Before I started writing Capsized, I tried to find (and read) as many books as I could featuring women and girls in sports. Partly as research—partly as a fan! However, I quickly realized that most stories — in books, TV, film, or otherwise — are about one girl doing an individual sport (think: ice skating, gymnastics, etc.) or about one girl joining a boys’ team. But the thing I was craving most is a story about a girls’ team, with all the mess and love of the sisterhood that defined my own time as a student athlete.
Today, as a girls’ rowing coach myself, I believe team sports can teach us much about life — including how to win, how to lose, and how to leave the jersey (or world) a little better than the way we found it. So, in no particular order, here are the women’s and girls’ sports books (with teams!) that I love and recommend.
Whip It by Shauna Cross
Whip It (also known as Derby Girl) is a young adult novel about a 16-year-old who discovers a women’s roller derby league and is inspired to join under a fake name and age. Admittedly, I came to this book because I saw the movie first. But after reading it, I happily fell down the derby rabbit hole, and I’ve since been to many Derby Dolls bouts here in LA (go Tough Cookies!). Whip It is also the first YA novel I can find that features a women’s sports team. For that, it deserves all the flowers.
We Are The Wildcats by Siobhan Vivian
Six teenage field hockey players. One toxic coach. Twenty-four hours to unravel a mystery! Told through multiple perspectives and flashbacks, We Are the Wildcats is a chaotic, funny, and energetic romp. The only thing I loved more than the way this book was written was getting to spend time with each of the girls on the team — on, and off, the field. And the ending made me cheer out loud!
The Red Rose Crew by Daniel J. Boyne
The original women’s rowing book! This nonfiction account tells the true story of the first international U.S. women’s eight, who fought sexism and bureaucracy to claim a silver medal at the 1975 World Championships. As individuals, every single one of these women left her mark on the world. But as a team, they created an unforgettable legacy that continues today.
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The titular Carrie Soto is a tennis phenom who comes out of retirement to defend her legacy (and Grand Slam record) from a younger champion. As for her team? Carrie’s dad, Javier, is a former tennis legend himself, and he begins training her from childhood. As a protagonist, Carrie is fierce, competitive, and delightfully ruthless, but it is her relationship with her father that was my favorite part of this book. If only because my dad taught me how to row, and I owe my rowing/coaching career to him.
Like Other Girls by Britta Lundin
After getting kicked off her basketball team, Mara is dying to prove that she can be a team player. But when she tries to do that by joining the boys’ football team, her decision sets off a chain reaction — including inspiring other girls to join with her. The result is a story that’s funny, sincere, queer, and very, very much about finding your people. Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for a found family, and readers will find all that and more in this book!
Capsized by Charlotte Lillie Balogh
Hey, it’s my book! And it’s a mystery and coming-of-age drama set against the backdrop of an all-girls rowing club. Fun fact: I dedicated this book “to the girls in front of (and behind) me,” and I meant that literally. Because when you’re in a boat, your teammates are in front of and behind you, depending on the seat you’re in. But I also meant it in the metaphorical “writer way,” because I’m fully aware that I am only where I am today, as a rower and a writer, because of the women and girls who blazed the trail before me. And like in rowing, if you want to move forward, you have to do it together.
I hope you enjoy these reads! And I hope they make you want to try a new sport.
But, most of all — I hope they inspire you to find your team.
