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Pretty Tough #1
Pretty Tough
Bubbly, blond Krista Brown is pretty and popular. Her sister, Charlie, is more interested in braving the Malibu waves than the halls of the school that Krista rules. But when Krista and Charlie are both recruited to the school's soccer team, they are forced to face their differences. Can these two sisters become teammates, and friends, in time to make it to the championships? Classic themes of sisterhood and romance make Pretty Tough a new take on Francine Pascal's Sweet Valley High. The strong sports element and a tie-in to the Pretty Tough sportswear and entertainment franchise give this first book by Liz Tigelaar added appeal.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2007
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2768 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Leigh Shepherd
4 books9 followersNicole Leigh Shepherd is the Pretty Tough Series pseudonym for both Liz Tigelaar (Pretty Tough and Playing with the Boys) and Keri Mikulski (Head Games, Stealing Bases, Making Waves, and Fifteen Love).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
March 2, 2015
I understand sibling rivalry. Really. I'm the middle child, and yes, my older sister and I were on the same soccer team as kids. But...but.
-If I'd been the coach of this team, I would have told them to straighten out their problems much, much sooner. That, or I just wouldn't have put them on the team in the first place.
-What's with all the homophobia? No, really. I don't get it. Charlie's social life is over because a girl called her gay last year. When a couple of cute guys try to flirt with her, she looks away and whimpers "Didn't you hear the rumours?" (Not a direct quote; I already returned the book to the library.) I'm very confused, because although she isn't gay, one (inaccurate!) rumour that nobody actually seems to care about convinces her that she will be alone and unloved forever. Because, you know, that's what happens when one person decides that you might be gay.
-I wanted to root for Charlie. Really, I did. I like an underdog, and I especially like a character who isn't hell-bent on falling in love (sometimes over and over again). I was, I'll note, pleased that her romantic arc was pretty minor. And -- well, as I said, I have an older sister, and I can understand Charlie being bratty sometimes. I think this was overkill, though.
-With that attitude, how does Krista honestly think that she's destined to be team captain? She displays no leadership ability whatsoever and is constantly thinking about how to get away from practice to go running so that she can burn off calories from the lunch she didn't eat.
-I really, really would have liked to see the team actually work together. When they're still in tryouts, for example, it would have been nice to see the girls who finished their hill sprints first go back to run the last ones with the stragglers -- that's much realer teamwork than cheering for one of the last two girls because you don't like the other girl.
-Last but not least: Name brands in fiction. Please no. It's lazy and it dates the book.
-If I'd been the coach of this team, I would have told them to straighten out their problems much, much sooner. That, or I just wouldn't have put them on the team in the first place.
-What's with all the homophobia? No, really. I don't get it. Charlie's social life is over because a girl called her gay last year. When a couple of cute guys try to flirt with her, she looks away and whimpers "Didn't you hear the rumours?" (Not a direct quote; I already returned the book to the library.) I'm very confused, because although she isn't gay, one (inaccurate!) rumour that nobody actually seems to care about convinces her that she will be alone and unloved forever. Because, you know, that's what happens when one person decides that you might be gay.
-I wanted to root for Charlie. Really, I did. I like an underdog, and I especially like a character who isn't hell-bent on falling in love (sometimes over and over again). I was, I'll note, pleased that her romantic arc was pretty minor. And -- well, as I said, I have an older sister, and I can understand Charlie being bratty sometimes. I think this was overkill, though.
-With that attitude, how does Krista honestly think that she's destined to be team captain? She displays no leadership ability whatsoever and is constantly thinking about how to get away from practice to go running so that she can burn off calories from the lunch she didn't eat.
-I really, really would have liked to see the team actually work together. When they're still in tryouts, for example, it would have been nice to see the girls who finished their hill sprints first go back to run the last ones with the stragglers -- that's much realer teamwork than cheering for one of the last two girls because you don't like the other girl.
-Last but not least: Name brands in fiction. Please no. It's lazy and it dates the book.
