The kickball unit is coming up in gym, and biracial (Filipina and white) Marisol is deeply worried. Her apprehension is amplified when classmate Evie brags about her kickball super skills and mocks Marisol’s lack of athleticism. Marisol is jealous of her brother Oz’s soccer prowess and angry that her dad’s oil rig job keeps him away from home, unable to provide the in-person coaching she wants. When she finally shares her concern during a family FaceTime call, her dad suggests asking Oz for help. (Oz’s main advice, which he makes Marisol repeat one word at a time: Never. Take. Your. Eye. Off. The. Ball.) Marisol’s small victory in a game (she manages to connect her kick with the ball and run to first base) is both plausible and satisfying. Authentic worries, strong emotions, and realistic drama centering on a child dealing with anxiety make this a strong follow-up to Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey. ©2022 Cooperative Children’s Book Center (Ages 6-9)