Just Go: Turning Fear into a Superpower

Sakakibara, Saya. Just Go: Turning Fear into a Superpower. 2026. 336p. ISBN 

In the high-stakes world of elite athletics, Saya Sakakibara was a rising star destined for BMX greatness until a single moment shattered her confidence. After watching her brother, Kai, suffer a life-altering brain injury during a qualifying event for the Tokyo Olympics, the track transformed from a place of joy into a landscape of trauma. Haunted by the memory of her brother’s crash and burdened by her own history of six concussions, Saya makes the difficult decision to step away from the sport that defined her life. The safety she seeks in retirement, however, is complicated by the deep-rooted passion that still lingers beneath her fear.

Supported by her resilient family, including a brother who refuses to let his injury end his own athletic dreams, Saya begins a grueling mental and physical journey to reclaim her identity. She must navigate the delicate balance between the terrifying risks of BMX racing and the undeniable pull of the finish line. As she prepares to face the very obstacles that nearly broke her family, the pressure of the international stage looms larger than ever. With the world watching, will she be able to conquer the psychological scars of her past, or will the memory of the crash cause her to falter at the gate when it matters most?

Fans of sports biographies and inspirational memoirs will appreciate this book for its raw look at the psychological toll of professional competition. The narrative offers immense value to high school students by exploring themes of grit, sibling loyalty, and the importance of mental health in achieving personal goals. It serves as a compelling case study on how to process trauma while pursuing excellence under extreme pressure.

Score Out

Tores, Melisa. Score Out. Book 6 of the Perfect Balance Gymnastics series. 2023. 243p. ISBN 9781958613139

Carmen Alvarez is new to competitive gymnastics, and her Level 4 season is off to a rocky start, plagued by mistakes and falls. Despite her hard work, she faces a significant hurdle: she must achieve an All-Around score of 34.00 to qualify for Level 5 and follow her friends to the next level. As her season draws to a close, Carmen grapples with the possibility of not reaching this coveted score, leading her to wonder if she can convince her family and coaches to allow her one last chance at another meet, and if she'll be able to score out if she gets there.

Set within the world of gymnastics, the Score Out features relatable characters who face age-appropriate challenges, exploring the significant life lesson of persevering. Carmen is empowered girls by discover ing her own inner strength.

The Big Splash

Ahn, Angela. The Big Splash. Book 2 of the Julia on the Go! series. 2025. 176p. ISBN 9781774882078.

Julia and her Vipers swim team are thrown into disarray when their beloved Coach Marissa has to leave due to a family emergency. She is replaced by the stern and humorless Coach Nathan. His strict methods, devoid of any fun, lead to discontent among the team, with some members even quitting. To add to their woes, Coach Nathan tasks them with organizing a car wash fundraiser in a very short time, a task met with little enthusiasm.

However, the team's perspective shifts when they discover that an impending increase in pool rental fees threatens their practice time and even the team's existence. Julia steps up to lead the fundraising efforts, rallying the Vipers to action. In the process, she gains a deeper understanding of her perceived nemesis, Olivia, and the seemingly cold Coach Nathan. This experience teaches Julia that initial judgments can be misleading, and that working together can lead to unexpected discoveries and stronger team bonds.

Blue Lock, Vol. 5

Kaneshiro, Muneyuki. Blue Lock, Vol. 5. 2019. 193p. ISBN 9781636992310. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Despite facing Team V's formidable offensive prowess in Blue Lock, Vol. 4, Isagi's Team Z has fought their way to a surprising 3-3 tie with only fifteen minutes left in the pivotal match. The intense pressure of this final stretch drives every player on the field to seek a breakthrough, a personal "awakening" that will elevate their abilities and potentially secure victory for their team. The atmosphere crackles with anticipation as both sides push their limits in pursuit of advancement.

