Play Like a Girl is a great middle grade graphic memoir themed around gender stereotypes and how they affect young people. It follows Misty who is the only girl on her 7th grade (American) football team. Some of the boys don't want her playing on the team despite her being dedicated and good at the sport. On top of trying to find herself as she plays a traditionally male sport, Misty experiences other middle grade hardships such as dissolving friendships and the awkwardness of being at that age.

I really liked this book a lot. I love anything that challenges gender stereotypes and roles already, but this is a great middle grade book all around. It reads like fiction so young readers will like it. It's genuinely funny with moments that made me chuckle. It explains American football in an easy to understand way without info dumping. And it covers other middle grade problems with moodiness and friendships. Middle school sucks for most kids and I think this book will help a lot of kids feel seen.

Also, there is a picture of Misty in her football uniform at the back of the book which is absolutely great and her husband provided the illustrations!

Thank you to netgalley and harper collins for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!