I hate crying on airplanes but I will do it for the YA sports book about the goalkeeper who thinks she holds the team on her shoulders (it's possible I relate--my goalie jersey when I first started literally said "protect this house"). Evelyn has had her life mapped out since she was twelve: win a high school national championship, get recruited to Duke (*insert obligatory GO TAR HEELS here*), go pro, marry her high school sweetheart aka the quarterback. And when it's going well, that dream life she promised her mom seems just within reach. But when that perfect checklist crashes and burns around her, Evelyn has to figure out how to pick up the pieces-- and what pieces she even wants to keep. 

This book tries to tackle a lot of things, from queer theory to gender equality in sports to academic explorations and a little bit of high school romance on the side, but what really shines in Rosewater's writing is Evelyn's internal struggle to recognize the roadblocks that her astronomical expectations have placed in her way of finding joy again, in her life, family, friends, and in field hockey. The panicky, gut-wrenching pain she struggles through in silence, thinking she has to bear it alone (maybe it is a goalie thing??), and learning how to come out the other side of that--and that YES you can come out the other side--is an important experience to share. 

 While I found the plot growing increasingly predictable, the emotional development of Rafe and Jeremy really pulled me through the book. Each moment was steeped in soft, heart-wrenching magic, beautifully written, as two lost boys found their way back to each other. 

 Paulino's debut novel offers an inside perspective to the mind and heart of Alex Ramirez, a neurodivergent seventh grader with big dreams-- if only he can get his teacher, his principle, his mom to understand that he is ready for more of a challenge. The journey of Alex's relationship with his mom is especially touching as they both struggle with change and growth. PS- Paulino weaves the bilingual nature of Alex's world very seamlessly...keep google translate on standby if, like me, you've dumped all your high school Spanish from your brain. 

 Cute story and art, writing and dialogue is a bit clunky. 

 I didn't know I needed a queer pairs figure skating routine soundtracked by 'Defying Gravity' but I am beyond glad it found its way to me. Charlie Porter is raw and unfiltered in the best way and her emotional journey is one you will be happy to trek with her as she takes a long hard look at herself in the mirror.

(PS- Carli Corson, can we be friends? Do you write Gelphie fanfic and if so please send a link) 

The world building here was incredibly intricate and interesting but I was not at all invested in the romance.

 Absolutely in love with this middle grade debut from Emily Deibert, championing women's hockey and team sports as an avenue for growth- communication, collaboration, and confidence. Bea's character was a joy to travel with through the emotional rollercoaster of middle school, first crushes, and finding something you really love (even if you are never going to be the best at it). Tearing up and cheering for the Glenwood Geese as they pave their own way forward.