Falling Star.

Liz Dennett is a public service librarian in the Science and Technology
Library at the University of Alberta.

Edison Flood has always been a naturally talented soccer player. He is the top scorer in an elite division, but suddenly doubts have entered his mind. Goal opportunities that used to be sure things are now panic-inducing moments. He feels the pressure of everyone’s expectations, including his parents and his own. A family move to New Brunswick seems to offer a reprieve. Edison ends up playing for a team that takes soccer much less seriously than his old one. He is pleased to discover that his new coach actually means it when he says to have fun. But Edison still has trouble finding confidence on the field and a hostile teammate taunts him for it. It takes the help of his coach, the friendship of his teammates, and the inspiration of some special athletes for Edison to rediscover his joy for playing soccer and for the nerves to finally recede.

Some of the on-field action feels a bit preposterous. For example, an opposing team member dribbles with his head for half the field, and Edison loses his nerve after missing one shot (even professional players miss all the time). However, the characters are fun, relatively complex, and develop through some well-written interactions. The book also conveys a positive message about playing sports for the love of the game. Recommended.