How surprised I was to realize the author is a man! He had Amanda's feelings about losing Lena as a friend pitch-perfect. He also does a great job showing that experiencing a loss can lead to opening up new worlds, as Amanda gets to know Shakina, grows as a player on JV soccer, and might possibliy have a new friend in Angus. A solid reading choice for teen girls who enjoy friendship novels or are into soccer. ( )

I don't read a lot of YA books, maybe half-a-dozen a year. I picked this one up because Brendan Halpin wrote it and after his "Donorboy" jumped off the shelf and into my hand in the summer of 2007, I have yet to be let down. His characters always feel honest, with the right mix of humor and humanity. His stories go somewhere, and by that, I suppose I mean that they matter. Which is a good thing, just so you know. ( )

Best friends Amanda and Lena have always been an unstoppable pair on the soccer field. Although ninth graders rarely make the varsity team, they are hopeful. A recent growth spurt of several inches has caused Amanda to develop Sever’s disease, a temporary disorder that causes significant heel pain as the tendons try to keep up with bone growth. As she puts it, instead of charging up the wing, she’s now hobbling toward the goal. But it’s still an unexpected blow when she hears that Lena has made the varsity cut and she has been relegated to JV. As much as the two girls try to pretend it won’t affect their friendship, it does: in addition to the different practices and games, Lena is socializing more with the juniors and seniors who make up the varsity team. Things come to a head when Lena asks Amanda to accompany her to a party so that she can meet up with a guy she likes. Unable to deceive her dad and stepmom, Amanda comes clean about the evening’s activities, and when Lena’s parents find out where she really was, Lena blames Amanda. Both of the girls develop other friendships, and these friendships affect the choices they make in the rocky new waters of high school. While Brendan Halpin’s previous novels have been geared toward older readers, his background as a high school teacher is evident here: the dialogue is spot-on, and the characters are fully fleshed. Themes of death aren’t as prevalent as in his earlier works, although Amanda’s loss of her mom when she was young and the resulting blended family are important threads in the story. Amanda’s first person narration rings true with a captivating mix of teenage humor and insecurity. Occasional language is typical of the teen characters and is not gratuitous. While there is plenty of soccer action for fans of the sport, feel confident putting this in the hands of any teen looking for a solid friendship story that manages to convey the benefits of doing the right thing without any preachiness. ( )

Review by: Kelly G

Shutout is about two soccer-crazed girls entering their freshman year in high school who try out for soccer. Amanda has been best friends with Lena for a very long time. When Lena makes the team and Amanda doesn't their friendship gets put in jeopardy. Will they be able to stay friends or will soccer tear their team apart? I recommend this easy read book for 6-10th graders. It is very good but predictable.

Review by: Egypt

Learning a ton from these neat articles.
Review by: Chelsia

I'm quite pleased with the information in this one. TY! ( )

"Shutout" is about a girl named Amanda. Amanda and her bestfriend sign up the the high school soccer team. Lena, her bestfriend made varsity and Amanda didn't. Sadly, becuase she has Sever's disease. She ends up being goalie for the JV soccer team. Before, Amanda had Sever's disease, her and Amanda played soccer like pros and played offense together. They made tons of goals. Amanda was shocked that she didn't make varsity. Soon, Her friend, Lena finds new friend. Lena doesn't have any classes with Amanda. She didn't have a bestfriend anymore. Lena gets mad at Amanda after a while. Soon, they make-up and become friends again.

I liked this book because i love soccer. I recommend this book to others who like soccer. It can relate to a lot of people who didn't make a varsity team. ( )