Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet soccer story about pressure and first crushes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SOL GOES FOR GOAL!, 12-year-old Sol seems to have everything under control: She's a strong student, a reliable daughter, and a talented soccer player. But as she heads back to school and tries out for the middle school team, her focus starts to slip when she develops a crush on team captain Lily. Suddenly, Sol's high standards feel a lot harder to manage. As expectations from school, sports, and home pile up, Sol has to figure out who she wants to be on and off the field.
Is It Any Good?
This is a warm, encouraging graphic novel that understands how intense middle school expectations can feel. Soccer is the focus of the plot, but the relationships that exist and change on and off the field are what make Sol Goes for Goal! such a wonderful read. The characters are open about their feelings, and friends don't hold grudges against each other when someone makes a mistake. Sol's struggle to reconcile other people's ideas about her with her own shifting expectations is relatable and reminds readers that having support from friends and family can make vulnerability and uncertainty easier to navigate.
Gabi Mendez's expressive art and bright colors keep the tone upbeat even when Sol feels overwhelmed. Some readers may find the plot familiar, but the appealing cast, gentle humor, and affirming treatment of a first same-gender crush give it extra charm.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Sol Goes for Goal! shows that pressure to be "the best" can make even activities you love feel stressful. Have you ever felt pressure to be the best? How did you react?
What kinds of teams or groups have you been a part of that had great teamwork? What made it feel that way?
When Sol disappoints Willie, what helped them talk so easily again? Do you think this could work in your own life, or are there obstacles to communication that you experience?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Gabi Mendez
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Competition , Friendship , Sports ( Soccer )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Graphic
- Publication date : June 9, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : June 10, 2026
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