Soccerland

Synopsis

That#146;s what Flora Dupre promised her mom before she died of cancer. Flora and her mom had created a place called Soccerland, an escape world in which they#146;d ignore the beeping cancer machines and just talk soccer. And now Flora#146;s dream of playing for the U.S.A. just might be coming true. Flora#146;s received the invitation of a lifetime: the chance to try out for the Under-15 U.S. Girls#146; Soccer Team at the International Sports Academy.But at the academy, the level of talent is like nothing Flora#146;s ever seen before. She struggles to hold her own as she grapples with new positions, injuries, the world#146;s most frustrating coach, and contempt from other players who would love to see her fail. But Flora is a big, strong Dupre girl #151; and she#146;s not going to go down easy.#147;Superbly written.#148; #151; Doug McIntyre, ESPN The Magazine#147;Choat#146;s examination of the dedication, effort, and sacrifice needed to become a national-level player is riveting and inspiring. Readers will be rooting for Flora as she struggles to achieve her goals. #151; Kirkus Reviews#147;A dazzling and expert portrait of the life of the young elite athlete.#148; #151; S. L. Price, Sports Illustrated