by Dahlia Adler
First published 2024
These teenage athletes know what winning demands. They train through exhaustion, perfect their techniques, and push their bodies to new limits. But the playing field isn't level. Female players confront coaches who doubt their abilities, teammates who question their commitment, and communities that dismiss their achievements. A basketball player battles for equal gym time while her male counterparts get prime practice slots. A soccer star navigates team politics when newcomers threaten established hierarchies. A swimmer discovers that individual excellence means nothing without crew support. Each story reveals how these young women transform obstacles into opportunities. They build unbreakable bonds through shared struggle and mutual respect. Competition becomes collaboration as rivals become allies. The anthology captures both the physical demands of athletic performance and the emotional resilience required to succeed when the world expects you to fail. These athletes compete not just for trophies but for recognition, respect, and the right to play.
Genres: feminism, contemporary, sports, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, overcoming-obstacles
336 pages · Hardcover · Feiwel & Friends
Content warnings: sexism