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Maybe Marisol #2
Surely Surely Marisol Rainey
"Anyone who has ever had trouble feeling brave will be empowered by Marisol."--NBC News
Everyone loves sports . . . except Marisol! The stand-alone companion to Newbery Medal winner and New York Times-bestselling Erin Entrada Kelly's Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey is an irresistible and humorous story about friendship, family, and fitting in. Fans of Clementine, Billy Miller Makes a Wish, and Ramona the Pest will find a new friend in Marisol.
Marisol Rainey's two least-favorite things are radishes and gym class. She avoids radishes with very little trouble, but gym is another story--especially when Coach Decker announces that they will be learning to play kickball.
There are so many things that can go wrong in kickball. What if Marisol tries to kick the ball . . . but falls down? What if she tries to catch the ball and gets smacked in the nose? What if she's the worst kickballer in the history of kickball? Marisol and her best friend Jada decide to get help from the most unlikely--and most annoying--athlete in the world: Marisol's big brother, Oz.
Told in short chapters with illustrations by the author on almost every page, Erin Entrada Kelly's stand-alone companion novel to Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey celebrates the small but mighty Marisol, the joys of friendship, the power of being different, and the triumph of persevering. Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is ideal for readers of Kevin Henkes, Meg Medina, Judy Blume, and Beverly Cleary.
Everyone loves sports . . . except Marisol! The stand-alone companion to Newbery Medal winner and New York Times-bestselling Erin Entrada Kelly's Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey is an irresistible and humorous story about friendship, family, and fitting in. Fans of Clementine, Billy Miller Makes a Wish, and Ramona the Pest will find a new friend in Marisol.
Marisol Rainey's two least-favorite things are radishes and gym class. She avoids radishes with very little trouble, but gym is another story--especially when Coach Decker announces that they will be learning to play kickball.
There are so many things that can go wrong in kickball. What if Marisol tries to kick the ball . . . but falls down? What if she tries to catch the ball and gets smacked in the nose? What if she's the worst kickballer in the history of kickball? Marisol and her best friend Jada decide to get help from the most unlikely--and most annoying--athlete in the world: Marisol's big brother, Oz.
Told in short chapters with illustrations by the author on almost every page, Erin Entrada Kelly's stand-alone companion novel to Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey celebrates the small but mighty Marisol, the joys of friendship, the power of being different, and the triumph of persevering. Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is ideal for readers of Kevin Henkes, Meg Medina, Judy Blume, and Beverly Cleary.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published August 9, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 9, 2022
Have you ever looked at the week ahead and wished you could jump over a day or two? Marisol Rainey feels this way about Thursday. It's Kickball Game Day. Ugh! Hopefully those lessons from big brother Oz will give her the boost she needs. After all, her cat Beans seems to be telling her she will do well. Love this new episode in the Maybe Marisol Chapter Book Series. Marisol shares her days and her troubles with us. Why can't her dad (Dadhead) be home with them instead of on the oil rig for three weeks? Why does Evie have to be such a know-it-all? Can her friend Felix really talk to animals? Is the school playground squirrel really named Reginald? All these questions as more are answered as you witness Marisol going from Maybe, Maybe to Surely, Surely.
Thank you to Greenwillow Books and Edelweiss+ for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Greenwillow Books and Edelweiss+ for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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March 21, 2022I was the kid who was terrified of gym class. I was the kid who was picked last. I was the kid who snuck to the back of the line so I would never have to go up to bat. I was the kid who always felt like she would let her team down, if I was ever on a team. Basically: I was Marisol. But Marisol, as always, has more moxie than she thinks. :)
August 14, 2023
The breeze still smells like last night’s rain and stirs the leaves of my mulberry tree I'm sitting under while reading this book. It's a right place to read Marisol's stories, since she also knows that special trees should have their own names :)
"Dadhead smiles. “You don’t have to be anyone but Marisol. Marisol is wonderful just as she is.”" 💗
"She feels like a butterfly. Light and happy."
"“Do the animals talk to you out loud?” asks Jada.
