Head to Head
by Jennifer Manuel
A young teen girl learns to overcome her rivalry with a soccer teammate so they can lead the team together.
"Features a diverse cast of characters, including one with cerebral palsy, and the book celebrates confident girls in sports." — School Library Journal
Nominated for the Red Cedar Book AwardÂ
With characters who display diversity in ethnicity and leadership style, Head to Head is based in Victoria, British Columbia, and focuses on empowering girls to work together and develop leadership qualities. Readers will instantly recognize the struggle of dealing with someone they don't get along with as main character Emika struggles to connect with her co-captain on the soccer team named Maram. Rather than portraying others as inherently difficult and avoidable, Head to Head instead illuminates healthy relationships and teamwork, particularly for young girls.
About the Author
JENNIFER MANUEL was the 2017 winner of the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize and was named A Writer to Watch by the CBC in 2016. Jennifer teaches elementary and high school in the traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth peoples, where she coaches the youth basketball team. She also plays goalie in a men's hockey league. Jennifer is the author of Dressed to Play in the Lorimer Sports Stories series. Jennifer lives in Duncan, British Columbia.
Reviews
"Manuel’s characters display diversity in both ethnicity and leadership style and must struggle with dealing with someone they don’t normally get along with. The book illustrates healthy relationships and teamwork throughout."
"A good read about teamsmanship, fair play and winners and losers. Highly recommended."
"Features a diverse cast of characters, including one with cerebral palsy, and the book celebrates confident girls in sports."
Awards
Subjects (BISAC)
Subjects
Similar Titles
-
Hockey Night in Transcona
When Coach Brackett takes his own son off the front line so that Cody can take his place,
Cody has to decide what's more important taking his time to shine, or sticking up for a friend.$9.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 4Lexile Reading Level: 780L
Roughing
Josh is off to an elite hockey camp for the summer, where he shares a room with Peter, a talented player from the Northwest Territories. Peter is skilled enough to give Kevin, the star junior player, some serious competition, which creates trouble on and off the ice.$8.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 640L
Gallop for Gold
Another summer with Remington Wickers? Kiff Kokatow will go crazy. Remington spoiled his summer two years ago.$6.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13