Select by Christie Matheson

Twelve-year-old Alex lives for soccer. She’s talented, hardworking, and dreams of a college scholarship that could change everything for her family. When she’s offered a free spot on Select, an elite soccer club, it feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. But Alex quickly learns that not all coaches build players up. Some break them down.

Her new coach, Austin, pushes the team beyond reason, berating players, disregarding their well-being, and creating an atmosphere of fear rather than teamwork. As the pressure mounts, Alex and her teammates realize they’ll need more than skill to win. They’ll need courage to stand up for what’s right.

Select is a story about the difference between tough love and abuse, about friendship, resilience, and reclaiming joy in the sport you love.

What Worked

• Authentic sports writing – The descriptions of gameplay feel fast-paced and real, making it perfect for readers who love soccer or even those who don’t.
• Empowered message – The book tackles important topics: recognizing toxic coaching, speaking up for yourself, and redefining success. It’s a strong choice for classroom or book club discussions.
• A relatable main character – Alex’s determination, responsibility for her younger sister, and complicated home life make her an easy character to root for.
• Teamwork and friendship – The story captures what makes youth sports so special, how a supportive team can stand up for one another and spark change.

What Didn’t Work

• Some unrealistic details – A few elements (like Alex juggling the ball over 1,600 times or taking care of a kindergarten sister while social service didn’t get involved) felt exaggerated or implausible.
• A rushed ending – The resolution wraps up quickly, and I wanted more time to see how Alex and her teammates’ stand impacted the team and the coach.

Final Thoughts

I found Select inspiring and important. It’s the kind of story that helps young athletes—and their parents—see the difference between being pushed and being harmed.

Christie Matheson captures the emotional highs and lows of competitive sports and reminds readers that no dream is worth losing yourself over.

My Rating: 4/5 stars.
A powerful, fast-paced story about courage, integrity, and the true spirit of teamwork. Highly recommended for middle schoolers, especially soccer players or anyone navigating pressure from coaches and adults.