This terrific new book tells the story of Kristy, who is a star soccer player with big ambition. But she suffers a concussion and suddenly everything is different-her friends and teammates, her family, even the way she feels is different. This is a well written story about how people adapt when things change and how difficult it is to be limited by something that isn't visible to others. Kids are going to enjoy reading this very helpful story.

I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.

How do you go from being at the top of your game, to not even being on the bench? Kristy is good at soccer. So good that she's a top high school varsity player in 7th grade. So good that she's been scouted for the National team and as a potential Olympian. So good that her future is written for her,

Until a bad fall and head injury causes a major concussion, and lasting post-concussive syndrome. Panic attacks, mood swings, headaches, unable to even tolerate being in school for a day, and, perhaps, never stepping onto a soccer field again.

Concussions are something that often aren't talked about much. I appreciated that they pointed out that Kristy had experienced mild ones in the past, which set her up for the more major one down the road. Kristy's struggles both with her change in condition and that her life had revolved around soccer, so she really didn't have a lot of friends her age nor was she a social peer to her teammates, were real...and hard to read. There's no easy win, no miracle cure.


I think a lot of kids will benefit from this book. I'm glad it exists.

Kristy loves soccer and wants to be the best in state and maybe even be a future Olympian. That changes when a collision on the field ends up giving her a concussion. She wonders if she’ll ever be the same. She feels shame and thinks the team doesn’t need her. Kristy feels she’s lost her identity and doesn’t know herself anymore. After hanging out with neighbor Jimmy, she starts to find pleasure in life. She goes to a therapist who tells her stay aware of your feelings. Her dad tells I just want you to be happy, and then Kristy realizes she doesn’t miss soccer. Will she ever play again?

Kristy Barrett’s life is soccer. She lives and breathes soccer every minute of the day and is always with her beloved soccer ball. And, she has been a star since elementary school, and now is so good that she's been told she may someday make the women's Olympic team. Middle schoolers Lristy has been invited to p,as on the high school girls soccer team.
As with athlete sports injuries are a reality of competitive play and Kristy suffers a serious concussion. Everything changes in an instant, when a blow to her head during a game results in a life changing moment. It's not her first head injury, but it's the worst one she's ever had. The doctors say it will take time to recover, but they can’t predict how long. Kristy sees her team is moving on without her, and her purpose, soccer, seems suddenly out of reach. Her identity is gone and her days are filled with pain and panic attacks. Now her supportive sports dad is frustrated with Kristy, complicating the matter.
She encounters two unexpected new friendships and helpful therapists, who help her rebuild her life. Will the new Kristy’s life include soccer again?

This is a good and engaging story for readers who love sports, of course soccer, even though the story is not about the game. It’s her journey through a middle school girl’s difficult recovery.

The cover art perfectly fits the content.

James Preller is the author of the ever so popular Jigsaw Jones mystery series.