Offside: A Graphic Novel - by Christina Diaz Gonzalez (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

From the author of the bestselling graphic novel Invisible: A funny, feel-good middle grade graphic novel about friendship, rivalry, and belonging. Five very different students are supposed to be a team--but instead keep trying to tear each other down. Perfect for fans of The Tryout, The New Girl, and Swim Team.

USA TODAY bestseller

Instant Indie bestseller

For the first time ever, the Jackson Middle School soccer team is going co-ed--thanks to Nicky's determination. Now Nicky and Fabiola are on a team with Al, Palmer, Seba, and the rest of the boys . . . but that doesn't mean they're all on the same side. Team captain Al is going to do whatever he can to keep the girls off the team, just the way his father wants.

When Al and Nicky's rivalry threatens to tear the team apart, everyone's going to have to pick sides. That is, until Palmer looks into why Nicky joined the team, and he starts to realize that there's a bigger problem than what's on the field. . .

And maybe the only way to truly win is together.

With text in English and Spanish, Offside features the groundbreaking format used in Invisible, paired with engaging, accessible, and entertaining storytelling. This is a must-have graphic novel about soccer, friendship, and what it really means to work as a team.

Review Quotes

USA TODAY Bestseller

Instant INDIE BESTSELLER

Indie Next List Recommended Book

Praise for OFFSIDE by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Mari Costa:

A Junior Library Guild Selection

"With all the tension and excitement of a real soccer game, Offside is the uplifting story of a team coming together, overcoming the odds, and doing the right thing. I loved every page!" -Christina Soontornvat, NYT bestselling author of The Tryout

"A soccer saga that is fun and funny with heart in all the right places-relatable relationships, unlikely champions, and a dedicated group of young people fighting for their community and equality. Goal!" -Pam Muñoz Ryan, Newbery Honoree and bestselling author of Esperanza Rising and El Niño

"This heartwarming graphic novel believes in sharing the ball, celebrating differences, and making space for every player. When it comes to friendship, fairness, and the joy of playing together, Offside proves everyone belongs on the field." -Johnnie Christmas, award-winning author of Swim Team

★ "A rousing sports graphic novel [with] inventive visual storytelling. What begins as a simple rivalry gradually expands into a layered exploration of access, recognition, and cultivating teamwork and understanding across differences. It's a moving, tightly observed story with genuine stakes and emotion." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A perfect graphic novel for soccer lovers and fans of Raina Telgemeier." -School Library Journal

"Sharp, winning, and multilingual. . . it showcases people from different backgrounds working together. Offside is right on goal." --Shelf Awareness

Praise for INVISIBLE by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein:

A USA TODAY Bestseller

An instant INDIE BESTSELLER

INDIE Next List Recommended Book

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

ALA Graphic Novel & Comics Round Table Top Ten Graphic Novel

Notable Book for a Global Society Award

Cybils Award Winner

Nerdy Book Club Award

Texas Bluebonnet List

Virginia Library Association Graphic Novel Diversity Award Winner

Amazon #1 New Release

A Barnes & Noble Most Anticipated

"A story that shouldn't be missed." -Entertainment Weekly

"This is a must-read." -Book Riot

★ "Illuminating and engaging. With a sweet twist at the end, multifaceted characters, and moments of genuine comedy, this is pitch-perfect for anyone who loves Raina Telgemeier or Varian Johnson." -Booklist, starred review

★ "Truly unique... An entertaining and spirited reading experience." -School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Invisible celebrates individuality and community while transcending language barriers." -Bookpage, starred review

About the Author

Christina Diaz Gonzalez is the Edgar Award-winning and USA TODAY best-selling author of several novels including The Red Umbrella, Concealed, and the graphic novels Invisible and Offside. Her books have been named to over thirty-four state award lists and have reached international acclaim with Japan's Sakura Medal nominations and International Latino Book Awards. Learn more at christinagonzalez.com.