Golden and his family live and breathe soccer. A big Lionel Messi fan, Golden is obsessed with putting in 10,000 hours of practice toward becoming a master of the game, and he’s ecstatic to be elected co-captain of his team (coached by his mom) along with his best friend, Lucy. But Golden’s ability to focus on soccer begins to deteriorate along with his dad’s health. Although his parents have told the family the Dad will eventually pass away due to his ALS, Golden is in denial. He thinks that if he can get his team to the championship game, work out enough with his dad, and maintain a positive attitude, his dad will find the strength to beat ALS. To make matters worse, Lucy breaks the news that she and her mom will be moving to Maine for her stepdad’s new job, and Golden is devastated; meanwhile, he’s reluctant to let his other good friend, Chinese American Benny, come over—it’s hard to deny how serious things are if he sees the truth in other people’s eyes. Sometimes heartbreaking and always emotionally resonant, this novel offers a realistic view into the constantly disrupted routines of a white family dealing with a life-changing illness. As Dad’s ALS worsens and emotions run high, Golden and his siblings learn to step up, offer support, and provide care even when it feels like everything is falling apart. (Ages 9-13)