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Breakaway
LJ knows her place in the world is on the soccer field. When she’s out there scoring goals, everything’s right. But being a big-shot on the field has started going to her head. She’s been letting her temper get the best of her—both on the field and off, alienating everyone around her. Everyone except Tabitha, the popular girl who cares more about credit cards than yellow cards and spends most of her time on the bench. But when it’s LJ on the bench instead of Tabitha, forced to be a spectator instead of a star, she realizes that sometimes it takes more skill and guts to make others look good instead of yourself. And that by losing a little glory, you can win more than just championships.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2010
11 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Montalbano
6 books37 followersThe newest book in the "Soccer Sisters" series has just been published! Get your hands on a copy of "Caught Offside" here:
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Caught-Offside...
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/caug...
Once you've finished, please take the time to rate and review it right here on Goodreads!
**********
Andrea Montalbano is an author, journalist, mother and coach.
She grew up on a soccer field in Miami and continued to play through college, acting as captain for her Harvard University soccer team and eventually being inducted into the Harvard Varsity Club Hall of Fame.
After college, Andrea pursued a career in journalism, attending Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. She was an English anchor at Vatican Radio, and then enjoyed a long career at NBC News as a writer, producer and Supervising Producer for NBC News’ TODAY program.
Andrea left broadcast journalism to write books and authored “Breakaway” in 2010. Determined to create a series for girls, she spent the next few years writing the “Soccer Sisters” novels – “Out of Bounds,” “Caught Offside,” and “One on One,” which will be published in Spring 2018 – as well as branching out into philanthropic efforts with organizations such as Coaches Across Continents. She launched the #playitforwardproject in 2017, challenging young athletes to share acts of kindness on social media and demonstrate how to take the positive lessons learned on the field with them into daily life.
Andrea has also continued her love of coaching by taking the helm of her daughter’s soccer team, and by coaching her son. She lives in New York with her husband and two children.
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Caught-Offside...
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/caug...
Once you've finished, please take the time to rate and review it right here on Goodreads!
**********
Andrea Montalbano is an author, journalist, mother and coach.
She grew up on a soccer field in Miami and continued to play through college, acting as captain for her Harvard University soccer team and eventually being inducted into the Harvard Varsity Club Hall of Fame.
After college, Andrea pursued a career in journalism, attending Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. She was an English anchor at Vatican Radio, and then enjoyed a long career at NBC News as a writer, producer and Supervising Producer for NBC News’ TODAY program.
Andrea left broadcast journalism to write books and authored “Breakaway” in 2010. Determined to create a series for girls, she spent the next few years writing the “Soccer Sisters” novels – “Out of Bounds,” “Caught Offside,” and “One on One,” which will be published in Spring 2018 – as well as branching out into philanthropic efforts with organizations such as Coaches Across Continents. She launched the #playitforwardproject in 2017, challenging young athletes to share acts of kindness on social media and demonstrate how to take the positive lessons learned on the field with them into daily life.
Andrea has also continued her love of coaching by taking the helm of her daughter’s soccer team, and by coaching her son. She lives in New York with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 29, 2017
good lesson for talented, athletic kids on importance of being humble...and part of a team
April 13, 2013
This book is far from the best book I've ever read.
Lily is a self-absorbed, slightly stuck-up soccer star who thinks a little too much of her value to the team. The book is a lesson in teamwork, etc, but Lily's just a little too selfish to be very loveable. Not that she's a little prig or anything, but you just don't find yourself connecting to her problems at all, because you just know she'll learn her lesson in the end. It's that kind of book.
This is, however, a good book for people who love soccer. It's not bad, it's just not very good.
Lily is a self-absorbed, slightly stuck-up soccer star who thinks a little too much of her value to the team. The book is a lesson in teamwork, etc, but Lily's just a little too selfish to be very loveable. Not that she's a little prig or anything, but you just don't find yourself connecting to her problems at all, because you just know she'll learn her lesson in the end. It's that kind of book.
This is, however, a good book for people who love soccer. It's not bad, it's just not very good.
September 17, 2016
BORING I DID NOT LIKE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 22, 2017
I think that this is a good book, particularly if you like soccer or stories about soccer. I liked it, but I didn't have an extreme reaction.