“No. It’s in my mind.” Felix taps his forehead. “Like, I can sense what they’re saying.” 💗
Another chapter in Marisol's life I loved to be a witness of, cheering her and giving a mental support, like Jada would have done for her best friend :)
P.S.
My favourite day of the week is maybe Saturday, too. But surely my favourite colour, like Marisol's, is green! 
Art by Erin Entrada Kelly
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June 6, 2022Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book
I loved the first book featuring Marisol Rainey, so I was anxious to read this follow-up. She’s such a delightful character with her hesitant but hopeful personality, and I love watching her tackle tough things with help from her friends and family. In this story, Marisol worries about the kickball unit in gym and wishes she could be better at sports like her brother, Oz. She’s embarrassed when her nemesis, Evie, points out her weaknesses and wishes her dad was around to help her learn how to play. Marisol and her best friend, Jada, finally seek help from Oz. I love how this sweet, highly-illustrated story focuses on small, everyday moments of bravery and determination and Marisol’s supportive friends who help her face her fears. I highly recommend this series for young readers breaking into chapter books.
I loved the first book featuring Marisol Rainey, so I was anxious to read this follow-up. She’s such a delightful character with her hesitant but hopeful personality, and I love watching her tackle tough things with help from her friends and family. In this story, Marisol worries about the kickball unit in gym and wishes she could be better at sports like her brother, Oz. She’s embarrassed when her nemesis, Evie, points out her weaknesses and wishes her dad was around to help her learn how to play. Marisol and her best friend, Jada, finally seek help from Oz. I love how this sweet, highly-illustrated story focuses on small, everyday moments of bravery and determination and Marisol’s supportive friends who help her face her fears. I highly recommend this series for young readers breaking into chapter books.
April 3, 2022
It's hard to imagine that you won't fall completely in love with young Marisol Rainey, the delightful central character in Newbery Medal-winning author Erin Entrada Kelly's "Surely Surely Marisol Rainey."
If we weren't Marisol when we were in a middle-grade, then we most certainly had a Marisol in our life. She's more than a little quirky, extremely loyal, loves her family, adores her best friend Jada, and is extremely jealous of the athletically inclined Evie.
For the record, Marisol is NOT athletically inclined.
A stand-alone companion to Kelly's "Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey," "Surely Surely Marisol Rainey" is a good-hearted, smile-inducing page turner from beginning to end. Having not read "Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey," or any other of Kelly's books for that matter, I fell so completely in love with this one that it immediately had me looking up Kelly's previous books with eager anticipation of my future reading.
There's just so much to love here.
"Surely Surely Marisol Rainey" is told in short chapters with illustrations by Kelly herself on nearly every page. The book feels warm and welcoming from page one and that sense of welcome never wears itself out. The story centers around Marisol's anxiety about gym class, an activity she hates very likely even more than radishes.
That's a lot.
When time for kickball arrives, Marisol starts to panic knowing for sure that everyone around her is far more skilled than she is and she's destined to be embarrassed. We meet a host of delightful characters including her endearing parents, older brother Oz, best friend Jada, that athletic Evie, and even the animal whispering Felix.
There are others.
They all add up to a delightful reading experience that should easily please the middle-grade crowd and other young readers. Kelly has a refreshing gift for talking up to children - trusting their intelligence enough to create a story that adds in some very cool cultural references and immerses the reader in a celebration of differences, an appreciation for friendship, and the reward that often arrives with persevering even when things seem totally impossible.
"Surely Surely Marisol Rainey" may very well be my first experience with Erin Entrada Kelly but it most certainly won't be my last.
If we weren't Marisol when we were in a middle-grade, then we most certainly had a Marisol in our life. She's more than a little quirky, extremely loyal, loves her family, adores her best friend Jada, and is extremely jealous of the athletically inclined Evie.
For the record, Marisol is NOT athletically inclined.
A stand-alone companion to Kelly's "Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey," "Surely Surely Marisol Rainey" is a good-hearted, smile-inducing page turner from beginning to end. Having not read "Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey," or any other of Kelly's books for that matter, I fell so completely in love with this one that it immediately had me looking up Kelly's previous books with eager anticipation of my future reading.
