SELECT

Twelve-year-old Alex is plainspoken, protective of 7-year-old sister Belle, and passionate about soccer.

She began playing microsoccer at age 5 on the local rec center team where her coach, Jayda, a Black woman, encourages every player, and she has continued to approach the game with determination, learning to bend a corner kick into the net, and topping 1,300 juggles. When Alex’s financially struggling single mother, who is dismissive of Jayda, is approached by Coach Austin, a smarmy assumed White man who instantly impresses her, she agrees to move Alex to the San Francisco Select Superior girls’ team. As a result Alex’s relationship with the game she has loved for years is threatened. Some of the changes will be familiar for readers who have played youth sports. The select team is well funded, and the privileged players don’t seem to have Alex’s challenges (she uses public transportation and must help care for Belle). The level of play is exhilarating even though Coach Austin proves to be disrespectful and dismissive of the girls he’s coaching. Alex also notices that he treats women coaches and refs with contempt. Her strong sense of justice prevails over his bullying in a believable confrontation and resolution. Matheson’s descriptions of game play are convincing and entertaining, and her voice for Alex is appealing, honest, and assured. Characters default to White, and while some racial diversity is introduced, its impact on the dynamics is unfortunately not clearly explored.

A tale of terrific girl power and athleticism.