
Reach for this book when your child's competitive drive is starting to overshadow their kindness or when 'winning at all costs' is causing friction with teammates and friends. It is a perfect fit for the middle-schooler who is deeply passionate about a hobby but struggles to manage their intensity and frustration when things do not go their way. LJ is a seventh-grade soccer star whose identity is tied to being the best, but her aggressive behavior on and off the field is alienating those she cares about. Through an unexpected friendship with Tabitha, LJ begins to see herself through others' eyes. This realistic school story helps children ages 8 to 12 navigate the delicate balance between personal ambition and empathy, modeling how to take accountability for one's actions and rebuild damaged trust.
The book deals with social exclusion and verbal aggression. The approach is direct and secular, focusing on personal growth and interpersonal consequences. The resolution is realistic: LJ doesn't change overnight, but she makes meaningful progress toward empathy.
A 10-year-old athlete who is technically gifted but struggles with sportsmanship, or any child who feels their social status depends entirely on being 'the best' in their niche.
Read cold. Parents might want to pay attention to the scenes where LJ is particularly harsh to see if they mirror specific behaviors their own child is exhibiting. A parent hears from a coach or another parent that their child was 'too intense' or unkind to a teammate during a game or practice.
Younger readers will focus on the soccer action and the basic 'be nice' message. Older middle-school readers will resonate with the complex social hierarchies and the pressure of being a 'star' student-athlete.
Unlike many sports books that focus on the 'underdog' winning, this focuses on the 'star' learning that being a winner is secondary to being a good person.
LJ is a talented soccer player whose life revolves around the game. However, her intense competitive streak has turned into a 'win at all costs' attitude that manifests as bullying and social isolation. When she is paired with Tabitha, a non-athlete with different perspectives, LJ is forced to confront her behavior and learn that there is more to life than the scoreboard.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review