Very cute middle grade novel about a girl who reluctantly signs up for her schools hockey team. She eventually ends up enjoying it and her teammates. The LGBTQ rep was amazing and honest. Them not knowing whether it was a date is so sapphic coded. I gave this one 4/5 stars

I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read and share it.

Bea isn't good at sports. At all. But when the gym floods and the kids are "strongly encouraged" to join a team to make up for the cancelled PE class, she signs up for hockey....due to an immediate crush on Gabi, one of the captains.

I honestly love reviewing queer romance books because 90% of the book is building a relationship between the characters, who rarely even feel comfortable disclosing that they're attracted. It ends up being an amazing model of consent and communications that often "romance" books lack.

This book is no exception. Bea gradually becomes better at hockey, gradually becomes part of the team, and, gradually, connects with Gabi. None of which comes easy. I think sports fans would enjoy this book, even if they don't know much about hockey, but this non-sports fan also enjoyed it, and those who like sweet, light books with a hint of romance would also enjoy it.

Unfortunately, the fact that Bea and Gabi are both girls may well keep this book from reaching the audiences it deserves. Which is a shame, because it's exactly the sort of thing I would love to see tween/early teens reading. I am adding it to my Little Free Library list.

I loved this! Great characters, great hockey, a realistic coming of age story. Definitely will be recommending it to patrons and colleagues!