Shaken

by James Preller

Overview

Kristy Barrett is a soccer star. She's been a star since elementary school, and now is so good that she's been told she may someday make the women's Olympic team.

Everything changes in an instant, when a blow to her head during a game results in a severe concussion. It's not her first head injury, but it's the worst one she's ever had. The doctors say it will take time to recover; they don't know how long. All Kristy knows is that her team is moving on without her, and her purpose—soccer—is gone, and she doesn't know what to do, or even who she is. Her days are marked by pain and panic attacks.

Through two unexpected new friendships and insightful therapists, Kristy starts to rebuild her life. The question is, will her new life include soccer?

Sports injuries are a reality of competitive play, for both male and female athletes. Here is a story that athletes and other readers will relate to as they navigate middle-school and their own identities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250835130
Publisher:	Square Fish
Publication date:	03/17/2026
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.12(w) x 7.62(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

James Preller is the author of the series, Jigsaw Jones and Scary Tales, published by Feiwel and Friends. His middle-grade novels include Six Innings (an ALA Notable Book), Bystander (a JLG Selection), The Fall, and Blood Mountain. He is a sought-after visiting author in schools and libraries. James Preller lives with his family in Delmar, NY.

Editorial Reviews

A Bank Street Center for Children's Literature Best Book of the Year

"Kristy Barrett has always attracted attention on the soccer field: ... She was special. This phrase has been repeated her whole life. Now, as a seventh grader, Kristy is starting on the varsity girls’ soccer team, dominating players who are several years older than she... But after she’s kicked in the head while diving for the ball, she suffers a traumatic concussion. Suddenly, Kristy is a different person—and no one seems to understand her or what she needs or even how to talk to her now that she’s not that special soccer player. Preller’s careful pacing matches the fuzziness and slow healing of Kristy’s brain, introducing readers to the realities of the pain, loss, and feelings of isolation that dedicated athletes experience when they can no longer play. ...Strong themes of healing (both physical and emotional), family, and friendship abound. An introspective and realistic coming-of-age story about rediscovering oneself."--Kirkus Reviews

"Rife with strong metaphors and powerfully realistic characters."-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)

From the Publisher

2024-07-19
Life changes quickly for a middle schooler after an accident forces her to slow down and reevaluate who she is.

Thirteen-year-old Kristy Barrett has always attracted attention on the soccer field: As a 4-year-old, people saw her playing and just knew there was something different about her, from her focus to her speed. She was special. This phrase has been repeated her whole life. Now, as a seventh grader, Kristy is starting on the varsity girls’ soccer team, dominating players who are several years older than she. Soccer isn’t just her passion, it’s her identity, the thing that people notice her for—and she loves it. But after she’s kicked in the head while diving for the ball, she suffers a traumatic concussion. Suddenly, Kristy is a different person—and no one seems to understand her or what she needs or even how to talk to her now that she’s not that special soccer player. Preller’s careful pacing matches the fuzziness and slow healing of Kristy’s brain, introducing readers to the realities of the pain, loss, and feelings of isolation that dedicated athletes often experience when they can no longer play. The somber tone of the story is lightened by the presence of two minor characters who bring levity and humor. Strong themes of healing (both physical and emotional), family, and friendship abound. Main characters cued white.

An introspective and realistic coming-of-age story about rediscovering oneself.(Fiction. 9-13)

Kirkus Reviews