2013
WISE Score
Amazon
A soccer-star-penned novel that’s actually good and doesn’t need a parental advisory sticker.
4.6
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If your kid spends every weekend at a soccer complex, buy this book. It’s clean, empowering, and written by one of the best to ever play the game.
While it's from 2013, the themes of sportsmanship and middle-school friendship haven't aged a day. It’s the opposite of brain rot—it’s a solid, healthy story that encourages kids to work hard and play fair.
You won't find any 'edgy' content here, just a well-told story about a girl trying to turn a losing team into a winning one.
Best for ages 7 to 12. It’s perfect for the elementary or middle schooler who lives in their soccer uniform, but probably too simple for high schoolers.
It's a textbook example of positive middle-grade fiction. The story centers on teamwork, resilience, and navigating the social hierarchy of a new school without being catty or cruel.
Standard realistic fiction. It doesn't break new ground in terms of world-building or creative structure, but it effectively puts the reader in the cleats of a competitive athlete.
Clean as a whistle. No language, no violence, and no mature themes that would catch a parent off guard. It's a very 'safe' pick for a classroom or home library.
Teaches genuine leadership skills and the importance of 'grit.' It's also written by Alex Morgan, providing a strong female role model for young athletes.
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