crush your spirit. You might sob so much that your child comes to check on you. But they will be both good and sad tears.
October 9, 2022
RTC; forgot to mark this as read 🥲, changed to five stars because I forgot how much I loved it.
June 20, 2022
This is a slightly different review, since it was written by my sons who were given the book in exchange for their honest review. Since they aren't on Goodreads, the review is coming under my name.
Review #1 (boy, 12 years)
10,000 Tries is a book about soccer and hardships. The main character, Golden Maconi, has a dad who has ALS and a friend who is moving. Golden loves soccer and practices every day. He eventually is made team captain of his school team. He has to deal with helping his dad, stopping his friend from moving, and wining the soccer season. Eventually he wins the soccer season, and later his dad dies and his friend moves, but Golden has realized that being a master doesn't mean being in control of everything, so he accepts it.
I liked it because it has a good plot, what with Golden's dad dying and Lucy moving; Golden accepts the future and is a good character; and because the story isn't forced, its message is understandable and it doesn't make you contemplate whether reality is a simulation like some books do.
I would definitely recommend this book to people because it has an important meaning and because it's an interesting book. I genuinely enjoyed reading it.
4.39 stars
Review #2 (boy, 14 years)
Ten Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie is a book about a child named Golden who loves soccer, is very optimistic, and whose father has ALS. He also finds out that his friend, Lucy, might be moving and he doesnt want that to happen. He wants to make it to the soccer finals and he also wants to be the soccer captain but he’s not the most popular and his school has never made it to the finals.
To stop Lucy from moving he does some unhonest things to try to stop her from moving but in the end he accepts that she is moving.
They make him the captain of the soccer team but it's not what he thought it would be like. They also make it to the finals and are about to win when instead of scoring the winning goals himself he passes and gets an assist.
His dad has ALS and is shutting down but he tries to make him do things that he can't do anymore to show that he’s ok even though he’s not. He eventually accepts it and knows that his father will die.
It was a good book that explained what it was like to have people in your life that would leave or to stop being the person they were before for one reason or another. Also even though I think Golden is a little irresponsible and pushy he does eventually become better.
I recommend this book.
4.53 stars
Review #3 (mom)
I have to admit that I know Amy. She was one of my college roommates. but this review has nothing to do with that, though me knowing her influenced my desire to read the book and my willingness to review it (and get my boys to review it as well).
I love that Amy provided her readers with a realistic family--not perfect, but trying to do the best they can, being supportive and dealing with the crazy that life gives them. To me, this is one of the greatest strengths of the book.
I also like that Golden seems true to his age--he is not a savant; he's a boy, but he has interest and desire and pluck, and he's selfish sometimes and clueless sometimes and completely authentic to that teen/tween age.
4.5 stars
Review #1 (boy, 12 years)
10,000 Tries is a book about soccer and hardships. The main character, Golden Maconi, has a dad who has ALS and a friend who is moving. Golden loves soccer and practices every day. He eventually is made team captain of his school team. He has to deal with helping his dad, stopping his friend from moving, and wining the soccer season. Eventually he wins the soccer season, and later his dad dies and his friend moves, but Golden has realized that being a master doesn't mean being in control of everything, so he accepts it.
I liked it because it has a good plot, what with Golden's dad dying and Lucy moving; Golden accepts the future and is a good character; and because the story isn't forced, its message is understandable and it doesn't make you contemplate whether reality is a simulation like some books do.
I would definitely recommend this book to people because it has an important meaning and because it's an interesting book. I genuinely enjoyed reading it.
4.39 stars
Review #2 (boy, 14 years)
Ten Thousand Tries by Amy Makechnie is a book about a child named Golden who loves soccer, is very optimistic, and whose father has ALS. He also finds out that his friend, Lucy, might be moving and he doesnt want that to happen. He wants to make it to the soccer finals and he also wants to be the soccer captain but he’s not the most popular and his school has never made it to the finals.
To stop Lucy from moving he does some unhonest things to try to stop her from moving but in the end he accepts that she is moving.
They make him the captain of the soccer team but it's not what he thought it would be like. They also make it to the finals and are about to win when instead of scoring the winning goals himself he passes and gets an assist.
