We are Matildas by Shelley Ware. Illus. by Serena Geddes

Young soccer fan Jazzy has a dream to one day represent Australia as a CommBank Matilda. With a local football tournament coming up soon, Jazzy is determined to put together a team to enter. She chooses girls from her neighbourhood whom she thinks have the special qualities needed to play in the team. They call themselves the Little Matildas and begin training. Soon though, regular training does not go according to Jazzy’s plan. Some of the teammates are distracted, lose interest and eventually no one turns up to training except Jazzy and coach Toby. During a lunchtime meeting, the players tell Jazzy they are tired of training and have too much else on after school. Jazzy listens to them and decides to have a fun afternoon instead so they can all relax and enjoy each other’s company. Once the competition day arrives all goes well, and the team does their very best.

We Are Matildas emphasises how training and practising are important, but it also reinforces the need for teamwork, cooperation, friendship and fun. Throughout the book are references to some of Australia’s well known Matilda players: Sam Kerr, Lydia Williams, Kyah Simon, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord and Ellie Carpenter. With the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 starting in July, this will be a popular read for many soccer-loving students.

Themes: Soccer, Teamwork, Friendship, Sport, Skills, Diversity.

Kathryn Beilby