Review: Bea Mullins Takes a Shot by Jennifer Lanthier
As I opened the cover of Bea Mullins Takes a Shot, I felt a swell of nostalgia for my own awkward middle school days. Jennifer Lanthier’s story brought me back to a time when fitting in felt like an Olympic event and self-acceptance was just a distant dream. In this delightful middle-grade novel, Lanthier deftly captures the exhilarating yet terrifying journey of seventh grader Bea Mullins, whose tall frame seems meant for basketball but whose true passions—and uncertainties—lie elsewhere.
Bea is someone many of us can relate to: she’s navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, battling her insecurities while discovering her identity. After her school’s gym floods, she finds herself reluctantly joining the inaugural girls’ hockey team, pushed by her enthusiastic best friend, Celia. Although Bea loves catching hockey games with her dad, stepping onto the ice is daunting, especially when she’s never played before and is terrified of being in the spotlight—something thrust upon her by embarrassing videos of her early mishaps.
What makes Bea Mullins Takes a Shot truly special is its ability to tackle real-world themes while remaining immensely enjoyable. Through Bea’s ups and downs, readers witness her transformation from the self-conscious girl hiding behind borrowed equipment to a young athlete who learns the value of teamwork and risk-taking. Lanthier delicately weaves in issues of gender inequity in sports, highlighting the struggles the girls face in funding rink time and the disparity in pay between men and women’s professional hockey players. This additional layer makes the story incredibly relevant, sparking important discussions for young readers.
The pacing of the novel is spot-on. Each practice, each game, and each moment of hesitation felt vividly realistic. Lanthier’s writing style strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart. I found myself chuckling at Bea’s inner monologue, and also rooting for her as she skates not only toward victory but toward self-acceptance. The budding romance between Bea and Gabi, an Olympic hopeful, adds delightful tension and warmth to the narrative, making it even more relatable for young readers who are grappling with their own feelings.
One standout quote from the book resonated deeply with me: "Sometimes, the hardest part about taking a shot is letting yourself miss." It encapsulates Bea’s journey perfectly and serves as a reminder that growth comes through vulnerability. This sentiment lingers long after you turn the final page.
Bea Mullins Takes a Shot is more than just a coming-of-age story about sports; it’s an empowering celebration of friendship, courage, and finding your place in the world. I wholeheartedly recommend it to middle-grade readers, especially those who feel like they’re on the outside looking in. Whether you’re a sports aficionado or someone who’s ever felt self-doubt, Bea’s journey will resonate with you.
Ultimately, I finished this book feeling a little lighter and more hopeful, inspired by Bea’s resilience to embrace her imperfections. If you’re looking for a heartfelt story that will make you both think and feel, Bea Mullins Takes a Shot is worth picking up. You may just find yourself cheering for Bea—both on and off the ice.
Discover more about Bea Mullins Takes a Shot on GoodReads >>