Play Like a Girl is a fantastic graphic novel. Kids love the graphic novel format, and they will be inspired by Misty's story. Books depicting girls following their dream of playing sports are much needed, and this story should be on all classroom shelves.

When she’s mocked for wanting to play with her town’s boys’ football team, Misty determines she’ll sign up for the team. But the training process is rigorous, and playing football is physically challenging—especially with boys. Brightly colored illustrations guide readers through this exhilarating sports graphic novel as Misty proves herself.

This is a fun yet heartbreaking novel that follows a character through her high school journey wanting to play football and being judged simply for her gender. I think this book is great for young girls who are constantly told no.

An excellent addition to any classroom library, PLAY LIKE A GIRL is both an inspiring and engaging read.

I read this book a minute ago, but was recently reminded about what a delight it is by one of my tweens at the library who was completely enchanted by Misty Wilson's Play Like a Girl. This book is all about empowerment, particularly for young girls and there's never going to be enough of that in the world.

Fantastic middle grade graphic memoir that explores the ups and downs of middle school friendships and being oneself despite peer reactions. Throw in some football and a subtly endearing stepfather and you’ve got a winner!

We need more books like this! I love that this graphic novel features sports. Students are always looking for more books about sports. Even better, it's a graphic novel! Just when you think there can't be more, the main character is a female football player! I can't wait to add this graphic novel to my classroom library!

Play Like a Girl is a fantastic graphic novel about Misty, a girl who loves football and is trying to navigate friendships, boys and seventh grade. Middle School readers will be able to relate to Misty's ins and outs with her childhood friend and new friends. And there are lots of female athletes out there who will see themselves in Misty as she struggles to be accepted in a boy dominated sport.

This tops my list of favorite graphic novels this year. This memoir of a female middle schooler joining her all boys football team will please both sports and non-sports lovers alike. This book is a perfect encapsulation of the struggles of middle school: navigating shifting friendships, popularity, familial dynamics and finding out what really matters. I would recommend this book for any middle school kiddo; it will surely resonate and open up many conversations.

This was really fun! I requested it knowing my students would like it and ended up finding a graphic novel that really resonated with me. I am not an athlete or a football fan, but I still found myself rooting for Misty, our 12 year old protagonist is who joins the football team. I think this book does a great job explaining football to readers who aren’t fans, and provides a lot of side plot to keep them intrigued. I found myself really caring about the team and their season, but also Misty and her friendships. I’m really excited to put this in the hands of students, who often need reminders that middle school is tough, but there are always bright spots.

I’m deducting a star because I don’t love the art, but it’s not bad. It’s just kind of bland. Still, this was super fun and I’m glad I got to read Misty’s story.

I already know that this graphic memoir is going to be a huge hit with my middle school students. Every year there are a couple girls that go out for football, and while each year they seem to be treated with a little more respect, I know that it can't be easy. As someone who loves football, it never crossed my mind when I was younger that it was something I could have done--and I often wonder if it's something I would have enjoyed.

I appreciate Wilson's candor throughout the story: she acknowledges the chaos that being on the football team caused her life while still allowing the reader to enjoy her triumphs. I love that she receives different levels of support from various people in her life, and readers will relate to a host of other issues not related to football: changing friendships, mean girls, crushes, and feeling awkward in your own skin.

This graphic novel was not at all what I expected. It was in fact more. I know it is going to appeal to boys and girls alike. I learned so much about football and I was reminded of the pain of friendships, bullying and peer pressure. Middle school is hard. Misty wants desperately to fit in and she wants to play football. Practice isn’t as easy as she thought it would be and there are guys on the team who aren’t thrilled about having a girl on their team. But there are boys who are willing to help her learn the game. Misty undertakes a courageous journey of staying true to herself and I love her for that. I think the fact that this is about football and middle school and that it is a graphic novel will guarantee that it will not stay on our shelves.

I meant to check out just one page of Misty Wilson's middle grade graphic memoir, but I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting instead! When Misty enters seventh grade she decides to join the football team. Refreshingly, the coach doesn’t bat an eye and treats her just like any team member, but some of the boys have a hard time accepting Misty as part of the team. With the help of the extra practice she puts in with her stepfather, Misty’s persistence and drive pay off, and the team--Misty included--has a great season. Off the field, Misty struggles with the way her former best friend is changing into a mean girl. Applying the determination she knows she possesses as an athlete, Misty decides it’s time to make some friends who appreciate her. With clean lines and uncluttered panels, illustrator David Wilson brings the football games to life and makes them easy to understand even for non-players. The illustrations also do a great job at underscoring Misty’s complex emotions as she navigates the ups and downs of seventh grade. This satisfying story is going to be so much fun to hand to kids who can never get enough of middle grade graphic memoir stories such as Smile and New Kid. They’re going to love it as much as I did!

Loved this graphic novel! Shows all the trials and issues young readers struggle with- friendship, identity, finding your place. Highly recommend.

I loved this book, as it resonated with me. It’s a great story about a young girl wanting to play football but the boys on the team are giving her a hard time since they don’t think a girl could play. It also has great other messages on bullying.

A good sports book that captures the hard work of being yourself. A solid book about doing what you love, finding friends, and accepting yourself. A quick read with great illustrations, kids will enjoy this one.

This truly is a book I wish I had growing up as I played different sports. I breezed through the book in a day - Misty is a character you can't help but root for! She's coming into her own and trying to navigate changing friendships, middle school, and being the only girl on the football team. The story moved fast and I really enjoyed that we got to learn more about football along with Misty.

Where was this book when I was in middle school! I absolutely loved this graphic novel. I loved how the author depicted Misty‘s struggle with wanting to play a sport that girls don’t traditionally play, while also struggling with friendships. This is one that will definitely go into my library collection!

Really wonderful GN memoir about becoming comfortable in your own skin. Storyline is engaging and easy to follow even for a football novice like myself. Artwork is vibrant and works well with the text.

I can't wait to add this Graphic Novel to our TK-8th grade Library!
Covering topics like evolving friendships, girls in male-dominated sports, being yourself, and family relationships, there is something in this book for every student!