There's just so much to love here.
"Surely Surely Marisol Rainey" is told in short chapters with illustrations by Kelly herself on nearly every page. The book feels warm and welcoming from page one and that sense of welcome never wears itself out. The story centers around Marisol's anxiety about gym class, an activity she hates very likely even more than radishes.
That's a lot.
When time for kickball arrives, Marisol starts to panic knowing for sure that everyone around her is far more skilled than she is and she's destined to be embarrassed. We meet a host of delightful characters including her endearing parents, older brother Oz, best friend Jada, that athletic Evie, and even the animal whispering Felix.
There are others.
They all add up to a delightful reading experience that should easily please the middle-grade crowd and other young readers. Kelly has a refreshing gift for talking up to children - trusting their intelligence enough to create a story that adds in some very cool cultural references and immerses the reader in a celebration of differences, an appreciation for friendship, and the reward that often arrives with persevering even when things seem totally impossible.
"Surely Surely Marisol Rainey" may very well be my first experience with Erin Entrada Kelly but it most certainly won't be my last.
February 4, 2023
Listened to this on audiobook with my 7 year old and we enjoyed it! It was fun to hear how Marisol overcame her insecurities to learn how to play kickball. She has a cute group of friends and a loving family to support her.
September 12, 2022
I think I Liked the story in this one even better than the first. For this one I listened to the audio and I really hope they find someone better to read in the future. The narrator was just grating.
August 11, 2022
I really loved the first book in this series, Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey it's an adorable, illustrated chapter book. Marisol is such a lovely young girl, she's kind, empathetic, anxious, and at times quiet and reflective. She reminds me a lot of Matilda and Harriet and I just adore her. I was super excited to get my hands on the follow-up, Surely Surely Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada.
In the latest book, Marisol is worried because her gym teacher just announced that the next unit they're starting is kickball. She'd love to ask her dad for help or kickball advice, but because of his job on an oil rig he's gone a lot, he does call home weekly, but it's not the same as having him home so he can teach her what to do. Marisol could ask her older brother, Oz, who is really good at sports but that might be difficult and embarrassing too. Both Marisol and her best friend Jada despise gym class, and starting kickball makes them both anxious, on that one thing they both can agree. It's not because of the teacher, who is supportive and encouraging, it's having to play sports. Just the thought of having to kick the ball makes Marisol and Jada both worry. What if they fall flat on their face, or make a mistake? Plus, she doesn't want to embarrass herself in front of the whole class. Then Evie starts to bully Marisol, telling her how good she is at kickball and how Marisol is never going to be able to match her skills, which causes her even more anxiety. The only positive is that she gets paired up with Felix in gym class and he's super nice. Felix even starts telling her about his ability to talk to animals, which distracts her from thinking about and worrying about kickball. Eventually, Marisol does ask Oz for help for her, and Jada and he teaches them how to kick and catch the ball, which alleviates many of their fears.
Surely Surely Marisol Rainey can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend both of these books. Marisol is such a treasure, and her stories would be perfect for an elementary age reader, who will find her easily relatable and will just love how she works so hard to overcome her fears and anxiety. The use of the brain train analogy is especially done well in explaining Marisol's worries. Although some of the illustrations in my ARC weren't complete, I loved the gentle lines of the ones I saw and felt they complement the story so well. I really hope Erin Entrada Kelly will write more Marisol Rainey stories and I really enjoyed that she not only wrote these books but illustrated them as well.
In the latest book, Marisol is worried because her gym teacher just announced that the next unit they're starting is kickball. She'd love to ask her dad for help or kickball advice, but because of his job on an oil rig he's gone a lot, he does call home weekly, but it's not the same as having him home so he can teach her what to do. Marisol could ask her older brother, Oz, who is really good at sports but that might be difficult and embarrassing too. Both Marisol and her best friend Jada despise gym class, and starting kickball makes them both anxious, on that one thing they both can agree. It's not because of the teacher, who is supportive and encouraging, it's having to play sports. Just the thought of having to kick the ball makes Marisol and Jada both worry. What if they fall flat on their face, or make a mistake? Plus, she doesn't want to embarrass herself in front of the whole class. Then Evie starts to bully Marisol, telling her how good she is at kickball and how Marisol is never going to be able to match her skills, which causes her even more anxiety. The only positive is that she gets paired up with Felix in gym class and he's super nice. Felix even starts telling her about his ability to talk to animals, which distracts her from thinking about and worrying about kickball. Eventually, Marisol does ask Oz for help for her, and Jada and he teaches them how to kick and catch the ball, which alleviates many of their fears.
Surely Surely Marisol Rainey can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend both of these books. Marisol is such a treasure, and her stories would be perfect for an elementary age reader, who will find her easily relatable and will just love how she works so hard to overcome her fears and anxiety. The use of the brain train analogy is especially done well in explaining Marisol's worries. Although some of the illustrations in my ARC weren't complete, I loved the gentle lines of the ones I saw and felt they complement the story so well. I really hope Erin Entrada Kelly will write more Marisol Rainey stories and I really enjoyed that she not only wrote these books but illustrated them as well.
August 9, 2022
One of my favorite things of these stories are the illustrations. When I was teaching we always started the year in our writing journal of keeping lists - and from the very beginning kids are able to see Marisol's Favorites in a way that I know so many teachers as of their students to write it in their writing journal. (Also, the drawings are just so darn good!)
Marisol is such a fun and relatable character. Students of all ages are going through something, and sometimes all it takes is not feeling alone in those big moments. The idea that one on her list of LEAST favorite things is gym class. The reality is that so many students fear/dislike gym class and instead of understanding or respecting that emotion; society has always forced gym class as a MUST. Also, the constant comparison of siblings when one is better at sports vs the other - in this case, Marisol is wishing so much to be like her brother, Oz. Marisol struggles as her nemesis, Evie, points out her weaknesses, making Marisol feel even lower than before. As the story progresses, Marisol and her bff Jada, chalk up some courage to reach out to her brother, Oz, for some help in the kickball area.
Small moments turning into big moments - something students of this age go through so often. Every part of Marisol Rainey books are relatable in more than one way.
Highly recommend - a great/must have addition to those 1st-4th/5th grade classrooms.
Marisol is such a fun and relatable character. Students of all ages are going through something, and sometimes all it takes is not feeling alone in those big moments. The idea that one on her list of LEAST favorite things is gym class. The reality is that so many students fear/dislike gym class and instead of understanding or respecting that emotion; society has always forced gym class as a MUST. Also, the constant comparison of siblings when one is better at sports vs the other - in this case, Marisol is wishing so much to be like her brother, Oz. Marisol struggles as her nemesis, Evie, points out her weaknesses, making Marisol feel even lower than before. As the story progresses, Marisol and her bff Jada, chalk up some courage to reach out to her brother, Oz, for some help in the kickball area.
Small moments turning into big moments - something students of this age go through so often. Every part of Marisol Rainey books are relatable in more than one way.
Highly recommend - a great/must have addition to those 1st-4th/5th grade classrooms.
August 30, 2022
Marisol reminds me of little me. But I also think that she’s the perfect character for kids who struggle with shyness and anxiety- kids who often feel overwhelmed and unsure of themselves. Marisol is that kid, but she is surrounded by very supportive people and a beautifully wild imagination that helps her along the way. This book is the perfect back to school book for the littles ages 6-8. Kiddos with anxiety : I see you. You are awesome. All you gotta do is have a little faith and believe in yourself.
May 21, 2022
Absolutely delightful. I love Marisol!
January 1, 2023
I love these books. Probably a lot of people can relate to Marisol. I should probably have my daughter read them.
June 14, 2023
This series is my favorite thing I’ve read with Josie 🥰
August 10, 2022
Marisol Rainey is a conscientious daughter, a creative friend, an animal lover, and a worrier. And for the next two weeks, her gym class is going to be playing kickball, and Marisol is worried about that. She’s not the best athlete, as her classmate Evie likes to point out. Evie loves kickball and is really looking forward to playing. Marisol worries about making a fool out of herself in front of Evie.
Marisol’s father works on an oil rig, so he has to ride in a helicopter from their home in Louisiana out to the rig. She gets to talk to him on the computer several times a week, along with her mother and older brother Oz. When they talk on the computer, they can only see his head and shoulders, so they call him “Dadhead.” And when Marisol tells her father that she is worried about playing kickball, he suggests that she ask Oz for help. He is a really good soccer player, so he might be able to help her out. She decides to think about that.
Marisol’s friend Felix says that he can talk to animals. Marisol and her best friend Jada are not sure if they believe him, so they ask him to show them how he does it. He uses Marisol’s stuffed animal Pot Roast to show them, and Marisol is planning on going home and trying it out on her cat Beans.
But first, she has to figure out how to deal with her kickball worries. So when Jada comes over to visit that weekend, they ask Oz to help them with kickball. And he agrees. Aside from practicing with them for a little while, he also teaches them the ultimate rule. Never take your eyes off the ball. After working with Oz, Marisol and Jada feel better about playing kickball at school.
But Marisol has one more thing she wants to try. She follows Felix’s instructions and tries to talk to Beans. She tells the cat to meow once for yes, and then Marisol asks if she will be exceptional at kickball the next day.
Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is an incredibly charming story of being a kid. I’ve heard Marisol called a “thoughtful worrier,” and I think that is a fantastic description of her. She is smart and strong, but she does let her anxiety run away sometimes. Author Erin Entrada Kelly is a Newbery Medal winner, and her skill at crafting a children’s book that is thoughtful and sweet but also incredibly readable is apparent. Filled with lots of short chapters, this adorable book sets young readers up for success in reading it on their own, or it would work well as a book to read to children, grandchildren, or students.
I was so moved by Marisol. She has such a big heart, and reading her story just filled me with joy. The author also includes clever illustrations to go along with the stories, like the worries that Marisol calls her “Brain Train” or the cartoon of her mother being a detective who struggles to find the right criminal.
There is just so much to love about this book, but one of my favorite things is how Marisol deals with her worries. She is clearly anxious about playing kickball, but she talks to her friends about it and to her family, she asks for help from her brother, and she practices. I wish I had been so level-headed about my struggles when I was her age. Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is a sweet book for young readers and for thoughtful worriers of all ages.
An advanced reader’s edition of Surely Surely Marisol Rainey was provided by Greenwillow Books, with many thanks.
Marisol’s father works on an oil rig, so he has to ride in a helicopter from their home in Louisiana out to the rig. She gets to talk to him on the computer several times a week, along with her mother and older brother Oz. When they talk on the computer, they can only see his head and shoulders, so they call him “Dadhead.” And when Marisol tells her father that she is worried about playing kickball, he suggests that she ask Oz for help. He is a really good soccer player, so he might be able to help her out. She decides to think about that.
Marisol’s friend Felix says that he can talk to animals. Marisol and her best friend Jada are not sure if they believe him, so they ask him to show them how he does it. He uses Marisol’s stuffed animal Pot Roast to show them, and Marisol is planning on going home and trying it out on her cat Beans.
But first, she has to figure out how to deal with her kickball worries. So when Jada comes over to visit that weekend, they ask Oz to help them with kickball. And he agrees. Aside from practicing with them for a little while, he also teaches them the ultimate rule. Never take your eyes off the ball. After working with Oz, Marisol and Jada feel better about playing kickball at school.
But Marisol has one more thing she wants to try. She follows Felix’s instructions and tries to talk to Beans. She tells the cat to meow once for yes, and then Marisol asks if she will be exceptional at kickball the next day.
Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is an incredibly charming story of being a kid. I’ve heard Marisol called a “thoughtful worrier,” and I think that is a fantastic description of her. She is smart and strong, but she does let her anxiety run away sometimes. Author Erin Entrada Kelly is a Newbery Medal winner, and her skill at crafting a children’s book that is thoughtful and sweet but also incredibly readable is apparent. Filled with lots of short chapters, this adorable book sets young readers up for success in reading it on their own, or it would work well as a book to read to children, grandchildren, or students.
