Playing with the Boys

Reader reviewed by Andrea

Now moving to California is not something Lucy wants,but like that matters to anyone. Lucy has always been into soccer and made the soccer team in her other school. When Lucy gives her all to be on BeachWood High California soccer team she doesn't make it.What everybody does know is Lucy is a great Kicker and the schools football team happens to be looking for a new kicker. Lucy has to over come the challenge of  being a girl football player and show the world a teamate is a teamate not mater what gender. A strong woman who is determine to do what she belivies in is a book I will always enjoy,this is why i say what are u waiting for pick this book up.

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

Lucy Malone has just moved to Malibu, California, and even though shes got a totally awesome room in an amazing new house, things arent going well. All her friends are back home in Toledo, Ohio, and it doesnt seem like shes going to be making any new friends soon. But opportunity soon presents itself in the form of soccer tryouts. Lucy was on the varsity soccer team at her old school, so being on the team in Malibu would be a chance to show off something shes good at. But shes not good enough; she doesnt make the final cut for the team and is heartbroken.

Lucy doesnt feel that she has anything going for her now until the soccer coach Martie suggests Lucy use her strong and accurate kick to try out for the boys varsity football team. At first, Lucy is skeptical; after all, she is a girl who wants to fit in. But then she gives it a try and makes it. She soon finds out that football may be her calling. Unfortunately, her father forbids her from playing football, but that doesnt stop Lucy.

Lucy constantly feels like she has to prove herself. Along with joining the football team comes hazing and potential friends. Throughout the novel, Lucys tentative friendships with members of the soccer team, the football team, several popular cheerleaders, her father, and a very sweet boy named Benji are tried. Lucy finds out which friendships are worth it, and comes to terms with her father.

Playing with the Boys was a thoroughly enjoyable novel, even though I didnt understand most of the football terms. I am definitely not a sports person, so I found it relieving that I was learning all about football along with Lucy. The novel was very straightforward and slightly predictable, but it didnt make the story any less sweet. I recommend this book to people who like sports novels, such as Pretty Tough also by Liz Tigelaar, Screwball by Keri Mikulski, and Dairy Queen and The Off Season by Catherine Murdock. I actually havent read any of these novels yet, but am planning on it because Playing with the Boys was such a fun novel to read.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com/