From the Publisher
Rusch writes lucidly about the frustration, anger, and determination of the talented athletes who worked together in a fight that took approximately three decades, and readers will come away empowered by her presentation of the impact of collective action. . . .While at its heart, this is an engaging account of a legal battle, there’s also plenty of soccer” — Booklist (starred review)
“In tracing the battle for equal pay and equal treatment waged by the United States Women’s National Team. . . Rusch. . . pulls off quite a feat: she keeps readers riveted by edge-of-their-seats descriptions of individual World Cup and Olympic games while educating them about gender bias, Title IX, the effects of concussion, contract negotiations, grass versus turf fields, class action lawsuits, and more. . . . For such a thorough and comprehensive account, the telling is remarkably lively. . . and filled with drama, sheroes, and villains.” — Horn Book (starred review)
“This thorough history of the U.S. Women’s National Team centers on the players’ decades long battle with the U.S. Soccer Federation for pay equity. . . . The thrilling accounts of memorable moments on the pitch vividly contrast with the crushing realities of the team members’ unfair treatment. . . . The text shows the players’ successes, letdowns, solidarity building, and resolve with depth and honesty. . . . An engaging, informative, and valuable contribution to the historical record.” — Kirkus Reviews
"Rusch uses her research skills and passion for nonfiction texts for teens to bring awareness about advocacy to a younger generation, one that has reaped rewards but has yet to achieve true equality. . . . This work profiles women’s equality in sports like a book about women’s suffrage or education and provides a perspective on the historical and contemporary vantage point of those topics: important to know." — School Library Journal
School Library Journal
12/30/2024
Gr 10 Up—The topic of equality in sports between women and men, especially on pay, is the focus of Rusch's nonfiction book. Touching on the passage of Title IX and specific sporting events, such as the World Cup and the Olympics, the book profiles the contributions of women who not only sought equal pay but also to raise awareness that their games were advertised less, sponsored unequally, and that simple accommodations at home and abroad were subpar to men. The intention of showcasing the work done but also recognizing that there is much more that needs to be accomplished, is apparent. Rusch uses her research skills and passion for nonfiction texts for teens to bring awareness about advocacy to a younger generation, one that has reaped rewards but has yet to achieve true equality. Where this work doesn't reach its intended audience is in the writing that reads dryly with plenty of facts, names, and events, but without the necessary intensity to propel it. Extensive back matter, mined source notes, and quotes will prove helpful for teens conducting research, yet it lacks the excitement of a true narrative nonfiction that will leave teens eager to uncover the backstory. VERDICT This work profiles women's equality in sports like a book about women's suffrage or education and provides a perspective on the historical and contemporary vantage point of those topics: important to know.—Alicia Abdul
OCTOBER 2024 - AudioFile
Narrator Eva Kaminsky gives this audiobook the respect it deserves as the author recounts the saga of the U.S. women's soccer team, whose players fought for an equal playing field through pay equity. Kaminsky clearly narrates with an interested tone, emotionally invested but never over the top. Every time she uses an accent in quoting someone, she does so with just the right touch; one example is her delivery of a British accent. The women faced resistance in their years-long fight, and Kaminsky brings their determination to the forefront with a solid narration. The audiobook is a great breakdown of what the team experienced, enhanced by Kaminsky's timing, especially when emphasizing the players' frustration. M.B. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2024-07-04
This thorough history of the U.S. Women’s National Team centers on the players’ decadeslong battle with the U.S. Soccer Federation for pay equity.
Rusch tells the story chronologically and enriches her writing with clever soccer-inspired language. She uses well-cited primary and secondary research to highlight voices and stories from the racially diverse (though majority-white) group of athletes. The thrilling accounts of memorable moments on the pitch vividly contrast with the crushing realities of the team members’ unfair treatment by their employer. Though the book includes multiple perspectives and opinions, the featured narratives and examples pertaining to the team’s salary, working conditions, and more make a compelling case in favor of the women athletes. The text shows the players’ successes, letdowns, solidarity building, and resolve with depth and honesty. The team’s collective bargaining and legal processes are clarified in detail, offering important context and informing readers’ understanding beyond the world of soccer. While individual players receive the spotlight, the focus remains on the entire team’s shared risk-taking and their commitment to present and future generations of players worldwide. Rusch notes gender diversity beyond the male-female binary in passing. The broader conversations and accounts relating to gender equity and equal pay are expansive, however, encouraging readers to learn more and get involved in this global issue.
An engaging, informative, and valuable contribution to the historical record. (source notes, index)(Nonfiction. 13-18)
