Fun sports book

I like that we got to see both sister's points of view. It kept me from being totally one just Charlie's side, although I really felt for her. I liked that we actually got to see a lot of playing and not just hear about it afterwards. Charlie was tough on the outside, but really needed a friend. And Krista needed to put her needs and wants above what would be the popular thing to do. I enjoyed that this wasnt a romance, it was about a sisterly bond and knowing what's important. Cute read ( )

This book covered a lot of issues (in an entertaining way)--friendships, sibling rivalry, dating, sports. The relationships and characters were realistic. So nice to see a (relatively normal) sibling relationship be the main focus of a young adult novel, and the issues get worked out through sports. ( )

Sisters Charlie and Krista Brown do not get along. Krista is the perfect child, popular and a star soccer player with a movie star best friend and a quarterback boyfriend. Charlie (yes, her name is Charlie Brown) is a rebel, a surfer who hates her sister and everything she stands for. When the new soccer coach recruits Charlie to try out, Krista is furious, and Charlie's only trying out to torture her sister. Can these sisters put their differences aside long enough to do what's best for the team?

Pretty Tough is a great book about sisters, sports, and girl power. The point of view alternates between Krista and Charlie, both of whom have good reason to distrust each other. Krista isn't nearly as confident as she appears, and Charlie is a talented underachiever deeply hurt by her falling out with her sister. The soccer team gives them a chance to heal the breach, and the confidence to change their lives off the field. It's refreshing to read about contemporary girls who are interested in something other than boys, especially since sports is such an important part of so many students' lives. I really enjoyed this book, and recommended it for any teens who want read about strong girls. ( )

Reviewed by The Compulsive Reader for TeensReadToo.com

Charlie Brown is not a team player. This is what she tells the new soccer coach when she is recruited to play soccer on her school's losing soccer team. And with a name like hers, you can't help but sympathize.

Charlie would rather surf all day than play on the same team as her perfect sister, Krista. The stereotypical It girl, Krista is blond, athletic, popular, and beautiful. Everything Charlie is not, and for that reason alone, the two hate each other.

And suddenly going out for the soccer team seems like the perfect way to spite Krista. But what neither Charlie nor Krista expected was that Charlie would actually make the team. Or that should she would stay...

PRETTY TOUGH is a novel that redefines all of those stereotypes that run deep in young adult literature. This is a novel with an empowering message: girls can be athletic, brainy, tough, and fashionable. All the while, Tigelaar gives a strong and unflinching look at how seemingly unimportant decisions can make a lasting effect, especially on those you love.

The true depths of the bonds of sisterhood are realized in this heartwarming and heart-pumping novel full of love, acceptance, drama, strength, and forgiveness. ( )

A soccer story about 2 sisters who hate each other. Charlie is in gr. 10, and is fearless, and rough. Krista is a beautiful blond senior who is the envy of almost every girl in school. Charlie goes out for soccer just to annoy Krista, but then discovers playing means a lot more to her than she thought. The book had me in tears at the end. Author also wrote Dawson's Creek. ( )