Jonah is 13 and wants to succeed as a hockey goalie, maybe eventually going pro. His best buddy, Ty, is also pursuing this dream.
Jonah, though, has anxiety issues that have worsened since his mom was killed in a car accident. Dad also suffers from severe anxiety and won’t even attend his son’s games.
Things get even worse for Jonah when Ty has a medical emergency during an important game. Now Jonah tries to go it alone until he realizes their are people (classmate and next door neighbor, Rose, and a school counselor) who could help with the alien in his brain (A worried voice he calls Al).
The novel in verse flows from one crisis to the next in gripping fashion. It’s a hard to put down treasury of poetry and dialog.
I come across many kids with anxiety issues and GAME FACE will certainly be the book to recommend. The story is a hopeful companion on the road to feeling okay. Perfect starting point for thought and discussion.
PAGE COUNT: 376 BOOK BIRTHDAY: Sept. 5, 2023
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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: GAME FACE by Shari Green
- Both Rose and the counselor shine as secondary characters. They are very convincing therapists.
- The relationship change between Jonah and his Dad comes forth as a strong component.
- One look at the cover makes this looks like a sport’s book. What you’ll find instead: hockey is there as a springboard towards helping one’s mental health.
- Ty and Jonah’s friendship takes many emotional directions. Heartbreaking and satisfying rolled into a great ending.
- Despite the page count, this novel in verse is a quick read and will appeal to many middle graders.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shari Green writes fiction and poetry for children and young adults. Her latest middle-grade novel in verse, GAME FACE, launched in Fall 2023 and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection. Shari’s other books include ROOT BEER CANDY AND OTHER MIRACLES, an IYL White Ravens selection; MACY McMILLAN AND THE RAINBOW GODDESS, a Schneider Family Book Award winner, Junior Library Guild selection, IBBY Outstanding Books for Young People With Disabilities selection, and USBBY Outstanding International Books selection; and MISSING MIKE, an NCTE Notable Verse Novels selection and USBBY Outstanding International Books selection. Her next book, SONG OF FREEDOM, SONG OF DREAMS, is a Young Adult historical novel in verse, coming in March 2024. When she’s not writing or reading, Shari can often be found wandering the beaches or forest trails near her home on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
(For more about Shari and her books take a look at her author web page)
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Always in the Middle... 
Poor Jonah! This sounds like a good book to have at hand for kids suffering from anxiety, and also for those who don’t to understand what it is like. It can be hard to ask for help, hopefully this story will encourage those who need help to look for it.
Ghost does well, so maybe a sports novel in verse will circulate. This sounds a bit like Stroman’s The Grip as far as the anxiety.
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I remember Shari Green’s book Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess was acclaimed, and it sounds like she’s written another wonderful story here! I know from experience that it’s incredibly hard to manage anxiety thoughts when real-life crises keep on happening—the anxiety just seems more and more rational, and it seems like this book captures that feeling. Thanks so much for the thoughtful review, Greg!
I think the fact that it looks like a sports book will draw kids into the story, which sounds really good. Glad you enjoyed it so much.
Thanks for recommending this book. I’m going to try and feature it in the TALKING STORY newsletter.
Wow! This sounds like a terrific book. And in verse! Even better. I will be looking for a copy. Thanks for telling me about it.
Hockey? You’ve got me! Definitely going to look for a copy.
This looks interesting. Thanks for sharing.
I read Macy MacMillan and the Rainbow Goddess and really enjoyed it. This sounds like a very interesting read. A page turner for sure! Poor Jonah- my heart already goes out to him. Great review. Thanks for sharing.