October 26, 2017
I really liked this book! I first read it in grade 5 and liked it, so I decided to read it again to see if it lived up to my expectations- which it did. I really liked the plot and found that every page had me wanting to read more. I was really glad when Krista found out what kind of people she was hanging out with and stopped hanging out with them, because it made her a better person, friend and sister. I really loved how even after all the things they had been through, in the end Charlie and Krista came together and became friends. I was glad that they won the championship because it brought them closer together as sisters and a team. I loved the beginning, middle and end! This book was amazing and I would totally recommend for anyone! 4.5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2018
Fun sports book
I like that we got to see both sister's points of view. It kept me from being totally one just Charlie's side, although I really felt for her. I liked that we actually got to see a lot of playing and not just hear about it afterwards. Charlie was tough on the outside, but really needed a friend. And Krista needed to put her needs and wants above what would be the popular thing to do. I enjoyed that this wasnt a romance, it was about a sisterly bond and knowing what's important. Cute read
I like that we got to see both sister's points of view. It kept me from being totally one just Charlie's side, although I really felt for her. I liked that we actually got to see a lot of playing and not just hear about it afterwards. Charlie was tough on the outside, but really needed a friend. And Krista needed to put her needs and wants above what would be the popular thing to do. I enjoyed that this wasnt a romance, it was about a sisterly bond and knowing what's important. Cute read
June 10, 2009
This is one of the best books I ever read!!! I like it because it's not overly-girly, but it's not boyish either. Also, I play soccer, and i hve two sisters (although luckily i don't hate them like Krista and Charlie) And the funny thing is, my friend gave it to me for my birthday in 2008, and now, I'm recommending it to you. (and just so you know, I'm not a nerd who ask for books for her birthday, but maybe you could argue I am.......)
April 2, 2018
I thought that the plot to this book was a really good idea, however I did have some problems with the way it was written. It seemed to be very disorganized, and not really well planned. The author attempted to go for the two character perspective on this one, and I don't think it worked well in her favor. I think instead of changing the perspective in paragraphs she should have thought about making separate chapters.
February 23, 2018
More like a 3.5.
August 21, 2009
Rating D+
Review Imagine reading a book where you don't particularly like reading the protagonist's POV. Now imagine that the book in question is told in alternating POV's between two sisters, and you don't like either of the voices. Charlie is whiny and Krista is a narcissist. Good times, right?
The story was moderately interesting and the ending, although a little bit obvious from a long ways off, was actually written pretty well. I finally saw why Charlie and Krista hated each other. Too bad it took me 200 pages to get to that point. The author didn't do a good job of fleshing out the sisters--you knew they hated each other, but you didn't know why. This book would have been infinitely better if the author had elaborated on the complexities of the sisters' relationship before page 174. She made me work way too hard to finish this book.
Also, just as a side note, doesn't the cover look like that girl is missing a foot? That might make it sort of hard to play soccer, right?
Recommendation I don't really recommend this book to anyone, but I do recommend the next book in this series: Playing With the Boys.
Review Imagine reading a book where you don't particularly like reading the protagonist's POV. Now imagine that the book in question is told in alternating POV's between two sisters, and you don't like either of the voices. Charlie is whiny and Krista is a narcissist. Good times, right?
The story was moderately interesting and the ending, although a little bit obvious from a long ways off, was actually written pretty well. I finally saw why Charlie and Krista hated each other. Too bad it took me 200 pages to get to that point. The author didn't do a good job of fleshing out the sisters--you knew they hated each other, but you didn't know why. This book would have been infinitely better if the author had elaborated on the complexities of the sisters' relationship before page 174. She made me work way too hard to finish this book.
Also, just as a side note, doesn't the cover look like that girl is missing a foot? That might make it sort of hard to play soccer, right?
Recommendation I don't really recommend this book to anyone, but I do recommend the next book in this series: Playing With the Boys.
February 24, 2011
What happens when Sweet Valley High meets sport girls? The Pretty Tough series. I read three books in the pre-teen/young adult series and thoroughly enjoyed them. (I would give them 4.5 stars if half stars were available!)
The main characters in these novels are all high school girls who play sports. They endure the typical drama of all teen girls (at least in teen chick lit) -- boys, family, friends and boys. But that's partly the point. Sports is part of their identity. They are athletes and they are girls ... and that's a combination that females don't always get to see reflected back to them. The girls in these novels have a complexity to them. They're not one-dimensional.
And for good measure, there's something for adult sporty women to learn from the stories -- about being true to yourself, about challenging your comfort zone and about how our relationships with others most often reflects our feelings about ourselves.
The main characters in these novels are all high school girls who play sports. They endure the typical drama of all teen girls (at least in teen chick lit) -- boys, family, friends and boys. But that's partly the point. Sports is part of their identity. They are athletes and they are girls ... and that's a combination that females don't always get to see reflected back to them. The girls in these novels have a complexity to them. They're not one-dimensional.
And for good measure, there's something for adult sporty women to learn from the stories -- about being true to yourself, about challenging your comfort zone and about how our relationships with others most often reflects our feelings about ourselves.
January 12, 2010
Pretty tough is my new all time favorite book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This book is truly amazing and I llllllllllooooooooovvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeee it !!!! I have never read a book better than this one. I encouraged all my friends to read it too and they all loved it ! :) I used to hate reading until I read this book . :) I read the whole book in one day I just couldn't put it down!!! I am in the middle of reading the second one now and it is amazing!!!!!!
December 13, 2008
It was a good book, it taught me that you should be gratefull for what you have, and that things will always get better. SOCCER RULES!!
