i have never joined any sports teams inside and outside of school, or played sports competitively, and i’m embarrassed to admit that yes, i know basically nothing about sports. in michigan vs. the boys, i was introduced to the world of swim and hockey meets, team spirit (or lack thereof) and high school showcases. but the book is so much more than that.

i went into this book expecting some bella and the bulldogs-esque plot, in which the guys admire the girl who outplays them and treats her as one of their own. but sadly, michigan vs. the boys is a much sadder story. once she joins the boys’ team, michigan is often mistreated by her teammates, and even sexually assaulted at one point. her determination and courage is so, so admirable. it’s heartbreaking seeing her try so hard to conceal her wounds and pain just so she can secure a hockey scholarship for her to go to college.

this is the separate-the-men-from-the-boys part.
lucky for me, i’m all girl.

but it’s still good to know that while some people are trying to hurt and take michigan down, there are also many good people in her life who’d do anything to protect and support her.

i loved michigan’s relationship with her family. they’re really close – her brother, trenton, is on the bantam hockey team, and i loved seeing how much he cares about her feelings – my favorite scene was the one where he sees michigan feeling sad, then cheers her up by practising hockey moves with her in the bathroom. and michigan’s parents are also so supportive – the both of them, michigan’s mom especially, don’t really approve of her playing on the boys’ team, but they must have realized how much hockey means to her at some point, because they let her join in the end.

michigan’s friendship with her former girls’ team teammates is also so amazingly positive. although at the beginning it seems that they’re all leaving her to go join other teams, or even try a different sport, i loved how they’re actually there for michigan all along, and silently giving her support. two of her friends even act as “bodyguards” and watch her practices to make sure her boys’ team teammates don’t hurt her on purpose.

the romance is also so good – i loved that while many of the boys in this book are horrible jerks who treat michigan harshly, michigan’s boyfriend jack is an absolute sweetheart. he’s a swimmer whose team gets cut too, and i really liked how he always encourages michigan to pursue her passion, and there’s so much respect and love in their relationship.

i don’t want to reveal too much about the ending, but that last part where the boys made confessions gave me literal goosebumps. in this time and age, when the sports scene is still sadly male-dominated, it’s amazing seeing girls stand up for what they believe in and play hard with determination, and i truly admire michigan for doing so.

to conclude, michigan vs. the boys is not your typical sports novel. it explores difficult topics like sexism, toxic masculinity and hazing, and also features a kick-ass heroine who is strong and determined. i loved this book and will certainly be keeping an eye out for more of carrie s. allen’s novels in the future!

I loved this so much!! You can tell that this was written by a person who loves the sport, which is great if you (like me) also love hockey!

I love that she was a talented young athlete who was confident in her skills as a player who also acted like a teen-aged girl. She talked about clothes, and how she thought boys were cute, and she had stereotypical sleepovers with her friends and NONE of that took away from or overshadowed the fact that she a skilled athlete. I can't convey how glad I was to find out that Michigan was a well-rounded character.

Through the majority of the book she is supportive of all the girls who were on her former team, but there are times where she could be very judgmental of others (specifically female characters), and it just felt so out of place. In those situations, the characters who weren't Michigan felt a little flat and under-developed.

And the pacing towards the end felt a little off. It wrapped up just a little too quickly. It wasn't bad, but I think that if there was just a little more it would have been better.

Actual rating: 3.5/5 stars

As someone who doesn't like sports all that much, I wasn't sure how much I would like this. Still, the hockey-centric parts of the plot really didn't bother me, and I breezed right through them. I read the book in only two days, which was a feat, because it was very readable and quick.

I did have some frustrations, though. Michigan, as a character, was the source of a lot of that frustration. So many of her decisions were questionable at best, and downright awful at worst. I spent a lot of the second half of the book screaming at her to use her head! I get that she's only seventeen and isn't going to be perfect, but maybe it's not a good idea to willingly go to the remote house to hang out with a bunch of guys that you know hate you and then drink something they've clearly concocted? Maybe that's a bad choice. It would have taken five minutes to double check with Coach that she actually needed to be there.

