TEN THOUSAND TRIES

Eighth grader Golden Maroni diligently practices for soccer greatness while worrying about his father’s degenerative illness.

Golden is the smallest boy on his coed soccer team, but he’s fast and determined. He believes that after spending 10,000 hours practicing and playing soccer, he’ll eventually achieve mastery of the game, like his legendary idol, Lionel Messi. Soccer is his entire family’s favorite sport—his father is a former soccer pro, and his parents are popular and successful local school coaches. But this year is different: Not only is it Golden’s final shot at captain and leading his team to the championship, but it’s 18 months since his beloved father was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. An optimist, Golden believes that with hard work and positive thinking his dad can beat ALS. When Golden and his best friend, Benny Ho, discover their mutual bestie, Lucy Littlehouse, might be moving to Maine, Golden refuses to accept that fact either. The author poignantly explores Golden’s conflicting emotions as he learns to care for his dad, help his mom and three sisters, and come to terms with the prospect of loss. Most characters are cued as White; Benny is Chinese American and experiences racist abuse from rival teams.

A heart-tugging and uplifting story about never giving up—on the soccer field, on loved ones, and on life.