O'Leary, Terence. Penalty Kick. Toledo, Ohio: Swan Creek Press, 2014.

I am always in the market for more sports books. Certainly the title and cover art drew me to this title at NetGalley. Penalty Kick did not disappoint as a sports book and offered so much more.

Honestly, when it opened in an oncologist's office, I thought, "Not another cancer book..." Initially, I think, because I was expecting something different. Then I realized the surge in popularity of such books would make this a popular title. Anyhow, I kept reading and learned that Brooke was recovering from an intense fight with cancer. Her experiences allowed her to feel an overwhelming compassion for Josh who was fighting is own life and death battle. An amazing soccer player, he is driving on his learner's permit and is involved in a horrifying accident that takes his mom's life. He is nearly unable to go on. This is a beautiful story of friendship and recovery, of family, loss, and love. Through counseling, friendship, love, and soccer Josh fights his way back and challenging Brooke to grow along the way.

I'm pleased that this book will appeal to the guys and girls in my library. Both Brooke and Josh are full realized characters whose strengths and flaws will make them relatable. The book is realistic and intense without being overwhelming for students simply looking for a solid read. The love story develops slowly and in a lovely way, suitable for the younger readers in my 7-12 library. The sports scenes are action packed and suspenseful. I look forward to adding this to my collection soon.

Net Galley provided me with an advanced reader's copy in exchange for this review.