
Reach for this book when your daughter is navigating the pressure of being a daughter, a student, and an athlete while trying to define her own worth outside of male-dominated expectations. It is a powerful choice for teens grappling with the tension between family loyalty and personal ambition, or those facing cultural barriers to their dreams. Set in Rosario, Argentina, the story follows Camila, who lives a double life: she is a quiet, dutiful daughter at home but a fierce soccer phenom known as La Furia on the pitch. As she navigates a toxic home life, a budding romance with an international soccer star, and the chance of a lifetime to play in the US, she must decide if the risk of being her true self is worth the cost. This is a gritty, realistic contemporary novel for older teens that tackles themes of gender inequality, domestic abuse, and the resilience required to break cycles of silence. Parents will appreciate the book's nuanced depiction of female empowerment and the courageous way it addresses social justice issues within a sports context.
Some realistic teenage profanity.
Blooming romance, kissing, and emotional longing.
Themes of femicide and systemic violence against women in the community.
Depictions of domestic abuse and physical altercations involving the father.
The book deals directly and realistically with domestic violence, specifically the physical and emotional abuse perpetrated by Camila's father. It also addresses 'femicide' and violence against women in Argentina. The resolution is realistic and empowering, focusing on Camila's agency rather than a magical fix to her family dynamics.
A 15-to-17-year-old who feels 'hidden' in her own life, perhaps a competitive athlete or someone who feels constrained by expectations.
Preview scenes of domestic outbursts and the discussion of 'Ni Una Menos' (a movement against violence toward women). A parent might see their child shrinking when a specific family member enters the room, or hear their child express that their dreams are less important than those of their brothers.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the secret double life and the romance. Older teens (17-18) will better grasp the systemic critiques of patriarchy and the gravity of the social justice themes.
Unlike many sports novels, soccer isn't just a hobby here; it is a literal vehicle for survival and social commentary on the Ni Una Menos movement. ```
Camila Hassan lives in Rosario, Argentina, under the shadow of her brother's rising soccer career and her father's abusive, volatile temper. Secretly, Camila is an elite talent herself, playing for a local women's team. When her team qualifies for a major tournament, she faces a crossroads: play it safe and stay the 'good girl,' or risk everything to earn a scholarship to a North American university. The return of her childhood love, Diego, now a world-famous star, adds a layer of romantic tension that tests her resolve to prioritize her own future. The book is best read with an understanding of the cultural importance of fútbol in Argentina.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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