Award-winning author Christina Diaz Gonzalez joins Annisha Jeffries on Reading in the Middle to talk about her new bilingual middle-grade graphic novel, Offside, illustrated by Mari Costa. The story features the Jackson Middle School boys’ soccer team going co-ed for the first time, though not everyone is happy about it. Christina discusses creating characters like Nicky, Fabiola, Palmer, Seba, and AL, five students facing issues such as competition, friendship, family expectations, language challenges, and the fight for equal sports opportunities. The conversation covers how Fabiola’s confidence on the field contrasts with her English learning struggles, Palmer’s new purpose after a torn ACL, Nicky’s refusal to tone down her ambitions, and Al’s questioning of inherited beliefs. Christina also addresses the disparities in resources for girls’ teams, the responsibility of sharing others’ stories, and a humorous animal-filled plan that unites the team. With the energy of a soccer game and the depth of a story about finding your place, Offside shows that belonging is about more than just getting on the field; it’s about respect and being valued afterward. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on bilingual storytelling, teamwork, gender equity, identity, advocacy, and the courage to challenge the status quo.
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