April 16, 2018
Good way to talk about teamwork and responsibility
December 24, 2021
Cute novel for young girls who like soccer. I had this in my book shelf from when I was younger, I read it and it was a nice story, and a quick read. #kidproblems
November 13, 2011
Breakaway is a great book. It contains a lot of interesting characters. Like the main, Lilly James. Lilly James is a great soccer player, when ever she is on the field nothing can distract her. She is the captain of her team. Lilly likes to run and kick. Lilly James just found her place after it took her ten years. now Lilly is twelve. In the book Lilly learns she has to control her temper. cause If she doesn't Lilly is going to lose her best friend Vee. Lilly and Vee have been friends for a long time, and are on the same soccer team the Brookvile Bombers. Lilly cant believe just to years ago she was playing her first game for the team. But when a great opportunity comes up to play for a really good soccer team, friend ship can get in the way. Lilly is a ball hog. The guy that decides who gets to be on the team is there. This might be the most important game of lilly's life, but when lilly does not think of her team she has to sit out for two weeks. Find out if lilly makes the team, survives without playing soccer, and keeps her best friend Vee.
In the book Breakaway, Lilly as changed a lot. Not only does she learn that she's being shellfish, but she learns that a friend that you had forever is the most important thing to keep even, If there better at something then you. Like this one part of the book when Vee is getting picked on by this kid named G4, Lilly takes the soccer ball she was holding and kicked it at G4 and she missed, and it hit G4's dad's store sign. Again Lilly let her emotions get to her, but she was only trying to protect Vee. But Lilly Did not even break the sign, G4's dad took it down. So now Lily's dad gets a bill for over $1000. Lilly has to work at her dads restaurant to pay the bill. As the book Breakaway goes on, Lilly Learns a lot of things, and meats a knew friend that has a great talent. find out what happens to Lilly in the book Breakaway.
In the book Breakaway, Lilly as changed a lot. Not only does she learn that she's being shellfish, but she learns that a friend that you had forever is the most important thing to keep even, If there better at something then you. Like this one part of the book when Vee is getting picked on by this kid named G4, Lilly takes the soccer ball she was holding and kicked it at G4 and she missed, and it hit G4's dad's store sign. Again Lilly let her emotions get to her, but she was only trying to protect Vee. But Lilly Did not even break the sign, G4's dad took it down. So now Lily's dad gets a bill for over $1000. Lilly has to work at her dads restaurant to pay the bill. As the book Breakaway goes on, Lilly Learns a lot of things, and meats a knew friend that has a great talent. find out what happens to Lilly in the book Breakaway.
April 6, 2016
I just read this for work, to get in the groove of writing about sports for the age 9-12 group, and I am glad I started with this book! (Actually, I didn't. I gave up on another book and took refuge in this, which was much more enjoyable.)
The soccer scenes were exciting! The characters interesting, mostly likeable, and pretty well fleshed-out for such a short book. There's a series by this author called Soccer Sisters that starts with #1, but doesn't seem to include this title, but I would recommend them very highly for teachers in grades 4-6. The "soccer sisters" series title is likely to scare boys away as readers, but there's not much in Breakaway that boys would feel was too "girly" for them, unless they just couldn't handle having a female author and lead characters. The themes are pretty universal, and the way the characters relate should resonate about as well with boys as with girls.
In short, a good, light read about sports and other realistic issues, told well and with some good and not overly-heavy ethics thrown in.
The soccer scenes were exciting! The characters interesting, mostly likeable, and pretty well fleshed-out for such a short book. There's a series by this author called Soccer Sisters that starts with #1, but doesn't seem to include this title, but I would recommend them very highly for teachers in grades 4-6. The "soccer sisters" series title is likely to scare boys away as readers, but there's not much in Breakaway that boys would feel was too "girly" for them, unless they just couldn't handle having a female author and lead characters. The themes are pretty universal, and the way the characters relate should resonate about as well with boys as with girls.
In short, a good, light read about sports and other realistic issues, told well and with some good and not overly-heavy ethics thrown in.
August 24, 2010
Lily was born to play soccer, or at least that’s how she felt the first time she kicked a soccer ball. She’s good at it too, the best on her team. But when she finds out the hard way that what she thinks is best for her isn’t always best for her team or her family and friends, she must work to earn back everyone’s trust.