The final minutes of the game against Team V become a thrilling culmination of skill, strategy, and individual determination. Each player strives to unlock their hidden potential, hoping to make the decisive play that will tip the scales in their favor. The narrative builds towards a climactic finish, leaving the reader in suspense as to which team will achieve this crucial awakening and emerge victorious from this high-stakes battle for survival in the Blue Lock competition.

Blue Lock, Vol. 4

Kaneshiro, Muneyuki. Blue Lock, Vol. 4. 2019. 192p. ISBN 9781636991535. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following their first victory in Blue Lock, Vol. 3, The final and crucial match of the first Blue Lock selection round is underway, with Isagi's Team Z facing a must-win situation to avoid elimination. Their formidable opponents are Team V, recognized as the strongest squad in Wing 5, spearheaded by the prodigious talent of Seishiro Nagi. The impending clash pits Team Z's desperate need for victory against Team V's seemingly insurmountable offensive capabilities, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.

As the game progresses, the central strategic element for Team Z's potential triumph is revealed to be the concept of "a goal's reproducibility." This suggests that their path to victory lies not in overwhelming power, but in identifying and replicating a successful scoring formula. The narrative teases whether Team Z's strategic desperation and ability to exploit this principle will be enough to overcome the raw talent and offensive dominance of Team V, led by the exceptional Nagi.

The story continues in Blue Lock, Vol. 5.

Blue Lock, Vol. 3

Kaneshiro, Muneyuki. Blue Lock, Vol. 3. 2019. 208p. ISBN 9781646516568. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Isagi and Team Z, fresh from their victory over Team Y in Blue Lock, Vol. 2, enter their match against Team W with a surge of confidence. However, their newfound momentum is quickly threatened by internal strife. The first half of the game goes well, with Kuon scoring three unanswered goals. However, this fragile unity within the team begins to fracture, as individual anxieties and insecurities manifest on the field, hindering their performance. This internal struggle leaves them vulnerable against Team W's formidable aces, the Wanima twins, who possess exceptional skill and coordination.

Then Kuon reveals that he's betrayed Team Z. With the new rule that those who score valuable goals will be ranked higher, Kuon has accomplished his goal of moving out of Team Z, and now the field is 10 versus 12, as Team Z is down one player. Team Z must overcome their personal fears and rediscover their sense of unity. They need to learn to trust each other and work cohesively to counter Team W's strengths. The outcome of the match hinges on their ability to mend the cracks in their team dynamic and rediscover the teamwork that brought them their previous victory, or they risk succumbing to defeat. Can Isagi motivate Chigiri to come out of his reluctance to play and commit fully to Team Z?

The story continues in Blue Lock, Vol. 4.

Hoops: A Graphic Novel

Tavares, Matt. Hoops: A Graphic Novel. 2023. 224p. ISBN 9781536201369. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Inspired by a true story, Hoops tells how, in 1975, Judi and her friends joined the first ever girls basketball team, the Lady Bears, at their school as seniors. The passage of Title IX obligated school districts to offer similar sports for boys and girls, so for the first time basketball was opened to all. Judi, who unlike her friend Stacy had always wanted to join the basketball team instead of being a cheerleader, participated in the first tryouts. Without a coach at first, 8 girls practiced despite obvious disparities, such as the lack of training time in their own gym, no uniforms, no busses, and no laundry service. 

As the team started to win, more and more fans started showing up to watch their home games. A sponsorship ensured the games would be broadcasted on the radio, and the enthusiasm built as the team headed into the finals tournament with an undefeated record. Despite being behind, the Lady Bears win the local and regional tournaments and head to Indianapolis for the state championship, which ends with Judi scoring the winning basket to deliver victory and a state title to the school's first ever girls basketball team.

During the season, the girls fought against inequity, requesting similar accommodations tot he boys. Eventually, the girls received a bus for transportation, which was used by their fans as they continued using their RV. The athletic director acknowledged he was wrong when he did not provide laundry services. And all of the team members of the Lady Bears became hometown heroes, blazing a path for girls to participate in organized sports.