June 8, 2017
I don't know why I kept reading this. I think I was hoping it would get good. But it didn't. This book kind of sucked the whole way through.
Let me just talk about the girls. First there's Krista who is a spoiled, self centered brat. She is so concerned about getting to be the leader on the soccer field that she forgets to act like one. Then there's Charlie. She is just a whiny idiot who I cannot stand. She thinks she is entitled to everything, just because she...actually, I don't really know why she thinks she's entitled to everything. She just is apparently. I guess it's because one time, her sister didn't stand up for her. This stuff happens on page 180ish so I'll put a spoiler warning. But it really isn't a spoiler to much. It's hinted at starting from the very beginning. This is just the details.
Okay. So the plot wasn't terrible. And I did like Carla. But the two main characters were just terrible and I can't justify the rest of the book when I don't like them. I have more to rant about actually so from here on out, there isn't a review of anything. Just rants.
Let me just talk about the girls. First there's Krista who is a spoiled, self centered brat. She is so concerned about getting to be the leader on the soccer field that she forgets to act like one. Then there's Charlie. She is just a whiny idiot who I cannot stand. She thinks she is entitled to everything, just because she...actually, I don't really know why she thinks she's entitled to everything. She just is apparently. I guess it's because one time, her sister didn't stand up for her. This stuff happens on page 180ish so I'll put a spoiler warning. But it really isn't a spoiler to much. It's hinted at starting from the very beginning. This is just the details.
Okay. So the plot wasn't terrible. And I did like Carla. But the two main characters were just terrible and I can't justify the rest of the book when I don't like them. I have more to rant about actually so from here on out, there isn't a review of anything. Just rants.
December 26, 2017
Tigelaar, Liz Pretty Tough, 246 p.
Since one fateful day in the school cafeteria, sisters Krista and Charlie have hated each other with visible vehemence. Now Charlie has been recruited to join Krista's beloved soccer - Krista's senior year, the year she is supposed to be a star. But, Charlie is every bit as good as Krista and has been specifically recruited to transform the team in to a true powerhouse. The two seem to have a truce on the field, but unless the original feud is finally settled, they may ruin everyone's chances of a successfully season, besides ruing any chance they might have of being loving sisters.
Good soccer, and great drama about sisters and friends and high school in general. There is some talk of teen drinking and Krista's boyfriend is trying to pressure her into sex, but otherwise it is superb.
MS, HS - ADVISABLE
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2007/...
Since one fateful day in the school cafeteria, sisters Krista and Charlie have hated each other with visible vehemence. Now Charlie has been recruited to join Krista's beloved soccer - Krista's senior year, the year she is supposed to be a star. But, Charlie is every bit as good as Krista and has been specifically recruited to transform the team in to a true powerhouse. The two seem to have a truce on the field, but unless the original feud is finally settled, they may ruin everyone's chances of a successfully season, besides ruing any chance they might have of being loving sisters.
Good soccer, and great drama about sisters and friends and high school in general. There is some talk of teen drinking and Krista's boyfriend is trying to pressure her into sex, but otherwise it is superb.
MS, HS - ADVISABLE
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2007/...
September 27, 2018
"A label worse than a loser? A boy"
Ohkay. I don't agree but okay.
This book had strong female friendships, great humor, and other good things but it was completely overshadowed by lines like above. On top of that it was slightly homophobic and then there was the constant migraine called Krista. She has a boyfriend but she likes her assistant coach Noah as well. Just when I was about to say- Girl, just play soccer already- she gets to the field and thinks the world owes her something because she keeps the appearance of being "perfect". And then there's the sister Charlie Brown, this one thinks the world owes her as well only because she has to live in the same house as her "perfect" sister, and when she doesn't get it she throws tantrums on the field. How is this book even about sports? Let's call it for what it really is "Regina and Cady move their rivalry to soccer field". Ohh the title is too long, I'll work on shortening it.
Ohkay. I don't agree but okay.
This book had strong female friendships, great humor, and other good things but it was completely overshadowed by lines like above. On top of that it was slightly homophobic and then there was the constant migraine called Krista. She has a boyfriend but she likes her assistant coach Noah as well. Just when I was about to say- Girl, just play soccer already- she gets to the field and thinks the world owes her something because she keeps the appearance of being "perfect". And then there's the sister Charlie Brown, this one thinks the world owes her as well only because she has to live in the same house as her "perfect" sister, and when she doesn't get it she throws tantrums on the field. How is this book even about sports? Let's call it for what it really is "Regina and Cady move their rivalry to soccer field". Ohh the title is too long, I'll work on shortening it.