Breakaway by Andrea Montalbano is a great book for any girl who loves to play soccer or even watch from the sidelines. Lily’s confidence in her ability to play the game is a good primer for girls to learn how to recognize their skills and use them. Her struggle to look outside herself and learn how to recognize what others have to offer will resonate with anyone who’s ever heard the phrase “there is no ‘I’ in the word team.” I recommend it for girls aged 9 to 12.
Breakaway by Andrea Montalbano is a great book for any girl who loves to play soccer or even watch from the sidelines. Lily’s confidence in her ability to play the game is a good primer for girls to learn how to recognize their skills and use them. Her struggle to look outside herself and learn how to recognize what others have to offer will resonate with anyone who’s ever heard the phrase “there is no ‘I’ in the word team.” I recommend it for girls aged 9 to 12.
June 5, 2010
I'd actually give this one a 3 1/2. Entertaining story about soccer for girls; main character is a terrific young soccer player who becomes selfish and suffers the consequences. The author understands soccer (she's a former star college soccer player) as well as competitiveness and the need to be a team member instead of a hotdog on the field and in life.
The family members were okay but not fleshed out enough. The story was good but fairly predictable, so that's why less than a 4. But a good book to recommend to girls who play soccer; they'll enjoy it because they'll identify w/ the protagonist & with the dynamics of the story.
The family members were okay but not fleshed out enough. The story was good but fairly predictable, so that's why less than a 4. But a good book to recommend to girls who play soccer; they'll enjoy it because they'll identify w/ the protagonist & with the dynamics of the story.
May 22, 2011
This book was amazing! I picked it up just because judging the front cover, it was a book about soccer(I admit it). I know you can't judge a book by it's cover but Andrea Montalbano is excellent writer! It teaches you that scoring a bunch of goals isn't the greatest thing, giving someone else a chance is.This book is about a girl named LJ-a soccer star. LJ doen't really get the term of teamwork, and while trying to hog the ball for herself and score, she takes a chance of scoring AWAY from her team. After that, Vee(her BFF) gets into a select team and LJ doesn't. Doesn't Vee know that, that was "LJ's dream"? A true story of friendship that I recommend for all eager readers out there!
December 2, 2011
Breakaway
by Andrea Montalbano
I was hoping for the female equivalent of Crackback by John Coy or Night Hoops by Carl Deuker, instead I got a neatly tied up story about a hot-headed superstar named L.J. who rocks on the soccer field but lets her temper get away from her. Will she learn to cool it and be a team-player? Sadly, what I got was an easy-to-read, but neatly tied up story with few surprises. If you are a girl who is truly hard-pressed to find a book about soccer, and likes to read about the game in general, you would probably stick with this book to the end with no complaints; however, fair warning—the plot itself isn't enough to hold the attention of most readers.
by Andrea Montalbano
I was hoping for the female equivalent of Crackback by John Coy or Night Hoops by Carl Deuker, instead I got a neatly tied up story about a hot-headed superstar named L.J. who rocks on the soccer field but lets her temper get away from her. Will she learn to cool it and be a team-player? Sadly, what I got was an easy-to-read, but neatly tied up story with few surprises. If you are a girl who is truly hard-pressed to find a book about soccer, and likes to read about the game in general, you would probably stick with this book to the end with no complaints; however, fair warning—the plot itself isn't enough to hold the attention of most readers.
December 5, 2012
Okay first things first, I judged a book by its cover, the reason I picked this book up is because of the cover. I love soccer so I couldn't resist. Breakaway is a good book, it didn't have me jumping out of my seat like crazy but it did teach me some things and I enjoyed reading it. It is a realistic fiction story about a twelve year old girl with a passion and a temper and I like reading books like these every once in awhile. It was a bit predictable but it is Andrea Montalbano's debut so it was pretty good. The characters were likable enough, nothing special, I got kind of annoyed with Lily's sass but I guess that was the point. I enjoyed reading it and I finished it quickly.
January 6, 2015
I think that Breakaway is a great book. The story has ups and downs, and it includes events that would happen in reality. The plot is about a girl named Lily, and she is excellent at soccer as an individual. This ends up being a problem because she thinks more about herself during games and doesn't let her teammates help her. Since not the whole team is working together, the team starts to have issues at games. Lily learns a very important lesson in the story. I like how I can relate to this story, because it makes it more enjoyable. I enjoyed this novel, so if you're thinking about reading it I definitely would.
