Erin Entrada Kelly (Lalani of the Distant Sea) tells the sweet story of a girl who is afraid of taking risks in this delightful stand-alone follow-up to Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey.
Marisol Rainey and her best friend, Jada George, love making lists. Even though their lists aren't identical, they share a "number-one Least Favorite Thing to Do": gym class! Marisol doesn't mind hopscotch or hula hoop but when Coach Decker announces that they're going to learn how to play kickball for the next two weeks, Marisol feels unsettled. Even though she's never played, she's sure that she won't be any good. It doesn't help that her nemesis, Evie Smythe, brags that she's the best at kickball while also teasing Marisol about her shortcomings. When Marisol is the only person to miss all of her kicks during the first kickball game, she grudgingly asks her annoying, soccer star brother, Oz, for help. But when the day of the big game arrives, she is still insecure and certain that she's going to mess up. How can Marisol ensure she finally hears a "Way to go!" from Coach Decker?
Newbery Medalist Entrada Kelly tells the compassionate story of a girl who is afraid of taking risks. This lower middle-grade novel, written in short and easily accessible chapters with funny black-and-white illustrations by the author, is a quick and smooth read. Entrada Kelly delicately covers topics of friendship, self-esteem and perseverance through difficult and uncomfortable situations. Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is an excellent book, especially for the shy, quirky child afraid to try new things. --Natasha Harris, freelance reviewer