November 28, 2016
I think Pretty Tough by Liz Tigelaar is a good book. I like how by the end of the book the sisters are working together and have worked out their differences. I think it is very interesting how the author told the story through the sisters and how you could see how the sisters thought and acted upon what the other did. I also liked how heart break brougth the sisters together. I also liked how "karma" was used and you got what you got because of what you did.
August 23, 2017
I really liked this book. I enjoy character development more than sports, and this book focuses more on the people and their relationships than the soccer playing, although for sports fans, soccer action is sprinkled here and there throughout.
This book realistically depicts combative sibling relationships, the pressures involved with teen dating, the emotional toll of depression and bullying, and the healing power of being and feeling part of a team and family.
This book realistically depicts combative sibling relationships, the pressures involved with teen dating, the emotional toll of depression and bullying, and the healing power of being and feeling part of a team and family.
June 20, 2020
I struggle with books like these: mean girls, trashy romance, casual sex, underage partying like it's the norm. However, I am glad to have tried this one because it is definitely NOT a middle school novel. I've had this sitting in my middle school "Sports" section and am so glad that the circulation numbers are low! I'd feel ill if 5th or 6th graders were reading this. Considering moving this to my YA section or sending them on to the high school.
Grades 8 and up.
Grades 8 and up.
September 16, 2023
This book is great for soccer fans. I had no idea how much talking/strategizing went on on the field. The animosity between the sisters wore on me a bit - so much negativity. Family dynamics can be difficult in the teenage years.
September 1, 2024
cute!!!
March 14, 2010
This book is all about sibling rivalry. The drama, the heartbreaks, and the evil schemes. The only problem, is that I'm an only child, so someone needs to cut me some slack here. I do however, know a thing or to, about taking turns in the spotlight. How sometimes you can feel like you're in the shadow of this perfect and talented person that everyone just adores. So with this knowledge, hopefully I can conquer up a decent reading response.
Krista and Charlie are sisters who love to hate each other. Krista always has the attention, always has the friends, and the popularity. Charlie just wishes she could be like her sister. After many years of hiding her distressed frustration, Charlie finally realizes what she has been brooding over for so long, but does nothing to change it. Even when she feels lonely the most, all she does is keep everything inside. In the end, yes she finally figures out the answers, but it takes a long way to get there, and I just might know why.
I'm just like Charlie, in the sense that we both can be completely silent about our feelings. Whenever I feel like the outcast, and someone is just that much above me, it stays inside my head until I can't stand it any longer. For me, the reason is all about comfort. When it comes to anything that I'm not familiar with, I instantly back down, which in this case, is doing something about the way I feel. If it's out of my comfort zone, than I won't do it, and I have a feeling, this could be why Charlie erupted way too late.
If Charlie was so used to being the other sister, the one who just isn't noticed; then she probably wasn't used to saying anything, or to actually getting the fame. The reason why she didn't do anything about her feelings, was possibly because she didn't feel so comfortable doing it. Charlie could have done many things. She could have talked to her parents, she could have attempted to make more friends who understood, or she could have even talked to Krista! But one little turn outside of her comfort zone, and it never even crossed her mind.
Charlie has helped me realize the effects of hiding your feelings. Not only have I learned about what this can do to you emotionally, but also how it effects the people around you. In the book, because Charlie isn't able to release her emotions out loud, she instead releases them to the innocent people around her. After she realizes what she has done to the people she cares about, she is able to confront her sister, and herself about what she really wants, and the best way to get it.
Krista and Charlie are sisters who love to hate each other. Krista always has the attention, always has the friends, and the popularity. Charlie just wishes she could be like her sister. After many years of hiding her distressed frustration, Charlie finally realizes what she has been brooding over for so long, but does nothing to change it. Even when she feels lonely the most, all she does is keep everything inside. In the end, yes she finally figures out the answers, but it takes a long way to get there, and I just might know why.
I'm just like Charlie, in the sense that we both can be completely silent about our feelings. Whenever I feel like the outcast, and someone is just that much above me, it stays inside my head until I can't stand it any longer. For me, the reason is all about comfort. When it comes to anything that I'm not familiar with, I instantly back down, which in this case, is doing something about the way I feel. If it's out of my comfort zone, than I won't do it, and I have a feeling, this could be why Charlie erupted way too late.
If Charlie was so used to being the other sister, the one who just isn't noticed; then she probably wasn't used to saying anything, or to actually getting the fame. The reason why she didn't do anything about her feelings, was possibly because she didn't feel so comfortable doing it. Charlie could have done many things. She could have talked to her parents, she could have attempted to make more friends who understood, or she could have even talked to Krista! But one little turn outside of her comfort zone, and it never even crossed her mind.