September 13, 2012
Best soccer book of all time!
Lilly's life was soccer. Vee was her best friend. When she has to learn that Friendship is more important then soccer she has to risk loosing her chance on being on the team. In this wonderful book find out if Lily will learn the meaning the friendship and still get her shot at the team. Or will her temper get the best of her and loose everything she has including her best friend and the soccer team! This book is for all the soccer familys out there! On the sideline or in the game!
-Maddie <3
Lilly's life was soccer. Vee was her best friend. When she has to learn that Friendship is more important then soccer she has to risk loosing her chance on being on the team. In this wonderful book find out if Lily will learn the meaning the friendship and still get her shot at the team. Or will her temper get the best of her and loose everything she has including her best friend and the soccer team! This book is for all the soccer familys out there! On the sideline or in the game!
-Maddie <3
June 21, 2012
^^ This was written by a local author who came to our school. They were supposed to come one day and give us books (if ordered) but couldn't make it. The lady in charge found me and gave me a copy (but couldn't find anyone else) and I read it that evening. So yay, I was among the first to read it.
Anyway, I liked it a lot. I got sad, but it was nice that the character wasn't perfect. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves soccer, or sports in general.
Anyway, I liked it a lot. I got sad, but it was nice that the character wasn't perfect. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves soccer, or sports in general.
October 20, 2016
Overall, this story has good character development, but a weak conflict. The author touches on many problems, but just doesn’t go into them any further. The story does contain lots of tension, which contributes to the story in a positive manner, and really helps it become more relatable and realistic. This story would be best suited for a younger reader, as the older readers would probably lose interest quickly, unless they have a direct relation to soccer.
November 2, 2012
I just finished this book and thought that it was okay. I liked the characters, and that you learn something about having to be the best, but there was a lot of soccer action that was dull to read. However, I think this a great book for any soccer player, especially for one who needs to learn to share the spotlight.
June 5, 2015
Breakaway is about a soccer star named Lily. When she's out on the soccer field, nothing can distract her. She is like the head of the team. Through out the book, Lily learns that she needs to control her temper, or she may lose one of her best friends, Vee. This book mainly deals with friendships, and trust. I recommend this book to people who enjoy the sport, soccer.
June 18, 2010
Lily James gets soccer and she is exceptional. What she doesn't always get is teamwork and how to control her emotions, especially anger. Some emotional choices off and on the field force Lily to examine her approach to life and utlimately make her a better person and soccer player.
November 27, 2011
I LOVE BREAKAWAY by Andrea Montalbano. It's taught me so much about soccer. Great description about the game on the pitch. :) I think I have enough knowledge to start being serious in our soccer matches coming up.
August 31, 2013
Another fun soccer book by Andrea Montalbano. This is actually the first of the soccer sister books. LJ ends up getting suspended from the team and learning a good lesson about teamwork. She realizes she can't do everything on her own and that her friends are always there for her.
June 18, 2014
This book is about a naturally good soccer player who is a little too selfish and temperamental on the field.
I gave it 4 stars because it was good but a little cheesy. Plus some of the conversations are in Spanish and Italian so it's hard to understand.
I gave it 4 stars because it was good but a little cheesy. Plus some of the conversations are in Spanish and Italian so it's hard to understand.
August 10, 2014
i thought this was a good book. although some of the terminology may have been a little confusing for anyone who has not played soccer before. this is a good book for kids who are just starting to read longer novels and who are just beginning to be introduced in to young adult literature.
July 19, 2017
Horrible, especially for teens. It has a decent plot, I'll give it that but it just so slow paced. Nothing happened. Nothing I wish I had lit this book on fire before I read it so I wouldn't have to suffer
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August 12, 2016RL 710. Looks like a great soccer/sports read for girls
June 24, 2010
I liked this book a lot. It taught that winning isn't everything.
July 16, 2010
read it to keep up with my soccer daughters
fun read
soccer themed
pre-teen/teen issues
coping with temper/emotions
fun read
soccer themed
pre-teen/teen issues
coping with temper/emotions
July 29, 2010
A girl learns what is to be a team player, and finds herself as she has to sit the bench during soccer.
January 30, 2011
Breakaway teaches that temper is a strong feeling, but is not to be used on a soccer field. Lily James(LJ) has a strong temper, and it needs to be controlled.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews