By Yamile Saied Méndez
Publication Date: 2026
Joy for Books Review Score: 98%
Description from Bookshop.org: At twelve 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.Then everything changes at the State Cup semifinal. After an embarrassing moment on the field, Valeria's team is unexpectedly eliminated and everyone who used to treat her as their secret weapon now sees her as their weakest link. 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. 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.
Joy for Books reviewer comments: "The main character is well rounded. She is Latina with authentic representation including family, friends. It is an engaging story with conversations around culture, self-esteem and perseverance. Cover art was the only illustration in the book. It depicts a young female athlete who appears determined and focused. The novel addresses several health-related topics in an age-appropriate way, including: Physical development and puberty, body awareness and self-confidence, physical fitness through sports, emotional well-being and resilience, and healthy teamwork... This is an excellent choice for young athletes, especially girls... Valeria, the main character is relatable. Her relationship and interactions with her grandparents was one of my favorite parts of the book. I also appreciate how the author avoids reducing culture to food, language, or traditions alone and instead presents a multidimensional family and community."
By Yamile Saied Méndez
Publication Date: 2026
Joy for Books Review Score: 98%
Description from Bookshop.org: At twelve 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.Then everything changes at the State Cup semifinal. After an embarrassing moment on the field, Valeria's team is unexpectedly eliminated and everyone who used to treat her as their secret weapon now sees her as their weakest link. 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. 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.
Joy for Books reviewer comments: "The main character is well rounded. She is Latina with authentic representation including family, friends. It is an engaging story with conversations around culture, self-esteem and perseverance. Cover art was the only illustration in the book. It depicts a young female athlete who appears determined and focused. The novel addresses several health-related topics in an age-appropriate way, including: Physical development and puberty, body awareness and self-confidence, physical fitness through sports, emotional well-being and resilience, and healthy teamwork... This is an excellent choice for young athletes, especially girls... Valeria, the main character is relatable. Her relationship and interactions with her grandparents was one of my favorite parts of the book. I also appreciate how the author avoids reducing culture to food, language, or traditions alone and instead presents a multidimensional family and community."