A Greater Goal: The Epic Battle for Equal Pay in Women's Soccer--and Beyond
CCBC Review:
The U.S Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) played their first match in 1985. From the beginning the players were treated differently—and worse—than their counterparts on the men’s national team regarding both working conditions and compensation. This riveting and sometimes infuriating account details efforts that began in the early 1990s to address this unequal treatment, which culminated in a 2022 agreement between the USWNT and their employer, the non-profit US Soccer. Across years of demands from the USWNT for improvements that impacted their physical well-being as well as pay, US Soccer moved the dial only incrementally each time the players negotiated a new contract. When the USWNT took their battle to the courts (and to the court of public opinion) US Soccer continued to dig in its heels, until public revelation of their blatantly sexist and antiquated thinking cleared the stage for new leadership, creating the opportunity for real change. This fast-paced work balances the fight of the USWNT across decades with stories of individual players, placing it all in the context of the law, social attitudes, and the struggle for equal pay for women both within and beyond the United States. The inspiring unity of the women on the USWNT in their quest, knowing they were fighting not just for themselves but future generations, leaves a lasting impression. So, too, does the solidarity offered by others. All of it reinforces a profound yet matter-of-fact message to readers: No one’s worth should be defined or limited by their gender. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 12 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
20th Century
21st Century
Girls and Women
Sexism
Sports
U.S. History
Work and Labor
Publishers:
Greenwillow, HarperCollins
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 316
ISBN: 9780063220904
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 796 Rusch