Blow Out is a fast-paced, exciting adventure for reluctant readers who love soccer. I didn’t understand a lot of the plays that were discussed in the story, but I definitely got the passion these girls have for the game, and it was contagious!

Lacy is a great role model–she’s a good sport, she’s kind, she’s loyal, and she’s talented. She also has to face real-life fears, pain, anxieties, and bullying–and she comes through it all with flying colors. On top of that, she has to deal with the stigma of being a female athlete in a social circle that traditionally expects young ladies to go off to college and find husbands and settle down. A great message, treated with dignity and grace. 

I really enjoyed Blow Out and was even more excited to share it with my soccer playing students. They are eating it up! Kudos to M.G. Higgins who hasn’t sacrificed quality to write for youth who would rather be out on the field than reading.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Lerner Publishing Group

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  A character recalls a serious sports injury; a character trips another character.

Sex/Nudity:  Two characters flirt, whisper, and touch (arms and hands); two characters hold hands.

Mature Subject Matter:

Homosexuality, bullying, parental neglect.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None