Whisper hates sports. So when she wins a chance to kick a goal for a prize of a million dollars, she is torn. Should she try it? For intermediate readers.

Michele Coulombe (Children's Literature)
Would you attempt to kick a soccer goal that could win you a million dollars? This question seems an easy one to answer, unless, of course, you are Whisper Nelson. Whisper, an alienated eighth grader, feels like an outsider, at odds with her peers, her family and society's values. When she accidentally wins a contest that has her vying for a million dollars, she must wrestle with her fear of failure and her aversion to attention. Once she decides to attempt the kick, her life begins to turn around. She makes friends with others who have felt the same insecurities and who offer her advice about how to improve her skills as a soccer player and how to gain self-confidence. Her growth as an athlete and a person is complete by the end of this engaging book. Readers will find themselves routing for Whisper and identifying with her feelings. The author has created believable characters and has crafted a fast-moving and engrossing plot. The tale also includes a healthy discussion of several social issues, such as the role of sports in our society and our increasing neglect of the environment. A multi-faceted book such as this should not be missed. 2001, Hyperion Books for Children, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12.

This book is relly cool because a girl cant play soccer and she makes the shote agenst a perfeshinul soccer player. This book is A.R. ( )