 | Offside Author: Gonzalez, Christina Diaz | |
| Price: $20.48 | ||
Summary:
Al, Nicky, Palmer, Fabiola, and Seba are all on the school soccer team. But that doesn't mean they're all on the same side. For the first time ever, the Jackson Middle School soccer team is going co-ed thanks to Nicky's determination. But Al is going to do whatever he can to keep the girls off the team. When Al and Nicky's rivalry threatens to tear the team apart, everyone's going to have to pick sides. And maybe the only way to truly win is together. In graphic novel format.
| Illustrator: | Costa, Mari |
| Pien, Lark |
Reviews:
School Library Journal (06/01/26)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 06/01/2026 Gr 5–8—A newly formed coed soccer team ignites a frenzy among a group of seventh-grade soccer enthusiasts when some of the boys attempt to sabotage their girl teammates by hiding important safety equipment and using the school newspaper to sway opinions. Nicky, who reads as white, is highly competitive with a cutthroat attitude, informing everyone she is not here to make friends but to win. Meanwhile, Al is facing pressure from his father to not play on a coed team, which is amplified when Al's grandfather visits from Brazil, where girls' soccer was banned during his youth. The weight of that history carries forward as generational machismo tumbles over to Al and his dad. Fabiola and Sebastian do not speak much English, and Palmer, who is out this season due to an injury, writes for the school paper and doubles as a translator between the kids and coaches. Spanish is featured throughout. Soccer fans will appreciate mentions of players, such as Marta as well as allusions to Ted Lasso. The book sprinkles in strong messages about real friendship, sportsmanship, gender stereotyping, and the power of the press. Gonzalez encourages kid activism with important lessons that anyone can effect change in their community, no matter their age. This title can be a companion to Carl Hiaasen's middle grade books about gender inequality in sports. A glossary of soccer terms and an explanation of what an offside are in the back. VERDICT A perfect graphic novel for soccer lovers and fans of Raina Telgemeier.—Laura Dooley-Taylor - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