Charlie has helped me realize the effects of hiding your feelings. Not only have I learned about what this can do to you emotionally, but also how it effects the people around you. In the book, because Charlie isn't able to release her emotions out loud, she instead releases them to the innocent people around her. After she realizes what she has done to the people she cares about, she is able to confront her sister, and herself about what she really wants, and the best way to get it.
Read
December 8, 2010Charlie and Krista are sisters but if you knew them, that's the last thing you would guess. They are completely different and for that reason, they don't get along. Charlie loves to surf and when her and Krista used to get along she would watch Charlie surf everyday. Charlie couldn't wait to get to high school with Krista. But when Charlie's friend since grade school spreads a false rumor and embarrasses her in front of everyone, Krista doesn't stick up for her and Charlie and Krista start fighting. Krista is popular at her school and plays soccer. Her boyfriend, Cam, is the football quarterback and her best friend, Brooks, is a famous actor who always seems to be critiquing her outfits.
Everything seems to be going amazing for Krista until Charlie gets recruited by the new soccer coach to try out for the team. Charlie isn't interested at the beginning, but decides to try out just because she knows it will bother Krista. When Charlie makes the team, things start going wrong for Krista. She doesn't make captain of her soccer team and the coaches seem to be paying more attention to Charlie than her. But she finds out the assistant coach, Noah, isn't helping her and helping Charlie because Noah likes her more than just a player. To top it off, Krista finds out Cam is cheating on her with her best friend Brooks. Krista is having a terrible start of the year until Charlie and Krista start to get along. But when Charlie finds Krista kissing Noah under Charlie's beach chair she's furious and decides to ignore Krista on the soccer field. But when Charlie and Krista aren't listening to each other, everything seems to go wrong for the team. Can Krista and Charlie find a way to get along and become best friends again?
I recommend this book to any girl eighth grade and up. Girls who play soccer will enjoy this book. It's a quick read and only took me a couple days to read! It's a great book with romance and sports.
Everything seems to be going amazing for Krista until Charlie gets recruited by the new soccer coach to try out for the team. Charlie isn't interested at the beginning, but decides to try out just because she knows it will bother Krista. When Charlie makes the team, things start going wrong for Krista. She doesn't make captain of her soccer team and the coaches seem to be paying more attention to Charlie than her. But she finds out the assistant coach, Noah, isn't helping her and helping Charlie because Noah likes her more than just a player. To top it off, Krista finds out Cam is cheating on her with her best friend Brooks. Krista is having a terrible start of the year until Charlie and Krista start to get along. But when Charlie finds Krista kissing Noah under Charlie's beach chair she's furious and decides to ignore Krista on the soccer field. But when Charlie and Krista aren't listening to each other, everything seems to go wrong for the team. Can Krista and Charlie find a way to get along and become best friends again?
I recommend this book to any girl eighth grade and up. Girls who play soccer will enjoy this book. It's a quick read and only took me a couple days to read! It's a great book with romance and sports.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2011
Plot:
I loved this book when I read it at age twelve, and I still love it now! It completely traps you in at the first chapter. The plot line is very smooth, and the book's pacing is really nice. It incorporates themes of sibling rivalry, romance, and sports all-in-one to make this the perfect book for both girly-girls and athletes.
Characters:
First of all, Charlie is hilarious. She makes her feelings known, and she doesn't hold them back. I felt like she was extremely realistic, and even though the book was told in Third Person perspective, I really felt like Charlie was telling me everything that was happening.
I thought the relationship between Krista and Charlie was awesome. Even though they seemed like they hated each other at some times, it was obvious that they really loved each other, and would do anything for the other.
Not to mention, you could really feel how much of a family the soccer team was. They all had this chemistry with one another, and always had each other's backs.
Writing:
I really liked the way Tigelaar's writing seemed to flow really naturally along with the story. None of it seemed forced, and she made the story very vivid.
Ending:
I loved the ending! I thought everything came together really nicely, and that it didn't leave you hanging too badly. I also love the place every character is in at the end, showing how much character development there was throughout the entire story.
Cover:
I think the cover's cute. It portrays what the book is about very nicely (though it makes it seem a lot more of a fluff-read than it is). It shows the sporty-ness with the soccer ball, but also a bit of cutesy-ness.
The Final Verdict:
I definitely recommend you pick this up and read it! Even though it's geared towards teenage audiences, I really think this is a book any person can read and enjoy.
http://thecoverreviews.blogspot.com/
I loved this book when I read it at age twelve, and I still love it now! It completely traps you in at the first chapter. The plot line is very smooth, and the book's pacing is really nice. It incorporates themes of sibling rivalry, romance, and sports all-in-one to make this the perfect book for both girly-girls and athletes.
Characters:
First of all, Charlie is hilarious. She makes her feelings known, and she doesn't hold them back. I felt like she was extremely realistic, and even though the book was told in Third Person perspective, I really felt like Charlie was telling me everything that was happening.
