THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

Maria Liatis delivers a heartwarming performance as a 13-year-old with a passion for fútbol and her family. Valeria is a star player on the boys’ soccer team, coached by her gruff abuelo. Through spirited yet subtle energy, Liatis adds credibility to Valeria’s perseverance through trying times, including her mortification at getting her first period and losing her standing on the boys’ team, then having to transition to the girls’ team. Liatis also captures the closeness of the nontraditional family amid their grief following the death of Valeria’s aunt. Liatis’s sensitive, understated narration showcases the book’s rich themes of family, resilience, and perseverance and makes this an especially accessible listening experience for young teens who are trying to find their place in the world. M.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2024 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2024]