Misty is fiercely competitive and loves sports, especially football. When she decides to join the football team in seventh grade, she convinces her best friend, Bree, to do it with her. Bree doesn’t love the sport or the hard work and soon quits, but Misty sticks with it, earning a place in the starting lineup. Misty Wilson recounts the singular year in her life when she was not only navigating her position as the only girl on the football team—most players respect her, though one refuses to accept her presence—but also the changing relationships and social pressures of middle school that leave her feeling uncertain about where she fits in. At home, Misty’s stepdad is especially enthusiastic about her playing; but Misty feels ignored in general by her mom, who is overwhelmed caring for young twins. At the same time, Misty ignores her younger sister without seeing the parallels. The sports, friendship, and family storylines all seamlessly intertwine in this lively, honest, sometimes painfully funny (e.g., Misty’s first foray into using makeup) graphic memoir. (Ages 10-13)

Debut author Misty Wilson chronicles her seventh-grade experience as the only girl on her town’s football team in this empowering graphic memoir about teamwork, friendship, crushes, and touchdowns.

Misty never shies away from a challenge, on or off the field. So when the boys tell her she can’t play football, there’s only one thing to do: join their team and show them what she’s got.

But the training is rougher than she thought—and so are the other guys, who aren’t thrilled about having a girl on their team.

Middle school isn’t so easy, either. Misty wants to fit in with the popular kids, but they think a girl playing football is “weird.” Even her best friend doesn’t get it.

Can Misty find a way to score points with her teammates, make new friends, and show everyone—including herself—what it means to play like a girl?

“I am a huge fan of Misty and her courageous journey of staying true to herself. Readers will love her!” —Terri Libenson, New York Times bestselling author of the Emmie & Friends series

“This is the book I wish I’d had as a kid. Misty’s passion for football and her fight to play in a male-dominated sport while balancing friendship and crushes makes for a winning read!” —Dr. Jen Welter, first female NFL coach, first female running back in men’s pro football, and founder of Grrridiron Girls