The Gracie Faltrain Series

There's a building tension in Cath Crowley's 'Gracie Faltrain' series. Gracie is totally self-focused; obsessed with her soccer prowess and keen to win and prove her skill at all costs, especially as the only girl on a team of boys. She also wants to control her friends, hold her family together, and win the affections of a boy for whom she yearns.

But Gracie is reasonably well-intentioned, however arrogant and misguided. She's going to make things happen! Despite, or perhaps because of, her failings, Gracie endears us to her. We're on her side but sometimes we just want to give her a good shake! As she barrels headlong with the speed of a freight train, events unfold; and at times, the roller-coaster that is Gracie Faltrain leaves you waiting for your stomach to drop.

When things start to unravel, Gracie must take a long, hard look in the mirror at what she's become, and who she's hurt in her all-out quest for goals - both on and off the soccer field. It takes time for her to realise not everything is black and white, and that being a good friend is not about needing to 'fix' people. Her seemingly clear-cut solutions have left nothing but jagged edges, and she must work hard - harder than she ever has at soccer - to make things right.

The 'Gracie Faltrain' series is poignant, funny and moves with the speed of a soccer match. The multi-perspective narration swaps from character to character as they recount the action, addressing both the reader and each other. I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read about goals, friendships, family, and the hard task of learning about yourself. At the end of this series, it's not only Gracie Faltrain who feels a little older and wiser.