THIS is the book so many of my students need.

Furia follows the story of Camila Hassan, a multiracial girl in Rosario, Argenina who lives secret, hidden lives. She hides her pain at her father's abusive words. She hides her love for Diego, her childhood friend and now international soccer star in Italy. But her biggest secret is that she plays soccer and that she has talent. She is La Furia on the field, unstoppable.

From the back of the book: "But the path ahead isn’t easy. Her parents don’t know about her passion. They wouldn’t allow a girl to play fútbol—and she needs their permission to go any farther. And the boy she once loved is back in town. Since he left, Diego has become an international star, playing in Italy for the renowned team Juventus. Camila doesn’t have time to be distracted by her feelings for him. Things aren’t the same as when he left: she has her own passions and ambitions now, and La Furia cannot be denied. As her life becomes more complicated, Camila is forced to face her secrets and make her way in a world with no place for the dreams and ambition of a girl like her. "

This book sits at the intersection of sports, love, secrets, family, justice, politics, advocacy, sacrifice, ambition, and most importantly, possibility.

I love this strong South American character. She does make mistakes and she's definitely a teenager. But she is true to herself and she stands up for what she believes in. Its' impossible to not love her. Pick up this book, and you'll love Furia too.