Reading Metrics
Description
When everyone, including Ben, her friend from kindergarten, tries to get thirteen-year-old Joanna off the boys' ice hockey team, she resolves to deal with the problems caused by her participation.
Quick Summary
If you've got a kid who loves sports stories or books about standing up for themselves, this one's worth picking up. Joanna's determined to stay on the boys' hockey team despite everyone including her longtime friend Ben trying to convince her she doesn't belong, and watching her handle that pressure is honestly pretty fun. The story balances the on-ice action with the messiness of middle school friendships and figuring out who you are, which makes it feel real rather than preachy. It's got humor, some nail-biting game moments, and enough heart to stick with readers after they finish. Parents will appreciate that it deals with perseverance and dealing with critics in a way that feels age-appropriate without talking down to kids. If your reader enjoyed books like "The Best of the Best" or other middle-grade sports novels with strong characters, they'll likely click with this one too.