OFFSIDE, by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Mari Costa, Graphix, July 7, 2026, Paperback, $14.99 (ages 8-12)
Five very different kids learn they may just have more in common than they thought in Offside, by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Mari Costa.
For the first time ever, the Jackson Middle School soccer team is going co-ed–thanks to Nicky’s determination. Now Nicky and Fabiola are on a team with Al, Palmer, Seba, and the rest of the boys . . . but that doesn’t mean they’re all on the same side. Team captain Al is going to do whatever he can to keep the girls off the team, just the way his father wants.
When Al and Nicky’s rivalry threatens to tear the team apart, everyone’s going to have to pick sides. That is, until Palmer looks into why Nicky joined the team, and he starts to realize that there’s a bigger problem than what’s on the field. . .
And maybe the only way to truly win is together. —Synopsis provided by Graphix
Offside is an entertaining bilingual graphic novel that celebrates all things soccer and friendship.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports for middle-graders, and Offside piggybacks on that popularity.
Though Offside is a fairly short book, author Christina Diaz Gonzalez covers a lot of ground – ESL athletes, co-ed sports integration, social and emotional issues, intergenerational conflict, sportsmanship, and more.
Gonzalez manages to give each of the five kids enough time to explore their particular challenges within the overall story without getting lost or shortchanging on character in service of another. And it’s nice to see a balance between poor role modeling (a parent and a mayor) and strong, supportive actions from both coaches.
Illustrator Mari Costa brings Gonzalez’s story to life with bright and energetic illustrations full of action and heart.
Offside is an accessible and enjoyable read that will appeal to a large cross-section of readers.
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