His dad has ALS and is shutting down but he tries to make him do things that he can't do anymore to show that he’s ok even though he’s not. He eventually accepts it and knows that his father will die.
It was a good book that explained what it was like to have people in your life that would leave or to stop being the person they were before for one reason or another. Also even though I think Golden is a little irresponsible and pushy he does eventually become better.
I recommend this book.
4.53 stars
Review #3 (mom)
I have to admit that I know Amy. She was one of my college roommates. but this review has nothing to do with that, though me knowing her influenced my desire to read the book and my willingness to review it (and get my boys to review it as well).
I love that Amy provided her readers with a realistic family--not perfect, but trying to do the best they can, being supportive and dealing with the crazy that life gives them. To me, this is one of the greatest strengths of the book.
I also like that Golden seems true to his age--he is not a savant; he's a boy, but he has interest and desire and pluck, and he's selfish sometimes and clueless sometimes and completely authentic to that teen/tween age.
4.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2021
When I wrestle with her hair, she cries. When I suggest we buzz it like mine, she cries. When I say she can go to school with it like it is, she cries.
"I'm never going to have kids," I say, finally getting her hair into the rubber band.
Roma looks in the mirror and stops crying. "I love it, brother!"
I flex. Maybe I'll have ten kids.
- - - - -
I absolutely loved this book! It's about a boy named Golden Maroni who's obsessed with soccer and his Dad has ALS. It's quite sad at some parts, and I have to admit I almost cried. There's also just the right amount of humor sprinkled in here and there for it this book to be quite an enjoyable experience.
To add on to that, here's something that I feel like hardly anyone else would notice but it's very important to me, and that is that Ziggy has type one diabetes. The section that mentions it is less than a page long, but as someone who's had type one diabetes since third grade, I've never read a book that just happens to mention it without it being literally being the entire plot. I almost wanted to cry just because of that, let alone the actual sad parts. So thank you for that!
To conclude, I want to say that this book is a wonderful read for anyone, and I seriously recommend it for anyone reading it.
"I'm never going to have kids," I say, finally getting her hair into the rubber band.
Roma looks in the mirror and stops crying. "I love it, brother!"
I flex. Maybe I'll have ten kids.
- - - - -
I absolutely loved this book! It's about a boy named Golden Maroni who's obsessed with soccer and his Dad has ALS. It's quite sad at some parts, and I have to admit I almost cried. There's also just the right amount of humor sprinkled in here and there for it this book to be quite an enjoyable experience.
To add on to that, here's something that I feel like hardly anyone else would notice but it's very important to me, and that is that Ziggy has type one diabetes. The section that mentions it is less than a page long, but as someone who's had type one diabetes since third grade, I've never read a book that just happens to mention it without it being literally being the entire plot. I almost wanted to cry just because of that, let alone the actual sad parts. So thank you for that!
To conclude, I want to say that this book is a wonderful read for anyone, and I seriously recommend it for anyone reading it.
February 6, 2022
"You think soccer is just a game? Well then, you've never played it."
As a book targeted to kids around 10 years old it moves a lot of hard subjects. For example how children of different ages can deal with sudden change in their lives, how family can work in difficult times of untreatable sickness and many more.
The Maronis are soccer family it mean everyone of them is connected to football in certain way. Golden is a big fan of Massi and he and his friends: Lucy his birthday twin and Banny the most faithful friend, they and the rest of the their middle school soccer team are trening by Golden's Mum - Coach. The eight grade will be very difficult for everyone especially for Golden because his Dad the former pro-soccer player is now diagnosed with ALS.
It was a pleasure to read that book. I wasn't much of children book reader but now I started to appreciate them. It was nice journey with beautiful created characters. As I write on the begining "Ten Thousand Tries" moves a lot of hard subjects but most important it help to get used to the subject of illness and death. It shows us the power of friendship and teach how to be a team on and outside the field.
I really recommend this book to every kid and adult it is really important.
As a book targeted to kids around 10 years old it moves a lot of hard subjects. For example how children of different ages can deal with sudden change in their lives, how family can work in difficult times of untreatable sickness and many more.
