Bea is for Blended

 I was dying to read this one by Lindsey Stoddard.  I loved her Just Like Jackie, Right as Rain and especially her Brave Like That.  She writes beautifully moving realistic fiction for middle grade students.  This one did not disappoint.  Bea is moving in with her mom's new husband and they are having a baby.  But the dad has three sons, one of which is in Bea's class and is a bully-follower.  Her challenges in getting used to a new life will resonate with so many students.  The other problem in her life is her principal (and soccer coach) who is sexist and believes girls are not worthy of the same things boys are.  When Bea and some friends decide to create a girls' soccer team, they run into a lot of problems as they demand equal treatment.  I loved the #girlpower message.  (FIC STO)