Warmly illustrated with beautiful colors, this fast-spaced sports story demonstrates that dedication and persistence can in fact change hearts and an entire culture for the better. 

Hope by Terry Fox

Adhiya, Barbara. Hope by Terry Fox. 2024. 328p. ISBN 9781770416819.

For most Canadians, one of their best known fellow Canadian is Terry Fox, a young man who was struck with cancer in 1977 when he was 18, and who lost a leg in the process of attempting to save his life. Terry Fox lives in the imagination of the country as a symbol of resilience and courage. But who was Terry Fox, and what motivated him to raise funds for the fight against cancer by crossing the country from east to west and running a marathon every day with an artificial leg?

An athletic individual, Terry was light hearted and always saw the positive in people and events. A diagnosis of cancer did not change his outlook on life, and he refused to succumb to despair. After the shock of losing his leg, Terry relearned to walk. During these sessions, he started planning for a cross-country trip as a way to channel his energy and communicate with people why this was important. 

Starting in Newfoundland, Terry began his Marathon of Hope in relative obscurity, but as word spread out, and people became more aware, huge crowds lined the streets to see him go by. Millions of dollars were contributed for cancer research, and the news coverage reached every corner of the country. Through his unwavering determination to defeat cancer, Terry caught the hearts of Canadians, and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Canadians to live.

Though his cancer eventually forced him to stop short his cross-country race, Terry's efforts continued to live on in multiples of events every year, including races across the country and around the world, to raise more funds for cancer research, and to honor the memory of a great Canadian!

Blue Lock, Vol. 2

Kaneshiro, Muneyuki. Blue Lock, Vol. 2. 2019. 208p. ISBN 9781646516551. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

With a round-robin starting in Pod 5, as announced at the end of Blue Lock, Vol. 1, Team Z first faces Team X and their striker. Isagi suggests the team should focus on one player, but because everyone thinks of themselves as the best striker, no one agrees to take on the other roles. A series of games of rock-paper-scissors seal the positions, but the grumbling does not stop. They soon realize that unlike them, Team X came up with a plan of attack that every pass is thrown to their striker, who scores a goal against an inexperienced goalie every time. Team Z breaks down, with everyone trying to do their own thing, and even stealing the ball from each other to be the one who scores a goal and gets to remain behind if the team is eliminated. Predictably, the team loses the match.

In the debrief, they agree to a new plan. Each player has a special weapon they can draw on, whether it be an amazing jump, the ability to read the field, or the best-left sidekick. Team Z creates a new battle plan where each player will have 10 minutes to serve as striker and a particular strategy will be executed.

Their next match occurs against Team Y. Unlike Team Z, Team Y focuses on defense, and only when the opportunity presents itself do they pass it forward, leading to a goal. With a score of 0-1, Team Z faces elimination. But then Isagi realizes that Team Ys formation is not built around their striker but around their midfielder, who, like Isagi, can read the field better than most. Armed with that knowledge, Isagi passes his turn to execute their plan and instead focuses on stopping Team Y's strategist. Will the gamble pay off, or will the team go home?

The story continues in Blue Lock, Vol. 3.

Blue Lock, Vol. 1

Kaneshiro, Muneyuki. Blue Lock, Vol. 1. 2018. 214p. ISBN 9781646516544. Available in the graphic  novels section of the library.

Yoichi is the best striker on his school soccer team, and finds himself in an excellent position to score and earn his ticket to the national championship. Unfortunately, he makes the unselfish decision to pass it to a friend he deems in a better position. His friend misses his shot, preventing the team from moving forward. Depressed, Yoichi returns home, only to find a letter inviting to participate in an exclusive academy for soccer players. Curious, Yoichi agrees to attend.

With its defeat at the 2018 World Cup, the national Japanese soccer team leadership seeks a way to improve their pool of talent. The leadership team appoints Jin-Pachi Ego to set up a facility where the best youth Japanese players can train and outplay each other, to shape the best striker in the world. This facility is called Blue Lock.

