A greater goal : the epic battle for equal pay in women's soccer-and beyond
(Book)

Rusch profiled a group of young people who sued the U.S. government over climate inaction in The Twenty-One (2023), and here she turns her attention to the gender wage gap, as crystalized in a suit filed by the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team over unequal pay and treatment in 2019. She begins with the foundation of women's soccer and Title IX before moving into more detail about the team's high-stakes struggle to find equality in their treatment compared to that of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team. Rusch writes lucidly about the frustration, anger, and determination of the talented athletes who worked together in a fight that took approximately three decades, and readers will come away empowered by her presentation of the impact of collective action, especially in the closing section, "Penalty Kicks," which outlines general tactics young people can use when confronting unequal pay in their own careers. While at its heart, this is an engaging account of a legal battle, there's also plenty of soccer, and for readers less familiar with the sport or the athletes, Rusch includes lists of major players, association hierarchies, and positions, along with plenty of helpful context. This accessible look at a high-interest topic is highly recommended for school and public libraries.

In tracing the battle for equal pay and equal treatment waged by the United States Women's National Team against the U.S. Soccer Federation, Rusch (The 21: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government Over Climate Change, rev. 11/23) pulls off quite a feat: she keeps readers riveted by edge-of-their-seats descriptions of individual World Cup and Olympic games while educating them about gender bias, Title IX, the effects of concussion, contract negotiations, grass versus turf fields, class action lawsuits, and more. The book proceeds chronologically, from the Women's National Team's 1985 creation (with players like Julie Foudy and Mia Hamm, who were told that it was enough just to play for their country); through 1999 when the team won the World Cup (notorious for Brandi Chastain's post-win sports-bra celebration) but the women made about $15,000 apiece; to the early 2000s with the entry of players like Abby Wambaugh, Megan Rapinoe, and Alex Morgan, fierce fighters both on and off the pitch; and ultimately to 2022 when, after protracted and brave efforts, pay parity between the men's and women's national teams was finally achieved. For such a thorough and comprehensive account, the telling is remarkably lively, peppered throughout with (uncensored) quotes and memorable descriptions (Rapinoe is the "firecracker forward with pink-dyed hair") and filled with drama, sheroes, and villains; even granular descriptions of legal proceedings are compelling. Impressive front and back matter include a list of major characters, a diagram of a soccer field outlining basic positions, an extensive bibliography, and twenty-six pages of source notes. Index unseen. Martha V. ParravanoNovember/December 2024 p.120 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This thorough history of the U.S. Women's National Team centers on the players' decadeslong battle with the U.S. Soccer Federation for pay equity. Rusch tells the story chronologically and enriches her writing with clever soccer-inspired language. She uses well-cited primary and secondary research to highlight voices and stories from the racially diverse (though majority-white) group of athletes. The thrilling accounts of memorable moments on the pitch vividly contrast with the crushing realities of the team members' unfair treatment by their employer. Though the book includes multiple perspectives and opinions, the featured narratives and examples pertaining to the team's salary, working conditions, and more make a compelling case in favor of the women athletes. The text shows the players' successes, letdowns, solidarity building, and resolve with depth and honesty. The team's collective bargaining and legal processes are clarified in detail, offering important context and informing readers' understanding beyond the world of soccer. While individual players receive the spotlight, the focus remains on the entire team's shared risk-taking and their commitment to present and future generations of players worldwide. Rusch notes gender diversity beyond the male-female binary in passing. The broader conversations and accounts relating to gender equity and equal pay are expansive, however, encouraging readers to learn more and get involved in this global issue. An engaging, informative, and valuable contribution to the historical record. (source notes, index)(Nonfiction. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

*Starred Review* Rusch profiled a group of young people who sued the U.S. government over climate inaction in The Twenty-One (2023), and here she turns her attention to the gender wage gap, as crystalized in a suit filed by the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team over unequal pay and treatment in 2019. She begins with the foundation of women's soccer and Title IX before moving into more detail about the team's high-stakes struggle to find equality in their treatment compared to that of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team. Rusch writes lucidly about the frustration, anger, and determination of the talented athletes who worked together in a fight that took approximately three decades, and readers will come away empowered by her presentation of the impact of collective action, especially in the closing section, "Penalty Kicks," which outlines general tactics young people can use when confronting unequal pay in their own careers. While at its heart, this is an engaging account of a legal battle, there's also plenty of soccer, and for readers less familiar with the sport or the athletes, Rusch includes lists of major players, association hierarchies, and positions, along with plenty of helpful context. This accessible look at a high-interest topic is highly recommended for school and public libraries. Grades 8-12. Copyright 2024 Booklist Reviews.