Also, I hated Coach Henson and was so happy he was fired at the end. I was physically, out loud, screaming at him for his actions after the video. He was, quite frankly, and irresponsible adult who clearly shouldn't have been allowed to supervise children and I was very glad he got some sort of comeuppance, though I would have liked more.

I liked the focus on female friendship the book had, especially towards the end (though the entire Brie subplot was irrelevant and unresolved by the end), and the awesome relationship Michigan had with her brother. It was nice to see a pair of siblings who don't hate each other endlessly.

Overall, this was a good read and I'm glad I got the chance to read it! If I wasn't so emotional when I read, perhaps I could have given it the full four, but it just made me too angry at certain parts (even though I think that was the aim, some of those times).

**Thanks to Kids Can Press, Netgalley, and Carrie S. Allen for providing me a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review**

Michigan starts off her school year ready to play hockey with her girls. Her plans come crashing to a halt when she's told her team has been disbanded due to budget cuts, along with the boy's swim team. She loves hockey, but doesn't have the same opportunities others from her team have to find a new team. Instead, she decides to try out for the boy's hockey team at her school. She knows there will be some push back, but she can handle it... right?

Not so much. When one boy in particular starts taking hazing to a whole new level, Michigan is in over her head. With a new boyfriend she's trying to impress, a friend group she's trying to keep together, and school - she knows she just needs to put her head down and get through it. She's tough, and able to sweep a lot under the rug in the name of hockey, but when she starts getting too good, that one boy works to keep her off the ice for good.

Michigan vs. the Boys has some content that could be triggering for some people. Hazing, assault, underage drinking. However, this story is one that is so necessary in today's social climate. It continues the conversation of what is appropriate and what is too far. As more females work to enter a male dominated sport or field, the events of this book become less fiction and more fact. All genders can read this book and learn a lesson from Michigan, and the Boys.

I really enjoyed reading Michigan's story. She is a strong, female character, everyone can respect for her story. You hurt when she hurts, and you're happy when she's successful on the ice. With some great supporting characters, Michigan vs. The Boys is a great story that will resonate will all audiences.

Michigan vs. The Boys was the raw, real, gritty book I needed so badly right now. The love of a hockey player for every aspect of the game really shines through in the writing. As a former hockey player, I felt every gut clenching ounce of devastation when Michigan's team gets cut. The ensuing book is a beautifully written piece of work about the nature of boys sports, high school gender culture, and being a teenager with big dreams. I really enjoyed that the book was set in my home state, and the little references to the Red Wings were definitely appreciated. Although the author's reference to Michigan's hometown ice rink being nothing like The Joe made me chuckle a little--considering The Joe hasn't been a "luxury" arena since the '80s and it was recently torn down. I don't think the author meant it as ironic, but it definitely was a pretty funny bit to me.

I loved several of the characters--Avery, Kendall, Jack, Trent, and of course Michigan. They were well written and developed. Michigan's brother, Trent, was especially touching to me. The bit about "we're 16 now" literally had me in tears. Trent's dedication to helping his sister improve was really, really sweet and I ate it up.


There are some graphic and hard to read instances that make you so angry. Some things are hard to read. I found myself wanting to take on everyone for Michigan.


I did feel like things came a little "too" easily for Michigan. She goes through a lot that she doesn't deserve, so I don't at all mean that--but in the beginning she questions making the team--and transitioning to the boys game as a Junior in High School would be HUGE. By the end, she's the star of the team, is dating the hot shot boy, leading scorer, MVP of an elite showcase...it just seems like other than the hazing, she doesn't have set backs.

That being said, I really enjoyed this, and will definitely be reading it over and over! It's a new favorite of mine!


I received a copy of Michigan vs. The Boys from netgalley in exchange for an honest and fair review.

First of all, thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for approving my request and sending me an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
You have to know English isn’t my first language, so feel free to correct me if I make some mistakes while writing this review.


Michigan is eager to start a new hockey season because she finally earned the A on her jersey, but immediately after this happy moment she learns her school is about to dismantle her team due to insufficient funds.

