Goal Power by Meredith Costain

Ella Diaries series. Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781743818060
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. "Goal Power" is another instalment in the "Ella Diaries" series. It is a standalone read, and new readers to the series can start with this diary themed novel. Ella tells us about her daily life in a diary, complete with labelled diagrams. She looks at her life in a fun and positive way and changes words to help her describe everything. From 'fantabulous funerous fun' to 'desperating despair', Ella's (and the author's) play on words creates a fun and engaging text.
In "Goal Power", Ella and her friends start a girl's only lunchtime soccer club. Ella is so excited and can't wait to be a striker. Unfortunately, Ella struggles to learn the skills to be a striker so she has a go at being a defender. This doesn't work out either. Will Ella find her place in the soccer team?
"Goal Power" is all about friendship, positive female characters and finding what you are good at. The author portrays Ella as positive, adventurous and a bit dramatic which makes the story funny. Ella's diary entries and diagrams are great to read and easy to comprehend.
This novel is engaging for younger readings and is reminiscent of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" (but not so embarrassing). "Goal Power" is highly recommended for readers aged 8+.
Kylie Kempster