The Maronis are soccer family it mean everyone of them is connected to football in certain way. Golden is a big fan of Massi and he and his friends: Lucy his birthday twin and Banny the most faithful friend, they and the rest of the their middle school soccer team are trening by Golden's Mum - Coach. The eight grade will be very difficult for everyone especially for Golden because his Dad the former pro-soccer player is now diagnosed with ALS.
It was a pleasure to read that book. I wasn't much of children book reader but now I started to appreciate them. It was nice journey with beautiful created characters. As I write on the begining "Ten Thousand Tries" moves a lot of hard subjects but most important it help to get used to the subject of illness and death. It shows us the power of friendship and teach how to be a team on and outside the field.
I really recommend this book to every kid and adult it is really important.
August 21, 2021
One of my absolute favorite middle grade books of the year. A story of teamwork and grief and hope and disappointment and acceptance and reconciliation and loss and love. But mostly love.
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“You don’t give up on me and I don’t give up on you.”
“I won’t let you fall, Dad.”
“Maybe it’s not your job to make everything better.”
“Step over the white line. You are on the field now. Leave everything else behind. BE HERE.”
“The universe is so big.
And I’m so small.”
“Such a… good boy,” he says.
“Such a good dad.”
“And yet there he is. The legend. Wrapped up in a puffy orange sleeping bag.
Apparently, legends take many forms.”
“That’s what whiners do. They whine about stuff. They can’t help it. Sad.”
“We play best when we’re together.”
- - - - -
“You don’t give up on me and I don’t give up on you.”
“I won’t let you fall, Dad.”
“Maybe it’s not your job to make everything better.”
“Step over the white line. You are on the field now. Leave everything else behind. BE HERE.”
“The universe is so big.
And I’m so small.”
“Such a… good boy,” he says.
“Such a good dad.”
“And yet there he is. The legend. Wrapped up in a puffy orange sleeping bag.
Apparently, legends take many forms.”
“That’s what whiners do. They whine about stuff. They can’t help it. Sad.”
“We play best when we’re together.”
November 5, 2021
Oh my heart! Soccer and family and friendship and grief all in one. ⚽️💔
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Golden is in 8th grade and excited for his soccer season in his beloved small town of Mudbury. His family of 6 is all about soccer all the time and Golden has a goal to someday be as good as his hero, Lionel Messi. That’s why he spends so many hours practicing his ball touches—he’s trying to achieve 10,000 hours of practice to become a master. His best friend Lucy is possibly moving away to Maine, but not if Golden can help it. Even worse, though, his dad’s progressing ALS is impacting the entire family—even though Golden is in denial about how impaired his father has become.
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I sobbed at the end of this one, but I also laughed along the way at middle school and family antics. (I love Golden’s two little sisters!) I loved the beautiful mess of this family and the realistic portrayal of a family in a tough situation.
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This book is a moving testament to family and community. Oh, and the soccer action is amazing!!! Must read, must buy. Recommended for grades 4-7.
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#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary #msla #mediaspecialist
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.
Golden is in 8th grade and excited for his soccer season in his beloved small town of Mudbury. His family of 6 is all about soccer all the time and Golden has a goal to someday be as good as his hero, Lionel Messi. That’s why he spends so many hours practicing his ball touches—he’s trying to achieve 10,000 hours of practice to become a master. His best friend Lucy is possibly moving away to Maine, but not if Golden can help it. Even worse, though, his dad’s progressing ALS is impacting the entire family—even though Golden is in denial about how impaired his father has become.
.
.
.
I sobbed at the end of this one, but I also laughed along the way at middle school and family antics. (I love Golden’s two little sisters!) I loved the beautiful mess of this family and the realistic portrayal of a family in a tough situation.
.
.
.
This book is a moving testament to family and community. Oh, and the soccer action is amazing!!! Must read, must buy. Recommended for grades 4-7.
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#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary #msla #mediaspecialist
August 6, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Simon Kids for the gifted book!
