Shaken

By James Preller

A soccer star's life unravels after a severe concussion. Can she find a new purpose?

4.0/5 Goodreads · 81 ratings

240 pages

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Kristy Barrett's dreams of Olympic glory shatter after a devastating concussion sidelines her. As her team moves on, Kristy grapples with identity loss and panic attacks. With the help of new friends and therapists, she begins to rebuild her life. But will soccer still be part of her future? Dive into a journey of resilience and self-discovery where the stakes are as high as the goals she once scored.

From the publisher

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.

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