Michigan is a strong and determined character and you gotta love a girl so keen to play the sport she loves that she decides to do her best for a spot on the boys' hockey team.
But almost everyone hates her presence on the team - even the coach ostracizes her, setting rules that are supposed to protect her as a single girl among a bunch of boys but they do nothing except painting a bigger target on her back.
Pranks, insults, dislike are something happening on a daily basis and Michigan is trying her hardest to resist and not to quit - she also want to set an example for every teen girl that someday may be in the same situation as her.
She also tries to play her best hockey every time she can, but hockey is a team sport and not an individual sport so what do you do when those who are supposed to have your back are the firsts to stab you in the back?
What do you do when they cross the line and "jokes" become hazing and physical violence?

This one is not a pretty story because you get angry, you feel disgusted and insulted - or maybe is a good story because of it.
Obviously Michigan is the character better developed and I rooted for her since the beginning, sweated with her and I was proud of her for what she achieved.
I liked Michigan, I liked her fears and her will to carry on and stay - because sometimes staying is somehow more difficult than anything else.
I liked the moment Michigan realized that staying silent wasn't the good thing to do if she wanted to be an example for those who looked up to her - that pride and fear needed to go even if the risk of losing everything she loved was around the corner.

Not every boy in this book is evil or mean to her: Jack, a swimmer, is sweet and supportive; Avery is a teammate trying to be friendly with her the way he can; Trent is her little brother I absolutely adored.
And Michigan can also count on her girls: they may not be playing hockey together anymore, but they are still a team ready to have her back.

This book covers so many important issues: equality, female friendship viewed and lived in a positive way, toxic masculinity, courage and strenght when it comes to speak and report bullying, hazing and everything dirty in sport and female-male balance.
I definitely recommend it.

Michigan was so excited for this season! Finally, she was going to be leading her hockey team along side her best friend, Brie, but her dreams were crushed, when the girls' team was disbanded due to budget cuts. As each of her teammates explore new opportunities, Michigan was not ready to give up her hockey dreams. After a successful try-out, Michigan was awarded a spot on the boys' team, but it seemed this group of young men weren't willing to share the ice with a strong female player. They planned to torment Michigan until she quit the team, but she had other plans.

I think my love of sports books is well-known. These books never fail to get my adrenaline pumping and my spirit soaring, but this story made all that happen for very different reasons. There was the euphoria of this young woman being so bold and attempting to go where she was at a disadvantage, the pride I felt as I watched her succeed, and then there was the fury I experienced seeing her "teammates" harass, abuse, debase, and assault her. Let's just say, I experienced a lot of emotions as I read Michigan's story, but I was so engrossed and involved and regret not one second of it.

I was a Michigan fan. Here was this young woman, who just wanted to play the sport she loved. She was willing to put in the blood, sweat, and tears, and seeing all her accomplishments on the ice just filled my heart with joy. I didn't only experience her highs. Allen did a magnificent job depicting her isolation, inner struggle, and self-doubt.

The hardest parts were when her own team waged a war against her. My heart ached as I watched her tormented by the so-called leaders of her team. They started small, but it escalated quickly. And, yes, I was yelling things like, "Your dad is a cop!", and "Tell SOMEONE!", but Michigan was determined to stick it out. The way she reasoned with herself as to why she shouldn't tell followed that oh, so familiar teen logic. I may not have agreed with her, but I sort of understood her reasoning, and I felt it was realistic.

Michigan was sort of lucky though, because even when things looked really bad, she had some fantastic people on her side. The team may have drifted a bit, but when push came to shove, they were there for her. The support her former teammates gave her was wonderful, and women supporting women will always score big points in my book.

I also was really grateful, that Allen included some positive male characters. First and Foremost, there was Jack, the star of the swim team, who encouraged Michigan to take that chance and try out for the boys' team. He was that wonderful unicorn kind of boy I cannot resist, and I simply adored him. I also had much love for Michigan's younger brother, Trenton. He was simply an amazing source of inspiration and strength for his sister. There were all these little things he did throughout the story, which summed up to a heck of a lot of support for her, especially when her belief in herself seemed to be waning. Michigan's also shared a lovely relationship with her dad, and it was fantastic to see a grown man displaying the sorts of emotions he did with his daughter.

