Match Point!

Gallegos crafts an emotionally resonant graphic novel debut in which a tween learns how to navigate others’ expectations. Rosie, portrayed with tan skin, wants nothing to do with racquetball. Her racquetball-playing father, however, insists that she apply herself to training: “You’re not motivated to do anything else. If we don’t do this, what are you going to be involved in?” he says. Following a failed practice that puts the father-daughter duo at odds, Rosie meets racquetball enthusiast Blair, who reads as Black, while biking around town. As the tweens become fast friends, Rosie—sure that Blair is everything her father has ever wanted in a future racquetball champion—schemes to pair the two up so he can train Blair for an upcoming youth tournament instead of her. Visually unique and intersectionally diverse characters populate this warmhearted jaunt, rendered in eye-catching full color and teeming with onomatopoeia depicted in bouncy, kinetic text bubbles. Grounded personal stakes provide catharsis for readers who can relate to Rosie’s struggles connecting with her dad, while the protagonist’s budding friendship with Blair showcases a healthy, nuanced relationship rooted in mutual understanding and acceptance of each other’s perceived flaws. Ages 10–14. (Sept.)