THE BEAUTIFUL GAME, by Yamile Saied Méndez, Algonquin Young Readers, Sept. 17, 2024, $16.99 (ages 9 and up)
A soccer player is forced to rethink everything she knows about the sport in The Beautiful Game, by Yamile Saied Méndez.
At thirteen years old, Valeria “Magic” Salomón is already the best soccer player her town has ever seen. She has talent in spades and an abuelo whose tough-love coaching and lessons about “strength and honor” have made her the star of the Overlords, the top boys’ team in the state.
But everything changes at the State Cup semi-final when Valeria gets her first period while Wearing. White. Shorts.
After her team is unexpectedly eliminated, she goes from their secret weapon to their scapegoat. Soon, she doesn’t have a team at all anymore. She’s not sure she has a relationship with her grandfather either.
Valeria’s a fighter, however. And with the help of her grandmother and support of her cheerleader BFF, she finds herself on a girls’ team for the first time. But the Amazons aren’t exactly excited to have her there. After all, Valeria’s spent years ignoring their existence. With the next tournament looming on the horizon, Valeria has a month to figure out her place on her new team and learn how to play like a girl. —Synopsis provided by Algonquin Young Readers
The Beautiful Game drops readers into the competitive world of American youth soccer. And while this book is compelling for readers who aren’t as familiar with the sport, it’s going to heavily resonate with those who are.
At the center of the story is Valeria, a 13-year-old who is being raised by her grandparents. All she’s ever wanted to do is play soccer and make her grandfather proud. But when things with her team suddenly go wrong, she’s made to feel like it’s all her fault.
And while soccer is the backdrop against which The Beautiful Game plays out, there’s much more to the story. Author Yamile Saied Méndez expertly explores themes of intergenerational family dynamics, gender expectations, building friendships and learning to trust yourself. And the scenes surrounding Valeria’s first period will ring true with girls everywhere.
The Beautiful Game is a stand-alone contemporary novel that’s heartfelt and full of on-the-field excitement.
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