Not to worry, though, because this story ended on a high note for me, which made up for all my pain and anguish throughout this story.

Though I am sad, that in 2019, stories like this are still relevant, I was appreciative of the way Allen told this tale and handled the issues.

Overall: A wonderfully told story of one girl's battle with the toxic norms and double standards plaguing society as she fought to attain her dream.

I went into Michigan Vs The Boys a bit hesitant because I know nothing about sports. Luckily, this was a really intense, fast, good read. It is around a 4.5 star read for me. Just barely missing that five star because I felt like the ending kind-of glossed over the on going trauma events like this would have on someone. Over all the book did a really good job of show casing toxic masculinity and the damage it does to not just to women/girls, but to men/boys as well. The main cast felt realistic and Trent is probably one of my favorite portrayals of a younger brother ever.

Michigan Vs. The Boys by Carrie Allen
TW: Drugging
Overview: Michigan is named after her home state. She's also an amazing hockey player. The only problem is that her team gets cut due to budgets. Instead of driving hours away or jumping ship to boarding school, Michigan decides to go out for her school's remaining team, the boy's team. Though she can skate circles around that, it won't stop the team of insecure losers from trying to literally beat her down at every turn. Luckily, her skin is thick, and she's ready to make her spot. Overall: 4

Characters: 4 Michigan is great. She's so strong, mentally and physically, almost to a fault. She has a difficult time admitting when she needs to ask for help, though I can't fault her because those around her aren't the most supportive. Her resilience is something to aspire to.
Then there's Jack who is a super cute, super talented swimmer who connects with Michigan when his swim team gets cut too. They're a sports power couple.
Then there's the hockey team that Michigan joins. They're horrible. Well, except for Avery, but most of them made me want to throw the book across the room. It's a good reminder about how sexism is extra alive and well in male dominated sports (and sports in general) and it's only being perpetuated by those in power positions like coaches.
Finally, there's Michigan's former teammates who we don't see a ton of, but they're a real ride or die group.

Plot: 4 No character is spared in this story. Everybody is tortured to their fullest potential, which, though painful at times, makes for an interesting book that will keep you wondering, "What will Michigan have to go through next?" The story goes places I honestly wasn't expecting, but it brings the story together in a way that makes you feel like there was a satisfying conclusions.

Writing: 4 Carrie has an amazing voice that brings Michigan into perfect focus. She also somehow answers all of the questions that pop into my head the second I think of them. Also, I have no sports knowledge when it comes to hockey. I think I've only seen a GIFs worth and that clip form Carpool Karaoke of James Corden and Shawn Mendes attempting to play hockey. That's to say, you don't have to know sports to feel firmly grounded in this whole new world. It's the first sports book I've fallen into that easily.

I was really enjoying this book until the overbearing male “girls can’t do anything” became too much for what would be allowed in today’s public high school. I let it go and kept pushing through because Michigan’s story is awesome and the writing is tight.

However, at 39% Michigan decides to insult cheerleaders everywhere by mentioning how they get their letters by “gift wrapping” and I just cannot continue. It is absolutely DISGUSTING and you would think the love they showed would be a seen as someone being happy for her. Instead, we get an utter lack of respect and mean girl vibes.

SHAME ON YOU CARRIE S. ALLEN!

What a fantastic YA novel. Michigan vs The Boys is about Michigan, who tries out for - and successfully joins - the boys hockey team when her school disbands the girls hockey team. Naturally, the boys aren't happy having a girl (and a very good hockey-playing girl at that) on their team. Michigan goes through a lot to stay on the team, but comes out the other side stronger. I don't want to give too much away, but I thought Allen expertly handled some serious issues in this book. Some of the hockey jargon went over my head, but I was still able to easily following along. It's a great novel for teenage girls.

Ever read a book and think to yourself, "why haven't I been begging for a book like this? Why didn't I consider something like this was possible?"

