Women’s football is evolving, both on and off the pitch. It’s also evolving on the shelves, with more books covering elements of women’s football than perhaps ever before.
One new entry is by award-winning author Angela May George who tackles the trials of modern teenagehood in ‘Step Up, Shine On’, a middle-grade novel which beautifully characterizes the experiences of modern multicultural Australia.
As Melina Marchetta’s Looking for Alibrandi gave voice to the richness and challenge of second generations – the children of migrants to Australia – so does George for a new generation.
George tackles the trials of growing up in a world of selfies and social media, fakery and friendship, and does so with insight and humour in a story that embraces the vibrant modern Australian society, without being afraid to explore the pitfalls of culture clashes, clique culture, and the joys to be found on the soccer pitch.
Alanna Kennedy (Matildas/Tottenham Hotspur player) endorsed the book saying that she was “grateful for the amazing people I am surrounded by every day who push us to our limits and support us in becoming the best version of ourselves.”
‘Step Up, Shine On’ takes these lessons from the pitch to life, and is a perfect Australian novel to amuse, inspire and hold up a mirror to modern life – both a book of its time, and timeless.
Kat’s got all the ingredients to go all the way. But she fails her exams … on purpose … to avoid the pressure of the top classes. She kills it in soccer, but never trials for the rep teams.
She’s happy to fly under the radar, unlike her oh-so-perfect Wonder Brother.
But this year things are shifting. Not least in her friendships. Lavinia has defected to none other than The Triad of She-Wolves, but Kat’s gained the new girl, the Goth, and after tutoring Bayani’s brother, a boyfriend!
When secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested, Kat discovers that it is time for her to step up … and shine.
Angela May George is a children’s author. She has published the stunningly powerful picture book Out (2016), which was nominated for a CBCA Children’s Book of the Year 2018.
Step Up, Shine On is her second novel, and her third book with Scholastic.
For more book coverage on Beyond90, read Never Say Die and keep an eye out for the upcoming bookclub.