Michigan vs. the Boys – Carrie S. Allen

Michigan vs. the Boys by Carrie S. Allen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
Published: October 1st, 2019
Publisher: KCP Loft
Recommended Age: 12+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Sports, Bullying, Romance, Sisterhood

REVIEW:

Let me tell you right from the start that Michigan is one strong, dedicated, admirable heroine who deserved to have her story written. She could be a real girl, literally, because she feels real and she faces real challenges and relating to her was one of the easiest things I’ve ever done in my entire life.

Her girls’ hockey team was dismantled so she needs to find another one for her to be able to keep practicing the one sport that keeps her on her feet, motivated to the fullest, all day long. Unfortunately, or fortunately, she manages to win a place on the boys’ hockey team, but they have no interest in a female teammate and aren’t afraid to show Michigan just how unwelcome she is.

This isn’t a happy, wish-fulfilling story. It might even discourage you from trying out for a boys’ team or a contact sport in general. But it’s a story that absolutely needed to be told and that I did not want to put down. The boys are hard on Michigan but she endures… over and over again. It’s frustrating and unfair and disgusting and ugly, but it’s a story with a message that is conveyed through Michigan’s character development and hard work.

Another Kids Can Press winner for me. I don’t know who is editing these books but whoever they are, they are doing a fantastic job. I also have THE HIVE to read from this publishing house so I am excited to dive into that one now!

lolareviewer