Ten: A Soccer Story, Paperback

Goal-oriented Maya has two main concerns: getting support and permission for girls' soccer and keeping her unpredictable biracial family together. At the same time she's trying to fit in at school, figure out who her true friends are, and dodge the criticisms of her traditional East Indian grandmother and the other relatives who say girls should be quiet and obedient. Maya's witty, observant first-person narrative will make readers want her on their team, and they'll cheer her on as she discovers that winning is great--but losing doesn't mean defeat.

Shamini Flint grew up in Malaysia and is the author of the Inspector Singh Investigates crime novels for adults and many books for children. Previously a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, she is now a full-time writer. @ShaminiFlintAuthor