When Yoichi arrives at Blue Rock, he discovers a facility divided into five pods each of 60 players. The best 300 youth players in Japan are here. Yoichi discovers that he's rated 299 out of 300. Jin-Pachi Ego presents the objective of Blue Lock, which is to develop the best striker in the world, and that, he believes, can only be done through selfishness. The most selfish and egotistical player will become the best striker Japan has ever produced. And out of 300, only 1 player will be promoted to the national team. The other 299 will never be allowed to play for the national team.

With stakes so high, Yoichi has only one option. Become the best youth striker in the nation!

The story continues in Blue Lock, Vol. 2.

Freestyle

Galligan, Gale. Freestyle. 2022. 272p. ISBN 9781338045802. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Cory and his friends have been part of the same freestyle dance team for ever. The Eight Bitz have participated in countless championships, but this year being their last in middle school, their captain, Tess, has a new routine she has choreographed and wants them to perform. With everyone heading in different directions for high school, this may be their last opportunity to wow the crowd. 

But Cory's grades are bad, and he gets grounded by his parents. And to add insult to injury, he has to be tutored by Sunna, his science partner. Annoyed at the whole situation because now he can't practice with his team, Cory gives Sunna a hard time. Not impressed, his parents lay down the law, and Cory decides to apply himself. When he discovers that Sunna loves the yo yo, he is intrigued. Sunna demonstrates a few tricks, and ties these back to the math tutoring she's doing with Cory, and soon they become friends. 

By experimenting with the yo yo, however, Cory is neglecting his crew and his dance moves. Tess is annoyed, because for her this choreography is her application to the high school of her choice. For Sunna, yo yo is a connection with her older brother, against whom she gets unfairly compared by her parents. As the weeks progress, Cory, Tess and Sunna find that the pressure builds for them to make decisions that will impact their lives. For Cory, will he have to choose between Eight Bitz and Sunna? For Tess, will she get the recognition she needs to propel her forward next year? For Sunna, will her parents accept her for who she is, and not who she should be? Will Cory's friends welcome her into their group? With so many expectations, can this last year of middle school get even more complicated?

Remember Us

Woodson, Jacqueline. Remember Us. 2023. 192p. ISBN 9780399545467.

Old buildings in Sage's neighborhood are going up in flames the summer following her 6th grade. Sage loves basketball, and she would rather shoot hoops with the guys than spend time with the girls she has known her whole life. Except, it seems like relationships between boys and girls are now changing, and Sage feels at a disadvantage. And with so many fires happening, Sage is worried her home is next. When Freddy moves into the neighborhood, Sage is thrilled to finally have a friend that gets her.

As they spend time on the court and hanging out, they observe their neighborhood and how quickly it seems to be changing. Sage is better than most of the boys on the court, but a bully steals her ball and makes her question herself, Sage does not tell Freddy. Is she an athlete, someone who excels at basketball, or is she a girl, someone who wears makeup and fusses with her hair. Sage questions her identity, wondering where she fits in this expanding universe.

When a fire destroys a nearby home and kills one of her friends, Sage and Freddy are there for each other. As summer comes to a close, and as Sage prepares to move to a new home away from the neighborhood and its fires, she must come to terms that the future is never static, and the only constant is change. 

Focused on daily life and memories, Remember Us nevertheless explores universal truths about identity and remembering, effectively conveying the many transitions Sage finds herself in. Fans of growing up novels will appreciate this short poetic read.

