When a determined girl is confronted with the culture of toxic masculinity, it’s time to even the score. Michigan Manning lives for hockey, and this is her year to shine. That is, until she gets some crushing news: budget cuts will keep the girls’ hockey team off the ice this year. If she wants colleges to notice her, Michigan has to find a way to play. Luckily, there’s still one team left in town … The boys’ team isn't exactly welcoming, but Michigan’s prepared to prove herself. She plays some of the best hockey of her life, in fact, all while putting up with changing in the broom closet, constant trash talk and ”harmless“ pranks that always seem to target her. But once hazing crosses the line into assault, Michigan must weigh the consequences of speaking up ― even if it means putting her future on the line. Michigan vs. the Boys is a mature exploration --- with no sugarcoating --- of some of the struggles a female goes through playing male-dominated sports. A must-read for those who want to break down barriers in sport.― Cassie Campbell-Pascall, the only Canadian Captain, male or female, to lead two Olympic hockey teams Michigan vs. The Boys is a powerful story about a girl who's strong enough to play the game, and, more importantly, do the hard thing and stand up for what's right.― Sara Biren, author of Cold Day in the Sun ... an exhilarating run, as debut author Allen creates a wonderfully authentic hockey world.― Kirkus Reviews The book's power comes from highlighting the pain and abuse that barrier-breaking women endure in a male-driven field ...― Booklist Carrie Allen achieves the hat trick in her debut novel, scoring with a humorous and heartfelt writing style, a tough-as-nails heroine any reader would be proud to champion, and a solidly-constructed story that honestly examines the costs and benefits of taking a stand. A much 'bigger' book than I expected going in, this is a must-read for all adolescents - not just hockey fans - about navigating difficult choices in life and deciding when enough is enough. Bonus points for a super sweet romance that proves nice guys don't always finish last!― Karole Cozzo, author of How to Say I Love You Out Loud This timely sports story is an uncomfortable read but a necessary one ...― School Library Journal Michigan's battle is universal as well as personal, and its empowering message is one that speaks to any girl trying to prove that, yes, indeed, girls can.― CM Magazine ... an excellent read for high school students and young adults, regardless of gender.― ABQLA Carrie S. Allen grew up in the Colorado mountains, at 10 000 feet elevation. She worked as a certified athletic trainer, first in a high school, and then in collegiate sports medicine. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, kids and dogs. When she's not acting as an unpaid chauffeur, she writes about athletes. Not female athletes, but athletes who happen to be female. Michigan vs. The Boys By Carrie S. Allen, Kate Egan Kids Can Press Ltd. Copyright © 2019 Carrie S. Allen All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-5253-0148-3 CHAPTER 1 It's the hardest I've ever worked for an A. Late nights. Focused studying. Constant testing. Raw skate bite on my ankles and puck-shaped welts on my ribs. I hold the palm-sized embroidered A up to my shoulder, even though I'm wearing a tank top instead of my hockey jersey. "How's it look?" I ask Brie. "It goes great with mine. Matching accessories." My best friend pushes her chest next to mine, sporting a gold C safety-pinned to her cashmere T-shirt. They'll look even better when we get them sewn on our jerseys. "Of course, I expect to be addressed as Captain from now on, Mich." She's only slightly joking. Brie has the right enthusiasm for a captain. But I suspect my A is supposed to stand for Anti-Brie instead of Assistant. "Aye aye, Captain," I say. She shoves my shoulder with hers. "And we'll call you Ass Cap." I shove her back. No retort from the girl whose parents named her after her home state. "Congratulations," Coach says, leaning back in her desk chair. "You earned them." Yes, we did. We get to run this team for the next two years. I smile, thinking of the upcoming season. I can practically smell the damp air of the rink, the propane fumes of the Zamboni. My quads ache in anticipation of the killer workouts I've got planned for them. Last season we finished a respectable fourth in the league, but this year we're bringing home hardware. Brie's grinning but I doubt she's daydreaming about playoffs. Ten bucks says she's mentally creating the playlist for our first locker room dance party of the season. "Katie Perry," she says, bumping my hip with her own. Coach rolls her eyes but I laugh. We're a good team. I'll lead the drills; she'll lead the conga line. Besides, I'll admit I've had our team's welcome-back movie night planned for months (Miracle, followed by Mystery, with Ambassador's BLT pizza and a box of Mackinac fudge I've been hid