Key Player by Kelly Yang

Mia Tang is a lot of things: a writer, a journalist, a follower of her dreams, a proud Chinese American. But she is not a sports person. So when she tanks in PE, she's desperate for a chance to fix her grade so that she can apply to journalism camp. 

Meanwhile, Anaheim is going wild for the Women's World Cup--the final of which is going to be in Pasadena, right next door to Anaheim. And not only that, it's going to be China vs. USA--which makes Mia feel like the two halves of herself are finally coming together. 

This gives Mia a great idea: track down both of the teams and interview them to prove herself in PE. But it's not so easy finding the two soccer teams; and when national pride runs high in Anaheim, Mia's dedication to not only the USA but also the China team causes problems. Are Mia's two halves really coming together, or is everyone trying to push them apart?

Here is a World Cup story right on time for the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup! (Personally I care way more about the women's, but whatever.) Kelly Yang's fourth addition to the Front Desk books is just as fun and empowering as the rest of the series. Mia's trademark determination shines in Key Player as she fights nationalism and sexism while tracking down two national soccer teams. Kelly Yang scores again!