Book: Benchwarmers| Author: John Feinstein | Genre: Sports Drama / Fiction | Age: 11+
Grit means to have passion and persevere for a goal. Grit is something that can drive you to unthinkable heights and establish success in your life for your specific goal. And that, my friends, is exactly what amazing 6th-grade soccer player Andrea (Andi) Carillo has. Don’t judge this book by its cover title, because instead of just sitting on the bench, “Benchwarmers” is about soccer, action, passion, teamwork, friendship, fights, setbacks, victories, and more!
I would recommend this book for 11+ year-olds, agreeing with the publishers that this book is for tweens. The content is smoothly conveyed, creating a nice and continuous reading experience. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars -⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, meaning that the book is absolutely amazing and will take you on a miraculous journey filled with cliffhangers and action, making you want to read on and on!
The plot of this book revolves around 2 protagonists, Jeff Michaels (6th grade, 12 years old) and Andrea (aka Andi) Carillo (6th grade, 12 years old). Jeff, the son of TV Reporter Tom Michaels is just learning to play soccer and goes to try out for Merion Middle School’s newly established 6th grade boys soccer team. Andi Carillo, a 6th-grade girl, fights her way into tryouts, but unfortunately, Coach Johnston doesn’t believe in girls playing on boys’ soccer teams, even though she might even be one of the best players in the tryouts. Andi is cut off from the team because of unfair decision-making. After meeting Jeff and becoming good friends with him, the two decide to put an end to this issue. Through Jeff’s help, the two friends try to use the news and media to spread the word about this unfair event amid threats, fights, bullies, etc. Will their efforts become successful? Will Andi be accepted by Coach Johnston into the team? Will Andi be able to prove herself? Read ‘Benchwarmers‘ to find out!
I really love this book because of the action-packed scenes and the passion for soccer displayed by the players. The imagery makes you feel like you are watching a real-life soccer game, and the cliffhangers make you want to read on and on, eventually finishing the book! However, what I really love about this book is the message that it conveys. This book creates and proves the idea that:
- Girls are capable of doing whatever boys can
- Friendship and teamwork will attain success
- If you have the passion and show the effort, you will attain your goal
- Respect everyone and always play fair
- Things will always work out in the end!
Important Links!
If you are interested in reading this fun, passionate, and action-packed book buy it at: Amazon.com – Benchwarmers
Extra Info!
About the Author: John Feinstein
That was it for my book review on ‘Benchwarmers’ by John Feinstein. I hope you liked it, and I also hope that I might have sparked some interest in reading this book for you. If you want something to read including fictional drama, sports, action, etc, I guarantee this book is the one for you!
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-Kartik Lakhwani
The Kartik-Sphere 