Fox Point's Own Gemma Hopper

Spangler, Brie. Fox Point's Own Gemma Hopper. 2023. 272p. ISBN 9780593428498. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

At 13 and in 7th grade, Gemma is over 6 feet tall and stands out like a sore thumb at her middle school. She loves baseball, but she lives in the shadow of her brother Teddy, an 8th grader with a golden arm who's already talked about being a top prospect in the majors. Her friends only want to hang out with her so they can talk with Teddy. Their mother has left the family, and their father works three jobs to make ends meet. Gemma has become the caretaker for the family, cooking meals, doing laundry, and making sure that everyone, including her younger twin brothers, are taken cared of. On the rare occasions her father's home, he's only interested in Teddy.

Through all of this, Gemma does not have time to play baseball. Teddy is under pressure, as he's preparing to go away for months at a training camp for prodigious athletes. He needs the practice time, and Gemma ends up pitching for him over and over. Folks come to watch Teddy hit balls one after another. But Gemma is under pressure too. She has a big fight with her best friend, and she's tired of playing second fiddle with Teddy. 

So when Teddy brings up the intriguing possibility that maybe Gemma should try out for the same team Teddy will be playing with, Gemma is intrigued. How could she possibly abandon her family to pursue the opportunity to play baseball? But with a video going viral, and with the stars aligning, Gemma might manage to pursue her dream after all!

Beautifully illustrated, Gemma's trials and tribulations show her resilience and her grit as she aims to find her own way in the world. Fans of graphic novels will love this story, and those who enjoy a good sports story should absolutely check it out!

Kill a Man

Orlando, Steve. Kill a Man. 2020. 128p. ISBN 9781949028478. 

When James watches his father, kickboxer DJ Bellyi die during a fight with Xavier Mayne in the ring, his whole world crumbles. This is made worse when it is revealed that DJ Bellyi had thrown gay slurs against Xavier Mayne during the fight. Xavier never fought again. 

Years later, James Bellyi has joined the ranks of the MMA, becoming a star and on track to earn top endorsements. However, during a press conference his next opponent reveals that James is gay, and, taken by surprise, James is unable to defend himself. Suddenly, everything that he has built collapses, as no one in the MMA wants to fight a gay guy. James finds himself cast out and abandoned by his friends, his trainer, and his fans. 

Hoping to return to the MMA and earn a title fight, James turns to the only person who could understand his situation. Xavier Mayne continued to train young fighter, but avoided the limelight. Can James reconciles with the man who killed his father so that he can reach the top? Can Xavier forgive the man he killed in the ring long enough to help his son?

The Golem's Mighty Swing

 Sturm, James. The Golem's Mighty Swing. 2003. 100p. ISBN 9781896597713. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

In the 1920s, America is in the grips of baseball mania. The Stars of David are a team of Jewish baseball players criss-crossing the United States in search of teams to play. Some of the players made it to the majors, but all they did was warming the bench. Equipped with a bus that breaks down, and lead by Noah Strauss, manager and player, the team is always chasing the next dollar. But with anti-semitism ramping throughout the land, most small towns are eager for their local team to take down the Stars of David.

When the team is approached by a Chicago promoter with a gimmick that could increase the team's take, the players are at first reluctant. It's already hard enough fighting local prejudices. However, financial difficulties force their hands, and soon the Golem becomes the center of attraction. The Golem is a legendary creation in Jewish lore, a creature much like Frankenstein, which escapes the control of its creator and wrecks havoc. A large and tall African American player who is not even Jewish is dressed up at the Golem, and the Stars of David find themselves facing the Putnam All-Americans. But prejudices and racial taunts turn a baseball game into a clash of civilizations, and winning becomes less important than surviving.

The illustrations are crisp, and the story is well written. Sports fans and baseball lovers will appreciate this dive into a historical period that saw much stereotyping and racial hatred.

Joy, to the World

Shappley, Kai and Lisa Bunker. Joy, to the World. 2023. 240p. ISBN 9780063242753.

Joy, her older brother and her mother moved from Minnesota to Texas so that their mother could pursue a new opportunity. Joy is really excited to start middle school. She meets new friends and is accepted in their circle. Joy discovers that in Texas cheerleading is huge, and she convinces her mother to let her join the tryouts for the squad. After hard work and training with her friends, Joy is accepted into the squad, and looks forward to their first performance.

