Play Like a Girl

Seventh grader Misty tackles middle school politics on and off the football field in the Wilsons’ debut, a heartening graphic memoir by a husband-and-wife duo. Despite her stepdad and coach’s support, Misty is discouraged by the hostility she receives from boys who resent having a girl on their football team. Though her best friend Bree reluctantly plays, too, Bree eventually quits to hang out with effortlessly cool Ava. In addition to Misty’s struggles navigating taunts from her teammates, she must also endure painful barbs from both Ava and Bree, including their assumption that Misty doesn’t like boys because of her love of sports and seemingly uncaring attitude toward her appearance. Hoping to alleviate rumors and mitigate bullying, Misty experiments with a more traditionally feminine gender expression by wearing skirts and makeup. As Misty juggles school and friendship drama, and hones her football skills, her sense of self takes shape. Expressive and brightly colored art, reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier’s, deftly captures early 2000s fashion and complicated football plays. Misty’s busy blended family’s dynamics are refreshing, and conversations surrounding social exclusion are sensitively rendered in this cathartic story of sports and identity. Ages 8–12. Agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House. (Sept.)