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direton1's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
afabbi's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
readaloud_mom's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I love how the entire Yasmin! series handles both perfectionism and gender roles, and this book is a particularly good example of both of those things!
Following the usual Yasmin! format, Yasmin's anxiety and perfectionism are making it difficult for her to participate at school. (We've seen this template before with Yasmin the Builder, Yasmin the Writer, etc.) In this case, our plucky protagonist is faced with fear of the soccer ball during gym class.
And just like always, Yasmin is able to triumph in the end! This time with the gentle support and encouragement of the coach. She has Yasmin play as goalie, and not only does Yasmin manage to stop the ball (falling down in the process), she is able to get up and keep playing!
Something that makes this particular story stand out for me is how sensitively it depicts some gendered barriers that can exist for girls in sports. (Stuff like, Yasmin's friend Ali already knows how to play and his fast kicks seem legitimately scary to newbie Yasmin!) At the same time, the story totally avoids generalizing anything about Girls In Sports; Coach Garcia is a woman and Yasmin's friend Emma is shown happily playing.
BTW, this story is also available in the composite volume "You Can Do It, Yasmin!" which includes Yasmin the Writer (which is another of my faves for the unusually sensitive handling of gender roles). Definitely consider getting the composite volume!
Following the usual Yasmin! format, Yasmin's anxiety and perfectionism are making it difficult for her to participate at school. (We've seen this template before with Yasmin the Builder, Yasmin the Writer, etc.) In this case, our plucky protagonist is faced with fear of the soccer ball during gym class.
And just like always, Yasmin is able to triumph in the end! This time with the gentle support and encouragement of the coach. She has Yasmin play as goalie, and not only does Yasmin manage to stop the ball (falling down in the process), she is able to get up and keep playing!
Something that makes this particular story stand out for me is how sensitively it depicts some gendered barriers that can exist for girls in sports. (Stuff like, Yasmin's friend Ali already knows how to play and his fast kicks seem legitimately scary to newbie Yasmin!) At the same time, the story totally avoids generalizing anything about Girls In Sports; Coach Garcia is a woman and Yasmin's friend Emma is shown happily playing.
BTW, this story is also available in the composite volume "You Can Do It, Yasmin!" which includes Yasmin the Writer (which is another of my faves for the unusually sensitive handling of gender roles). Definitely consider getting the composite volume!
vineyivy's review against another edition
5.0
Early reader chapter book about trying new things. I like the information in the back about Pakistan!