I thought the relationship between Krista and Charlie was awesome. Even though they seemed like they hated each other at some times, it was obvious that they really loved each other, and would do anything for the other.
Not to mention, you could really feel how much of a family the soccer team was. They all had this chemistry with one another, and always had each other's backs.
Writing:
I really liked the way Tigelaar's writing seemed to flow really naturally along with the story. None of it seemed forced, and she made the story very vivid.
Ending:
I loved the ending! I thought everything came together really nicely, and that it didn't leave you hanging too badly. I also love the place every character is in at the end, showing how much character development there was throughout the entire story.
Cover:
I think the cover's cute. It portrays what the book is about very nicely (though it makes it seem a lot more of a fluff-read than it is). It shows the sporty-ness with the soccer ball, but also a bit of cutesy-ness.
The Final Verdict:
I definitely recommend you pick this up and read it! Even though it's geared towards teenage audiences, I really think this is a book any person can read and enjoy.
http://thecoverreviews.blogspot.com/
June 1, 2008
"Pretty Tough," by Liz Tigelaar was a very good book that revolved around the life of Charlie Brown. No, not the cartoon character, but a girl who lived in California and attended Beachwood High School with her very popular sister Krista. At the beginning of the year, Charlie is noticed by the new soccer coach at Beachwood, Martie, and is encouraged to join the soccer team. Eventually, she goes through tryouts and lands on the team, facing tough competition with the former leader of the team, her sister Krista. It is really interesting to see how Charlie grows as a person throughout her year on the soccer team. She starts out being very independent with no friends and then progresses to create new and exciting friendships with girls on the soccer team as well as forming a deeper relationship with Krista. A few themes in this book that were very relevant were family, friendship and competition/teamwork. Teamwork was probably the strongest theme in this story because Charlie and Krista learned to work together to win for their school and all of the girls on the team, no matter who they liked or didn't like ended up forming strong bonds through teamwork on the field. Also, an aspect of the writing style that I enjoyed was the use of italics by the author because it helped the reader to identify the parts of dialogue and story that was supposed to be emphasized. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in soccer or anyone who likes a good teamwork story.
May 6, 2011
I loved this book!!!! It was about two sister who hate each other. There names were krista and charlie. The funny thing is that there last name is brown, so its charlie brown like the cartoon character. Charlie is a tom boy and Krista is a girly girl. They bith try out of the soccer team. Krista has been on in for forever, but Charlie is just trying out this year. She is only trying out to bug her sister. But at the end everything changes. Krista and charlie change. For hating each other they now love each other and they are the best of sister.
The genre of this book is realistic fiction. This is because this is not a true story, but it can really happen in real life. There are sister in the worls that don't even talk to there siblings. I think that this is a very bad thing. You should thankful that you have a sibling. Its better than being an lonely child. You have someone to pick you up when your down. And some one whos there for you always.
The reason why i was so hooked into this book is probably because there is so much drama and suspense. Its like you can bot stop reading it. Plus it was about soccer and i love soccer. I thought this was one of the best books i read. I would recommend this to somebody. I think that this book is more for girls then boys. This was such a great book. And it ends off with happy ending, which i like. Overall, i love this book.
The genre of this book is realistic fiction. This is because this is not a true story, but it can really happen in real life. There are sister in the worls that don't even talk to there siblings. I think that this is a very bad thing. You should thankful that you have a sibling. Its better than being an lonely child. You have someone to pick you up when your down. And some one whos there for you always.
The reason why i was so hooked into this book is probably because there is so much drama and suspense. Its like you can bot stop reading it. Plus it was about soccer and i love soccer. I thought this was one of the best books i read. I would recommend this to somebody. I think that this book is more for girls then boys. This was such a great book. And it ends off with happy ending, which i like. Overall, i love this book.
October 4, 2013
Krista Brown, the pretty and popular one, plays for the high school soccer team. Charlie Brown, her younger sister, would rather be surfing the Malibu waves than be the nobody that she is in the halls of Beachwood High that Krista controls. Martie, the soccer team's new soccer coach, is asking everyone to tryout again for the soccer team, including anyone else who wants to join. Eventually, she convinces Charlie into trying out for the team. When Charlie and Krista are both recruited to the soccer team, things get Pretty Tough. Suddenly, Krista and Charlie have to share the spotlight. At first, Charlie had just tried to make it on the team to bug her sister, but at the end of the day everything changes, for school and sisterhood, and Charlie and Krista become true teammates.
This book has a very interesting touch to it. It has tension, competition, and a little bit of romance too. It is all about the sibling rivalry between the two sisters. They are at opposite ends of the popularity line, and must learn to play together on the soccer field and in life. This book covers many issues of high school, friendship, and sports. Both sisters learn a lot through their time together on the soccer field and come to appreciate each other in new ways. This change in their relationship is not easy, especially for Charlie. This is a good story for girls and athletes who enjoy this type of writing.