Unfortunately, someone discovered that Joy is a transgendered girl, and the superintendent, using a law passed in Texas, orders Joy off the team. Even though both the principal and the nurse knew that Joy was transgendered, and even though she was allowed to use the girls' bathroom, the superintendent's decision forces Joy to go to the nurse to use the restroom, something that is extremely embarrassing.

Accepted and supported by her family, Joy comes out to her friends, who nod and agree that it's no big deal for them. Her best friend convinces Joy to continue practicing, and soon they are joined by more and more misfits at school. Joy's new cheerleading squad even performs at a protest at the Texas State House, making the news and attracting more attention, and attracting support from her idol, a trans activist named Kai, whom she meets in Austin. Despite the obstacles placed in front of her, Joy is resilient and won't let the world drag her down!

A story of courage and standing up for what you believe, Joy only wants to live her life, but forces beyond her control are conspiring to make her the villain of a culture war. Supporters of trans individuals and those who wish to learn more about them will appreciate this story of living life against the odds.

Play Like a Girl

Wilson, Misty and David Wilson. Play Like a Girl. 2022. 272p. ISBN 9780063064683. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Always very athletic, Misty decided to join her school's football team in 7th grade, to the boys' disdain. Surprised that her mother and stepfather would allow her to play, Misty brought her best friend Bree along. Craig, her stepfather, told her this was probably the best time to play, as boys were about her own size, and he looked forward to watch her compete.

Though she thought she was in good shape, Misty quickly realized she needed to work harder to compete with the boys. Bree soon gave up, and Misty found herself along on a boys' team. Her dedication and hard work paid off, however, as she gained a starting role on the team. Her friendship with Bree drifted, however, as Bree and Ava, a long-time frenemy, started spending more time together doing "girly" things, activities that Misty didn't really care for.

As Misty navigates the complicated social and emotional life of middle school, she keeps an eye on the football field, and, from victory to victory, the march towards the state championship. In the end, can Misty find happiness during 7th grade?

Fans of graphic novels and of sports will love watching Misty discover herself, which relationships are important, and which are not. Beautifully illustrated, Misty's true story will stay with the reader long after they've finished reading the book.

The New Girl

Sutanto, Jessi Q. The New Girl. 2022. 350p. ISBN 9781728215198. Available as an ebook from Overdrive.

Born to a Chinese father and an Indonesian mother, Lia Setiawan has never felt like she fitted anywhere. Her extended family in Indonesia makes fun of her for her accent, and her Chinese is not that much better. Living in California with her mother, Lia is a star track athlete, and she receives a full scholarship to Draycott Academy, a private school attended by the children of West Coast elite. 

On her first day, Lia is immediately lost in this new environment. Everyone is rich and has money to blow, and Lia stands out like a sore thumb. She hasn't even moved in her dorm yet that she witnesses a girl being hauled away by security. Beth, her guide, tells her that this is Sophie, a former student who was expelled for doing drugs. 

Lia is fast on the track, fast enough to take away someone else's spot. That girl, Mandy, and her cronies begin to make Lia's life miserable online. An app called Draycott Dirt is used to post anonymous messages, and many of them harass and make fun of Lia. Luckily for her, however, she's made a few friends, including with Danny, the school's pretty boy, who also turns out to be part Chinese and part Indonesian. 

When Lia's scholarship becomes threatened by a corrupt teacher who is selling As for $20,000 a pop, Lia doesn't know what to do. Thinking of finding incriminating evidence that will let her rejoin the squad following her academic probation, she instead discovers a dead Sophie in that teacher's office. Then things get worse, much worse. but when things turn deadly, and as Lia sinks further into trouble, she realizes this is not a problem she can run away from....

