Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

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 solid, feel-good YA that does exactly what it promises: sports, romance, girl power, and a satisfying ending. It's not groundbreaking literature, but it's the kind of book that gets reluctant readers hooked and keeps them turning pages.

The 'girl plays football' premise could've been gimmicky, but Henning uses it to explore actual gender dynamics and personal growth. Liv isn't just proving boys wrong—she's rebuilding herself after a massive public failure, which is relatable for any teen navigating high school social dynamics.

The romance hits the sweet spot of swoonworthy without being inappropriate, and the fact that Grey isn't perfect adds some depth. School Library Journal's stamp of approval for younger readers is legit—this is a safe bet for parents worried about content.

Bottom line: If your kid likes sports, romance, or stories about second chances, grab this. If they're looking for literary fiction or hate predictable plots, maybe not. But for a fun, empowering read that won't keep you up at night worrying about what they're absorbing? Touchdown.

Age Fit

Perfect for middle schoolers (12-14) who love sports, romance, or underdog stories. The clean content and straightforward writing make it accessible for younger teens, while the themes of redemption and gender dynamics give older middle schoolers something to chew on. High schoolers might find it a bit predictable unless they're die-hard contemporary romance fans.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Uplifting underdog sports story with positive themes of perseverance, finding your place after setbacks, and breaking gender barriers. The protagonist rebuilds her life after losing everything, models resilience, and challenges stereotypes by playing football. Romance is swoonworthy but age-appropriate. School Library Journal notes 'no sex and only mild swearing.' The tone is feel-good with supportive friendships and personal growth.

Imaginative

68

While the premise of a girl joining the football team to earn a softball spot is creative and the 'shocking twists' suggest some narrative surprises, this is fundamentally a contemporary YA romance following familiar beats: disgraced athlete, new school, charming love interest with secrets, redemption arc. The sports setting offers some fresh angles on gender dynamics, but it doesn't push boundaries or invite deep creative thinking beyond enjoying the story.

Safe

88

Very safe for the teen audience. School Library Journal explicitly calls it 'appropriate for younger readers' with 'no sex and only mild swearing.' The inciting incident—Liv punching someone during a game—is addressed as a mistake with consequences rather than glorified. No trigger warnings, graphic content, or unexpected mature themes. The romance is clean and the sports violence is standard for the genre.

Enriching

75

Tackles meaningful themes: consequences of poor choices, gender stereotypes in sports, perseverance after public failure, and not judging people by their surface charm. Liv's journey from private school star to public school outsider offers perspective on privilege and adaptability. The football-playing-girl angle naturally sparks conversations about gender roles and what it means to 'throw like a girl.' Strong character development and the reality that Grey 'may not be so perfect' teaches discernment in relationships.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Flips the 'throw like a girl' insult into an empowering sports story about breaking gender barriers in football
Tackles real consequences—losing scholarships, friendships, and status after one impulsive mistake
Romance with actual character development: the charming quarterback has flaws and the relationship isn't just surface-level swooning
Fast-paced, accessible read that reluctant readers actually finish (School Library Journal confirms younger teens can handle it)
Girl-power vibes without being preachy—Liv earns her spot through skill and grit, not speeches

⚠

What to Watch For

The inciting punch might worry some parents, but it's clearly framed as a mistake with serious consequences—good teaching moment
Mild swearing throughout (nothing beyond what middle schoolers hear daily)
Romance is central to the plot, so if your kid rolls their eyes at relationship drama, they might lose interest
Pretty predictable YA formula—if they've read a dozen sports romances, this won't blow their mind

Conversation Starters

"Liv loses everything after one punch. Have you ever made a split-second decision you regretted? What did you learn?"
"Why do you think people say 'throw like a girl' as an insult? What would you say back?"
"Grey seems perfect at first but has his own issues. How do you tell if someone's actually trustworthy versus just charming?"
"Would you join a team where you knew you'd face the person you hurt every single day? What would that take?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Throw Like a Girl