Hello! I'm Afoma.
  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading

Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading

Book Reviews, Graphic Novels · September 30, 2022

Graphic Novel Review | Play Like a Girl

Graphic Novel Review - Play Like a Girl

Summary: Play Like a Girl

In Play Like a Girl, author Misty Wilson chronicles her year on the boy’s football team in her town. When she gets mocked for wanting to play football with the boys, Misty determines she’ll sign up for the team with her best friend (who’s convinced because she wants time with boys). But the training process is rigorous, and playing football is physically challenging — especially with boys. It gets harder when her bestie gives up on Misty and their friendship. Can Misty make it work? And will she rebuild her social life?

The Good

This was such a unique graphic novel. It reminded me of Roller Girl in some ways since football is a similarly physical sport. Misty struggles a bit because her mom is super occupied with her twin infant siblings and Misty’s other siblings (about three of them). Thankfully, her stepfather is engaged with football and helpful with her practice and goals.

Like many great sports graphic novels, this one does a fantastic job of bringing the sport to life. I still don’t understand how football works, but I was hooked from start to finish as Misty trained, got stronger, and became a beast on the pitch. This book also challenges gender norms because the fact that Misty likes football doesn’t make her less of a girl.

Finally, even though some girls are mean about Misty being sweaty or playing with the boys instead of being a cheerleader, Misty does find her tribe of friends, which is always heartwarming.

Overall: Play Like a Girl

Play Like a Girl is a compelling, heartfelt middle grade graphic memoir about challenging the status quo, playing football, and finding your tribe. Featuring an easy-to-root-for protagonist and well-loved sport, this graphic memoir will be a big hit for older middle schoolers discovering who they are and learning to stick to what they love regardless of public opinion.


Buy This Book

Play Like a Girl

buy on amazon

More Graphic Novel Reviews

  • Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas
  • Chunky by Yehudi Mercado
  • Twins by Varian Johnson

Don't Forget to Share!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
  • LinkedIn

Related

Posted In: Book Reviews, Graphic Novels

Join My Newsletter

Like what you just read? Sign up for my Friday kidlit newsletter!

Privacy Policy

You’ll Also Love

Graphic Novel Review | Invisible
REVIEW | THE UNDOING OF THISTLE TATE
Graphic Novel Review | Pawcasso

What do you think? Leave a comment Cancel reply

Next Post >

Picture Books About Dragons

About Me
Hi, I'm Afoma! Thank you for stopping by. Learn more about me here.

Get 2 Months Free on Scribd


Follow on Bloglovin’

Follow

We’re Social Too!

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Stock photos courtesy of our partners at DepositPhotos 📸
  • Blog
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Reading Middle Grade · Theme by 17th Avenue

 

Loading Comments...