Kicking Off

Kicking Off

book

2020, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

WISE
84%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Shy factory girl finds her courage on the pitch with WWI's forgotten football legends—the Dick, Kerr Ladies.

Amazon4.6
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

This is a solid middle-grade read that does something genuinely valuable: it resurrects a forgotten piece of women's sports history and wraps it in an accessible coming-of-age story. The Dick, Kerr Ladies really existed, and their story deserves to be known.

The book won't blow anyone's mind with literary innovation, but it delivers what it promises—a heartwarming tale about finding courage and community through sport, with the added bonus of teaching kids about WWI home front history and early women's football. The shy-girl-to-confident-player arc is well-trodden but effective, and the historical setting adds depth.

It's particularly great for sports-loving kids who are tired of boy-centric football stories, or history buffs looking for something beyond the usual WWII fare. The 4.6 Amazon rating suggests parents and kids are responding well. Not a must-read for every kid, but a strong choice for the right reader.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-13, especially readers who love sports stories or historical fiction. The WWI setting and factory work context make it more appropriate for upper elementary and middle school than younger kids, though the content itself is quite safe.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

A heartwarming story about a shy teenage girl finding courage and community through women's football during WWI. Models perseverance, teamwork, and female empowerment. The historical setting of munitions factory work during wartime adds gravity without being inappropriate, and the focus on friendship and personal growth is emotionally healthy. No concerning content regarding relationships, language, or behavior.

Imaginative
76

Based on the true story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies football team—a fascinating slice of forgotten history that most kids won't know about. The premise of young women making sporting history while working in a munitions factory during WWI is inherently creative and offers a fresh perspective on both sports and women's history. However, it's a fairly straightforward historical fiction narrative rather than something wildly inventive or fantastical. The imaginative appeal comes more from discovering a hidden piece of history than from narrative innovation.

Safe
92

Very safe for middle-grade readers. No violence, profanity, sexual content, or disturbing themes. The WWI setting and munitions factory work could involve brief mentions of war context, but this is a sports story focused on the home front, not combat. The Amazon rating of 4.6/5 suggests strong parent approval with no red flags raised. Historical children's fiction about this era typically handles wartime context sensitively.

Enriching
85

Highly educational on multiple fronts: introduces readers to a genuine piece of forgotten sports history (the Dick, Kerr Ladies were real pioneers), explores women's contributions to WWI on the home front, and addresses themes of courage, social change, and finding your place in the world. The historical setting provides rich context for discussions about gender roles, working conditions, and how sports can be a vehicle for social progress. Strong messages about female empowerment and overcoming shyness.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Uncovers a genuinely fascinating piece of forgotten history—most kids (and adults) have never heard of these pioneering women footballers
  • Strong message about female empowerment and finding courage, set against the backdrop of women stepping into new roles during WWI
  • Perfect for sports-loving readers who want something beyond the typical boy-centric football story
  • Historical setting provides rich context for discussions about social change, gender roles, and how far women's sports have come
  • The shy-girl-finds-confidence arc is relatable and emotionally satisfying
⚠

What to Watch For

  • WWI setting means some background context about war and munitions factory work—handled appropriately but worth noting
  • Best suited for kids who already have some interest in sports or history; might not grab reluctant readers
  • The historical language and setting may feel slightly distant to modern middle-graders used to contemporary stories

Conversation Starters

  • "Why do you think women's football was forgotten for so long? What other 'hidden history' stories do you think are out there?"
  • "Hettie starts out really shy—what helps her find courage? When have you had to push yourself out of your comfort zone?"
  • "The Dick, Kerr Ladies played during WWI when men were away fighting. How did the war change what women were 'allowed' to do?"
  • "Why do you think it's important to tell stories about women in sports? How is women's football different today compared to 1917?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Kicking Off? Put this WISE score on your site