Futbolista

YA author Garza Villa (Ander & Santi Were Here) scores big with their irresistible adult debut. Gabriel “Gabi” Piña is an 18-year-old freshman at Texas A&M at Corpus Christi and the starting goalkeeper on the school’s soccer team, whose shutout record catches ESPN’s attention and gets him named one of “ten freshmen to keep your eyes on.” Gabi has his own eye on the comely Leana, whom he starts dating—but it’s kissing his male philosophy classmate Vale on a dare at a frat party that surprises and delights Gabi even as it causes him stress and confusion. The pair grow closer when Vale offers to help him improve his grade, but fearing the ire of a deeply homophobic team captain, Gabi feels he must choose between the game and the guy he loves. “There’s no room for a brown, bi, mexicano futbolista,” he muses, heartbroken at having to “bury something” about himself. Garza Villa makes Gabi’s coming-out/coming-of-age both moving and inspiring as he finds the courage to buck expectations and live life on his own terms. There’s plenty of heartfelt wisdom—and thrilling soccer matches—along the way, but it’s the sweetly sexy romance between Gabi and Vale that really makes this shine. It’s a winner. (Apr.)

Correction: A previous version of this review used the wrong pronoun to refer to the author.