Match Point!

Starred review from July 17, 2023
Gallegos crafts an emotionally resonant graphic novel debut in which a tween learns how to navigate others’ expectations. Rosie, portrayed with tan skin, wants nothing to do with racquetball. Her racquetball-playing father, however, insists that she apply herself to training: “You’re not motivated to do anything else. If we don’t do this, what are you going to be involved in?” he says. Following a failed practice that puts the father-daughter duo at odds, Rosie meets racquetball enthusiast Blair, who reads as Black, while biking around town. As the tweens become fast friends, Rosie—sure that Blair is everything her father has ever wanted in a future racquetball champion—schemes to pair the two up so he can train Blair for an upcoming youth tournament instead of her. Visually unique and intersectionally diverse characters populate this warmhearted jaunt, rendered in eye-catching full color and teeming with onomatopoeia depicted in bouncy, kinetic text bubbles. Grounded personal stakes provide catharsis for readers who can relate to Rosie’s struggles connecting with her dad, while the protagonist’s budding friendship with Blair showcases a healthy, nuanced relationship rooted in mutual understanding and acceptance of each other’s perceived flaws. Ages 10–14.

August 1, 2023
A girl struggles with trying to make her father feel proud of her. Eighth grader Rosie Vo has a lot on her plate when it comes to living up to her dad's winning racquetball legacy. Despite her dislike of the sport, her father pushes her to play--he believes she isn't motivated to do anything else, and anyway, he's sure she will enjoy it if only she improves. The stakes are extra high with the annual tournament looming. Rosie, who is cued Asian, feels she cannot do anything well enough to satisfy her father's expectations. After meeting and forming a fast friendship with racquetball enthusiast Blair, who just moved to town and reads Black, Rosie hatches a plan that she thinks will give both her and her father what they want. But after spending more time with Blair and her family, Rosie sees differences in the two families' relationship styles that become a point of contention in their friendship. Blair's parents are more supportive and less critical; Rosie even has fun playing racquetball with them. As Rosie works to overcome her intensely painful feelings, she initially pushes Blair away and finally opens up to her father. The bright, expressive illustrations burst from the pages, showing the intensity of both game play and interpersonal dynamics through the effective use of color and the characters' exaggerated facial expressions. A heartwarming sports story showing a journey of personal growth. (Graphic fiction. 10-14)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 31, 2023
Grades 5-8 Rosie hates racquetball, but her father keeps pushing her to practice for a tournament she doesn't want to be in. But when Rosie discovers new friend Blair is great at everything, especially racquetball, the two secretly hatch a scheme to switch places in the tournament to appease Rosie's father. The overall story is fairly standard, but it's interesting to see that Rosie doesn't end up leaving the sport to pursue a different passion; rather, she learns to love the game on her own terms. The diverse cast of characters, including Rosie's rival that disses her in ASL, is always welcome, while the anime-inspired art style makes this a fun, drama-free experience. The action shots of racquetball are particularly good--it can be difficult to translate the action of a sport into just a few panels, but Gallegos does a great job making those scenes dynamic and engaging. A win for any Raina Telgemeier or Terri Libenson fans out there.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2023

Gr 5 Up-Rosie's dad has fond memories of his young daughter enjoying racquetball and striving to compete, but eighth grade Rosie feels like she'll never measure up to his success as a champion. Practicing for the upcoming tournament positions Rosie and her dad as adversaries, as his encouragement turns to disapproval and her enthusiasm dissolves into defeat. Rosie sees her lack of accomplishment as evidence of failure; she begins to hate the sport and resent her father's unattainable expectations. She hatches a plan to swap places with new friend and racquetball-enthusiast Blair to win the tournament, devising a secret serve their rival Erika won't predict. The BFFs practice ardently as their friendship blossoms, but her efforts remain unacknowledged by her dad who continues to berate Rosie's lack of ability. Blair loves racquetball and has a close-knit relationship with her family, who encourage her participation in sports without pressuring her to compete. Good-natured animosity exists between Rosie and Erika, who is Deaf, evidenced in Rosie's willingness to learn ASL. Diversity in skin tone, ethnicity, and ability are represented. Panels are deftly depicted in dynamic line and color, with protagonist Rosie sporting shades of purple that make her stand out against the muted background. One anachronism may stand out post-pandemic, depicting friends sharing a soda bottle. VERDICT This story is instantly relatable to tween and teen readers trying to live up to parental expectations while establishing their own autonomy. Recommended for libraries serving middle school students, especially where realistic sports-themed stories are appreciated.-Rebecca Jung

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.