This book has a very interesting touch to it. It has tension, competition, and a little bit of romance too. It is all about the sibling rivalry between the two sisters. They are at opposite ends of the popularity line, and must learn to play together on the soccer field and in life. This book covers many issues of high school, friendship, and sports. Both sisters learn a lot through their time together on the soccer field and come to appreciate each other in new ways. This change in their relationship is not easy, especially for Charlie. This is a good story for girls and athletes who enjoy this type of writing.
May 11, 2008
Reviewed by The Compulsive Reader for TeensReadToo.com
Charlie Brown is not a team player. This is what she tells the new soccer coach when she is recruited to play soccer on her school's losing soccer team. And with a name like hers, you can't help but sympathize.
Charlie would rather surf all day than play on the same team as her perfect sister, Krista. The stereotypical It girl, Krista is blond, athletic, popular, and beautiful. Everything Charlie is not, and for that reason alone, the two hate each other.
And suddenly going out for the soccer team seems like the perfect way to spite Krista. But what neither Charlie nor Krista expected was that Charlie would actually make the team. Or that should she would stay...
PRETTY TOUGH is a novel that redefines all of those stereotypes that run deep in young adult literature. This is a novel with an empowering message: girls can be athletic, brainy, tough, and fashionable. All the while, Tigelaar gives a strong and unflinching look at how seemingly unimportant decisions can make a lasting effect, especially on those you love.
The true depths of the bonds of sisterhood are realized in this heartwarming and heart-pumping novel full of love, acceptance, drama, strength, and forgiveness.
Charlie Brown is not a team player. This is what she tells the new soccer coach when she is recruited to play soccer on her school's losing soccer team. And with a name like hers, you can't help but sympathize.
Charlie would rather surf all day than play on the same team as her perfect sister, Krista. The stereotypical It girl, Krista is blond, athletic, popular, and beautiful. Everything Charlie is not, and for that reason alone, the two hate each other.
And suddenly going out for the soccer team seems like the perfect way to spite Krista. But what neither Charlie nor Krista expected was that Charlie would actually make the team. Or that should she would stay...
PRETTY TOUGH is a novel that redefines all of those stereotypes that run deep in young adult literature. This is a novel with an empowering message: girls can be athletic, brainy, tough, and fashionable. All the while, Tigelaar gives a strong and unflinching look at how seemingly unimportant decisions can make a lasting effect, especially on those you love.
The true depths of the bonds of sisterhood are realized in this heartwarming and heart-pumping novel full of love, acceptance, drama, strength, and forgiveness.
January 16, 2011
Pretty Tough is a great book about sisters, soccer, and finding your place. Liz Tigelaar is an author I haven't heard much about but one that I will be watching from now on.
Charlie Brown has not had the best couple of years. She has no friends, can barely stand her sister, and there is no sign of anything changing in the near future. All that changes when Martie Reese recruits Charlie for the varsity soccer team. At first, soccer is a way to steal the spotlight from her sister but then things change. Can Charlie really have everything: soccer, friends, and even a boy? Or is it really too good to last?
Charlie and Krista Brown were not very good protagonists to begin with. Both were whiny and immature. It took a while for them to change at all but I eventually grew to like them. I liked their friends a lot more and I really wished they played bigger parts in the story.
The soccer was the best part of the book. I don't know anything about soccer but the games and practices were all so detailed it felt like I had been playing the game my whole life. The soccer really just tied everything together.
Overall, Pretty Tough is a great start to this series. I loved the sports, guys, and girl power. I can't wait to dig in to the next book in the series.
Charlie Brown has not had the best couple of years. She has no friends, can barely stand her sister, and there is no sign of anything changing in the near future. All that changes when Martie Reese recruits Charlie for the varsity soccer team. At first, soccer is a way to steal the spotlight from her sister but then things change. Can Charlie really have everything: soccer, friends, and even a boy? Or is it really too good to last?
Charlie and Krista Brown were not very good protagonists to begin with. Both were whiny and immature. It took a while for them to change at all but I eventually grew to like them. I liked their friends a lot more and I really wished they played bigger parts in the story.
The soccer was the best part of the book. I don't know anything about soccer but the games and practices were all so detailed it felt like I had been playing the game my whole life. The soccer really just tied everything together.
Overall, Pretty Tough is a great start to this series. I loved the sports, guys, and girl power. I can't wait to dig in to the next book in the series.
