Stealing the Score

Two best friends’ relationship and their love for soccer are put to the test in this spirited caper by Liu (Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation). When they learn about an international scavenger hunt to find a replica pair of boots worn by their favorite AC Miami club player, Venezuelan star El Botín, besties Ethan and Sasha dedicate themselves to cracking the clues. But their social media star classmate Mateo—whose father works for the club—is also participating. Sasha’s suggestion that they team up, and Ethan’s disparaging response, drives a wedge between the duo. News articles peppered among Ethan, Sasha, and Mateo’s alternating third-person chapters chronicle a parallel plot about El Botín: following the theft of his lucky shoes, his performance during subsequent matches is disastrous. Then other prominent players have their lucky talismans—and, seemingly, their athletic abilities—stolen, prompting a worldwide soccer crisis, which descends into further chaos when El Botín himself goes missing. Though things are still tense between Ethan and Sasha, they team up with Mateo to track down both El Botín and his lucky boots in time for the upcoming World Cup. Action-oriented prose weaves a complex mystery that celebrates “the beautiful game,” as well as the life-changing connections and experiences the sport can foster. Characters are intersectionally diverse. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jennifer March Soloway, Andrea Brown Literary. (Feb.)