Yep. That about sums it up.

Michigan vs. the Boys is the book about hockey, badass women, and toxic masculinity that you weren't aware you needed but definitely wanted the moment you set eyes on it.

I have so much love for this novel and cannot wait for it to be released into the world.

This book kicked @$$ and I loved it. A YA book about a hockey playing heroine that wasn't sappy or trite never existed until now! There are so many young readers out there are will be clamoring for this book and I will recommend it to all the others!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great book. Michigan is a kinda tough character, who just gets tougher as more goes wrong – however it does take her a little while to get tougher. I loved the relationship between her and Jack. I kinda hated the coach for the way he treated her, and her ‘bad’ male teammates for their attitude towards her, however, I understand that that was the whole point. Michigan’s mom also frustrated me with her lack of support. This book is intense, but it deals with important topics, so it is definitely one I would recommend.

When Michigan Manning discovers that budget cuts have caused her school to dismantle the girls hockey team, she is determined to find a way to continue playing the sport she loves. She tries out for the boys team and makes the roster. Then comes toxic masculinity, bullying, hazing, and harassment. Michigan is fierce, determined, and resilient through it all. She's determined to be a good role model and pave the way for all young girls dreaming of becoming hockey players. Along the way there's a bit of romance too, but it doesn't detract from the story. There are a few moments that fall flat and a few one-dimensional characters, but overall it's a great addition to the YA Sports fiction section.

This book was so much different than the typical YA, sports contemporaries that I read. This wasn’t a feel-good, romance-powered book. Instead, it covered real-life issues and centered around female empowerment. Michigan is a strong female character and there are many instances included in the novel where we see females supporting other females. I felt really connected to Michigan, and found myself rooting for her from the very beginning of the story. While this book isn’t a light-hearted read, it addresses real, societal problems that women are currently battling. Michigan vs. The Boys opens up the important discussion of sexism in our world today and I hope that anyone who has felt the way Michigan did can read this book and feel understood.

It's safe to say I loved this book. First of all, I love a good hockey story. Maybe it has to do with my New England roots or having a crush on all the players in the movie Miracle, but you can definitely get me to read any book that has to do with hockey. I think this Michigan Vs. The Boys is the perfect book for fans of Beartown by Fredrik Backman. It's definitely written for a YA audience but it's totally worth reading as an adult. Michigan is a fantastic role model for young girls. But the main reason I loved this book is because it is a story of female empowerment. It is a story where girls, women, stand by each other and where women who come forward are believed. It was deliciously satisfying. Even if in our current climate women are rarely believed when they speak against men, at least this story will give girls the courage to stand up for themselves, what is right, and their female friends. Loved it.

This was a great sports read that finally didn't dig to deep into a romantic relationship. It's about a strong likable female character who stands up for a game she loves and joins the boys team when there's no girl's team. Things don't go as well as she hopes. She endures hazing and other tortures but in the end comes through it even stronger. Yes, this story has been done before. But it's not done often enough. I really enjoyed everything about this book. It does contain some triggers such as abuse, drinking, date rape drugs. Certain teens might be turned off because of some of that, but others, especially athletes, should read this book.

First time reader of Carrie S. Allen. Total girl power. A quick read.

Michigan is strong and dedicated. When the girls hockey team is over she joins the boys team. Yet the boys don’t want her apart of it.

Because of this she experiences hazing abuse and harassment. But Michigan takes it all in stride not wanting to be thrown of the team.

Such a heart wrenching story. I felt pain for her. Not too focused on romance. This was an overall great read.

*Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

This was an incredible story. I found myself getting extremely attached to the heroine, Michigan. When her school endures budget cuts and eliminates her girl’s hockey team, she tries out (and makes) the boy’s team. She is strong and determined to show she can keep up and belong on the team. I know I wouldn’t be able to hang like she does.

This book sucked me in and I felt myself celebrating with Mich and wanting to cry with her too. I look forward to seeing more from the author! As a reader, I felt like the author built the characters well and it was an enjoyable read.

(I do plan to also leave my review on Amazon, but I'm currently getting an error message).