August 16, 2010
Sisters Charlie and Krista Brown do not get along. Krista is the perfect child, popular and a star soccer player with a movie star best friend and a quarterback boyfriend. Charlie (yes, her name is Charlie Brown) is a rebel, a surfer who hates her sister and everything she stands for. When the new soccer coach recruits Charlie to try out, Krista is furious, and Charlie's only trying out to torture her sister. Can these sisters put their differences aside long enough to do what's best for the team?
Pretty Tough is a great book about sisters, sports, and girl power. The point of view alternates between Krista and Charlie, both of whom have good reason to distrust each other. Krista isn't nearly as confident as she appears, and Charlie is a talented underachiever deeply hurt by her falling out with her sister. The soccer team gives them a chance to heal the breach, and the confidence to change their lives off the field. It's refreshing to read about contemporary girls who are interested in something other than boys, especially since sports is such an important part of so many students' lives. I really enjoyed this book, and recommended it for any teens who want read about strong girls.
Pretty Tough is a great book about sisters, sports, and girl power. The point of view alternates between Krista and Charlie, both of whom have good reason to distrust each other. Krista isn't nearly as confident as she appears, and Charlie is a talented underachiever deeply hurt by her falling out with her sister. The soccer team gives them a chance to heal the breach, and the confidence to change their lives off the field. It's refreshing to read about contemporary girls who are interested in something other than boys, especially since sports is such an important part of so many students' lives. I really enjoyed this book, and recommended it for any teens who want read about strong girls.
February 24, 2011
Charlie and Krista are sisters but couldn't be more different. Krista is blonde and popular, whereas Charlie is brunette and hasn't had one single friend since her old best friend basically told the whole caf that she was a lesbian. When Charlie is recruited for their school's soccer team, Krista couldn't get any madder than she was - and when Charlie and her make the team, Krista couldn't be any more furious when their new coach.
Will Charlie and Krista be able to put aside their differences to lead their team to states?
Pretty Tough was a really good book. I had never heard about it before until I was on Liz Tigelaar's myspace and thought, "Wow. That book looks really good." I don't know much about soccer, but I understood everything that happened in the book. It's mainly about soccer, so it was a major part of the book that I understood.
Even though soccer was a main part of the book, it was also about family bonding. Krista and Charlie hate each other at the beginning of the book. Then, when they both make the soccer team and learn to work together, it's a major accomplishment for them, which is very clear with the author's writing.
Will Charlie and Krista be able to put aside their differences to lead their team to states?
Pretty Tough was a really good book. I had never heard about it before until I was on Liz Tigelaar's myspace and thought, "Wow. That book looks really good." I don't know much about soccer, but I understood everything that happened in the book. It's mainly about soccer, so it was a major part of the book that I understood.
Even though soccer was a main part of the book, it was also about family bonding. Krista and Charlie hate each other at the beginning of the book. Then, when they both make the soccer team and learn to work together, it's a major accomplishment for them, which is very clear with the author's writing.
October 29, 2010
Charlie and Krista are completely different people. Krista is the perfect girl with the hot boyfriend and the movie star best friend. Charlie is the rude, friendless girl that is always being compared to her perfect sister. Although, Charlie was named, by her sister, (her sister was three when she came up with the idea) Charlie Brown. But, the two sisters did used to be friends! But, when Charlie's friend Reagan stands up and insults Charlie in front of the whole school, Krista stood by and watched as Charlie's life was basically ruined. Everything is changed when a new teacher with a powerful story scouts Charlie out to play on the school's soccer team. Krista's soccer team. When Charlie first agrees it makes Krista furious. Will they ever get along again? The Author switches off from Charlie and Kristas' piont of views and shows how much different but alike they really are. I loved this book and would recommend this book to everyone who like stories about family and discovering what really matters in life. Read it!
October 29, 2010
Charlie and Krista have always gotten along. Until last year. Charlie thinks that Krista doesn’t care about anything but designer clothes, her boyfriend Cam, and her ‘friend’ Brooks. Krista thinks that Charlie doesn’t have a life and that she is just plain mean. They both know that they don’t get along and are fine just not bothering each other. Krista plays for the school soccer team and is the main striker. Charlie is a surfer who retired from soccer years ago. While Charlie is surfing one day, a lady comes up to her and introduces herself, she is the new girls soccer coach, and she would like Charlie to play. Krista wants all the glory for herself, she doesn’t want Charlie on the team. At all.
As the year moves on, Krista and Charlie end up on the same soccer team and have a hard time working together. As things heat up on the soccer field, in friendships, and in relationships, who will come out on top? I liked this book a lot because the plot was very good and the author always kept you guessing. I would recommend this book to seventh grade and up.
As the year moves on, Krista and Charlie end up on the same soccer team and have a hard time working together. As things heat up on the soccer field, in friendships, and in relationships, who will come out on top? I liked this book a lot because the plot was very good and the author always kept you guessing. I would recommend this book to seventh grade and up.
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