Breathing Soccer

by Debbie Spring

Breathing Soccer is the realistic account of Lisa who is forbidden to play soccer because of her asthma. At its core the novel reveals the plight of asthmatics who desire the challenge and thrill of sports, but who must weigh that desire against some very real health issues. Dr. Emerson, her family doctor, has warned Lisa that her asthma must be taken seriously, and that the aggressive demands that soccer places on her breathing could be...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1897235429
• ISBN13: 9781897235423
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Thistledown Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.3" x 7.5"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Great find!

There's one thing Lisa loves more than life itself and that's soccer. When her asthma starts getting worse, the family doctor tells her she can't play anymore. Then her friends start avoiding her, including former team mates. One whose mother refuses to have Lisa over in fear she might 'sue' if she has an attack. But Lisa refuses to believe she can never play her favorite game again. After one visit to ER, Lisa meets another patient, who recommends another doctor who treats asthma patients. Now it's up to her parents if she can go and get another opinion. Will she be able to play soccer again? I really loved this story. My own son has asthma and loves to play soccer. The descriptions of what goes on with an asthma specialist is very true as my own son went through this. I especially love how the author talks about athletics who refused to give up even when others told them they had to. A must read!

I loved this young adult novel

Breathing Soccer is the story of a young girl who loves sports, especially soccer and she has just been told that she will never be able to play again because of her 'condition' - she is suffering from asthma. Our main character, Lisa, is at first disheartened and bewildered - 'never play soccer again?' During her hospital stay, she hears about the tragic accident suffered by an Olympian Silken Laumann and she is also inspired by her! You see Silken has decided to do everything she can to recover and be in the Olympics. This sets the tone for a wonderful book. Author Debbie Spring has written a coming of age book - where a little girl is told that she will never play soccer again - but a young woman emerges and refuses to hear or believe this. Lisa insists on getting a second opinion and with the correct medical treatment and some common sense, Lisa gets to play soccer again. This book is inspirational and takes a very honest and thorough look at what it feels like to be a teen today and how difficult it is to be the outcast. Written to a younger teen audience, but never condescending, this book is a must read for adults and young teens alike