Filled with snark and bad decisions, Lia is a fallible character and narrator. She keeps on making the wrong choices, making a bad situation even worse, but, much like a train wreck in slow motion, it is impossible not to read on to see whether she manages to extricate herself from the situations. Fans of murder mystery will appreciate this convoluted guilty pleasure.

Catching Jordan

Kenneally, Miranda. Catching Jordan. Book 1 of the Hundred Oaks series. 2011. 252p. ISBN 9781402262289. Available as an ebook from Overdrive.

As a senior in high school, everyone watching her would think Jordan has everything going for her. Her father is the starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. Her brother Mike is now in college, playing for his favorite team. And over 6 feet tall, Jordan also has the best throw on her football team. She's the captain and quarterback for Hundred Oaks' high school team, and a top prospect for any team, if only she weren't a girl.

Jordan really wants to join the University of Alabama's football program, but she keeps getting hints from the athletic director, the coach, and some of the players that she will never see field time if she goes to Alabama. Her father is no help. He never comes to her games, and has not seen her play. She's never kissed a boy, because who would want to date a girl that taller than they are? Thankfully, Jordan has plenty of friends on the football team, including Sam Henry and J.J. This season is shaping up to be a great one, and Jordan is ready to lead her team all the way to the state championship.

Except the arrival of Tyler changes everything. A new senior from Texas and a quarterback, Ty has an arm that rivals Jordan, and the coach agrees to give him play time. How can Jordan shine if she's not playing? Compounding these difficulties, Jordan is falling hard for Ty, and he's falling for her too. With mixed emotions and a roller coaster of a ride, Jordan will need to play the best football, and sort out her own desires and determine what is really important to her before the season is over!

Fans of sports and football stories who enjoy reading about Jordan's exploits and struggles should take a look at Play the Game, a real-life story of a girl who joined the 7th grade football team at her school.

Defending Taylor

Kenneally, Miranda. Defending Taylor. Book 7 of the Hundred Oaks series. 2016. 304p. ISBN 9781492630081. Available as an ebook from Overdrive.

As a senior in an elite private academy, Taylor had everything going for her. She was the captain of her soccer team, had excellent grades, and was looking forward to early admission at Yale, following in the footsteps of her sister and father, the senior Senator from Tennessee. Unfortunately, everything unravels for Taylor when she gets caught in the woods near the school with a backpack containing pills. The backpack belongs to Ben, her boyfriend, who is on scholarship and will most likely get expelled if he's caught, so she takes the blame, thinking she'll receive some punishment.

To her surprise, she is expelled from the school, and her father does not lift a finger to help her. Engaged in a heated reelection campaign, he can't afford to be seen as soft on illegal drugs, even if it is to help his own daughter. Even if he could help, he would not as he is a big proponent of taking responsibilities for your own actions. Taylor is thus forced to attend the local high school, Hundred Oaks. There, she attends mandatory daily meetings with the school counselor, and joins the soccer team where the captain, Nicole, attempts to make her life miserable.

Meanwhile, Ezra, who is the best friend of Taylor's older brother and who was Taylor's first crush, is back in town. He has taken a leave from Cornell, and currently works in construction. Even though his parents are wealthy, he lives in a rundown apartment building, and he has issues of his own. Taylor and Ezra reconnect, and she soon learns that he is dyslexic, and cannot read well enough to keep up with college work. Plus, he doesn't want to study business per his father's wishes, but would rather learn to be an architect. 

Motivated by Ezra, Taylor seeks to undo some of the damages that took place when she took the blame for Ben, but fixing a secret often leads to more troubles. As Taylor learns some hard life lessons, she eventually realizes that the way out is to come clean with her own actions and accept personal responsibility, just like her dad suggested...

A light romantic story peppered with soccer games and underlined by twin stories of drug abuse consequences and doing things for others and not for yourself, Taylor and Ezra's relationship blossoms and grow, not without encountering some turbulence, but in the end they manage to work out their differences. Fans of romance will appreciate this book.