by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and illustrated by Mari Costa
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Review copy provided by the publisher
Release date: July 7, 2026.
Content: There is some neglect by parents, and conflict between friends. It will be in the Middle Grade Graphic Novel section of the bookstore.

Jackson Middle School’s soccer team has gone co-ed. Al – the team captain – doesn’t like this, but mostly because his dad is staunchly against Al playing on a team with girls. Nicky, the girl who pushed for the team to go co-ed, is ecstatic once she makes the team, but is finding it difficult to be a team player. Palmer has been sidelined for the season due to a torn ACL, but is finding new talents writing for the school (and city) newspaper. And Fabiola and Seba are adjusting to life in America and learning how to belong here.

It’s a story of friendship and belonging, of teamwork and chasing your dreams, and I really enjoyed it. I do think there was a bit too much going on – not only did Nicky have issues with her old teammates who felt they dropped her for the boys, but she also had drama with her dad, who spent more time with his new girlfriend/wife than with her. Al’s biggest issue was his overbearing (and sexist) dad, a problem that was magically resolved when Al’s grandpa came to visit from Brazil and was suddenly okay with girls and boys playing soccer together. Fabiola and Seba’s problems were straightforward: they couldn’t speak English well and struggled to communicate. The characters were all pretty well developed, but I think I would have rather there be less going on. But maybe that wouldn’t have been realistic.

At any rate, it was a good graphic novel, and one I’d definitely recommend to soccer-loving kids.