It takes a lot to make me cry in a book, but this book made me cry more than once. It is so touching and sincere and yet full of love and hope. Golden's dad has been diagnosed with ALS and along with his three sisters and their mom, the Maroni family is learning to cope with all the changes this means for their family. Golden struggles to accept that the outcome of this disease is inevitable, and as a result is struggling in his friendships, in school, and even in his favorite thing, soccer. Full of fun sports scenes, some beautiful pictures of friendship, and some very vulnerable depictions of family life, this book is one I will recommend over and over.
It takes a lot to make me cry in a book, but this book made me cry more than once. It is so touching and sincere and yet full of love and hope. Golden's dad has been diagnosed with ALS and along with his three sisters and their mom, the Maroni family is learning to cope with all the changes this means for their family. Golden struggles to accept that the outcome of this disease is inevitable, and as a result is struggling in his friendships, in school, and even in his favorite thing, soccer. Full of fun sports scenes, some beautiful pictures of friendship, and some very vulnerable depictions of family life, this book is one I will recommend over and over.
July 6, 2021
This book was so beautifully written. The world and characters felt so real. The depiction of ALS was hard to read sometimes, but it was so necessary. The events and situations Golden went through have stuck with me. During my reading I kept asking myself, "Why doesn't anyone understand what he's going through?" But that's just it. Everyone in his life understood all too well, they were just processing and grieving in their own way. I'm excited to read other books by this author, and definitely wouldn't mind a sequel to this one someday! #netgalley
August 21, 2021
One of my absolute favorite middle grade reads of 2021!
Twelve year old Golden Maroni eats, breathes, dreams, and lives for soccer. He’s willing to put in ten thousand hours to perfect his skills and be named captain of his team. He’s also willing to put in ten thousand hours into stopping his best-friend neighbor Lucy from moving away. But most importantly, he’s determined to spend ten thousand hours helping his soccer star dad beat ALS.
Full of heart, friendship, love, and loss, this is a must buy middle grade for 2021.
Twelve year old Golden Maroni eats, breathes, dreams, and lives for soccer. He’s willing to put in ten thousand hours to perfect his skills and be named captain of his team. He’s also willing to put in ten thousand hours into stopping his best-friend neighbor Lucy from moving away. But most importantly, he’s determined to spend ten thousand hours helping his soccer star dad beat ALS.
Full of heart, friendship, love, and loss, this is a must buy middle grade for 2021.
February 8, 2022
👏 I love books that deal with tough topics! Ten Thousand Tries was really awesome.
Golden Maroni's dad, Patrick, is his hero. But the strong soccer pro has ALS and is slowly losing control of his muscles. Golden is determined to be the captain of the soccer team, stop his best friend, Lucy, from moving, and keep his dad from losing his abilities. He can't control everything, though, and through a series of events testing Golden's friendship & character, Golden learns the value of having a positive attitude and leaning on others for help.
Very real, fun and I loved the soccer! ⚽
Golden Maroni's dad, Patrick, is his hero. But the strong soccer pro has ALS and is slowly losing control of his muscles. Golden is determined to be the captain of the soccer team, stop his best friend, Lucy, from moving, and keep his dad from losing his abilities. He can't control everything, though, and through a series of events testing Golden's friendship & character, Golden learns the value of having a positive attitude and leaning on others for help.
Very real, fun and I loved the soccer! ⚽
September 17, 2021
My 8th grade son read this after I gave it to him. he is very picky and typically only wants to read fantasy. If a book doesn’t grab his attention quickly he probably will put it away and read some fantasy book that he has already read 10 times. He loved this book! I just gave it to my 5th grader and she is also into it! I am next in line and I can’t wait to read this book!
December 8, 2021
Big difficult subject - the decline of a parent with ALS. The MC, a teen boy named Golden, deals with looming death of his father, and also a defining season of soccer, and changes among his close circle of friends. The characters all seem very real. In spite of the depressing subject, which is treated gently, this book is uplifting. A lot to learn for adults as well as kids who read it.
October 14, 2021
One of my favorite MG books of the year. Just hand-sold it today to a grandmother who wanted to get something for her soccer-loving granddaughter. Really loved how the author handled the stressful way a chronic illness affects a family. You don't see ALS mentioned in many books.
November 3, 2021
Wow! This is undoubtedly my new favourite middle-grade book!
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