I was so moved by Marisol. She has such a big heart, and reading her story just filled me with joy. The author also includes clever illustrations to go along with the stories, like the worries that Marisol calls her “Brain Train” or the cartoon of her mother being a detective who struggles to find the right criminal.
There is just so much to love about this book, but one of my favorite things is how Marisol deals with her worries. She is clearly anxious about playing kickball, but she talks to her friends about it and to her family, she asks for help from her brother, and she practices. I wish I had been so level-headed about my struggles when I was her age. Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is a sweet book for young readers and for thoughtful worriers of all ages.
An advanced reader’s edition of Surely Surely Marisol Rainey was provided by Greenwillow Books, with many thanks.
August 22, 2022
Eight-year-old Marisol Rainey and her best friend Jada George love to make lists of their favorite and their least favorite things. They don't always have the same things on them, but it's still fun to compare their lists. But there is one thing that is on both of their least favorite things and that is gym class. Sure, it can be fun sometimes, like when Coach Decker lets them play hopscotch, but when it comes to things like baseball or basketball, Marisol never hears him yell out things like "Nice try, Marisol" or "Great Effort, Marisol" because Marisol just doesn't do well in these sports.
So on the Thursday afternoon that Coach Decker announces that starting Monday and for two weeks they will be learning how to play Kickball, "Marisol's belly plummets to her sneakers." Marisol has never played kickball and her dad, who works on an oil rig off the Gulf of Mexico coast isn't around. He can only come home once a month for a week, but not during the two weeks of kickball. To make matters worse, braggy nemesis Evie Smythe is a great kickball player and never lets Marisol forget it. And if that isn't enough to get Marisol's brain train of negative thoughts going, her brother Oz is a great athlete and soccer star.
When her friend Felix explains that he learned to talk to animals by sleeping with a book about them, Marisol decides to try sleeping with a soccer ball to see it Felix's technique will work for her. But when it doesn't work, and not wanting to let her teammates down, Marisol finally decides she needs to take real action and talk to her brother Oz.
This is Erin Entrada Kelly's second Marisol Rainey book. It is a stand alone story and is every bit as delightful as Book #1, Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey. It is told in the third person present from Marisol's point of view giving readers a window into what she is thinking. The chapters are short, and there are lots of black and white illustrations done by the author that perfectly harmonize with the text. Like many kids her age, Marisol is a worrier, but they are the kinds of worries and anxieties that those readers can relate to. Luckily, Marisol has a supportive family and friends to help her work through her fears and worries.
Erin Entrada Kelly has a way of zeroing in on the things that kids thing and worry about, exploring themes like siblings, friendships, courage, solving problems, and, of course, facing fears. I really enjoyed reading this second Marisol Rainey book and look forward to Book #3.
So on the Thursday afternoon that Coach Decker announces that starting Monday and for two weeks they will be learning how to play Kickball, "Marisol's belly plummets to her sneakers." Marisol has never played kickball and her dad, who works on an oil rig off the Gulf of Mexico coast isn't around. He can only come home once a month for a week, but not during the two weeks of kickball. To make matters worse, braggy nemesis Evie Smythe is a great kickball player and never lets Marisol forget it. And if that isn't enough to get Marisol's brain train of negative thoughts going, her brother Oz is a great athlete and soccer star.
When her friend Felix explains that he learned to talk to animals by sleeping with a book about them, Marisol decides to try sleeping with a soccer ball to see it Felix's technique will work for her. But when it doesn't work, and not wanting to let her teammates down, Marisol finally decides she needs to take real action and talk to her brother Oz.
This is Erin Entrada Kelly's second Marisol Rainey book. It is a stand alone story and is every bit as delightful as Book #1, Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey. It is told in the third person present from Marisol's point of view giving readers a window into what she is thinking. The chapters are short, and there are lots of black and white illustrations done by the author that perfectly harmonize with the text. Like many kids her age, Marisol is a worrier, but they are the kinds of worries and anxieties that those readers can relate to. Luckily, Marisol has a supportive family and friends to help her work through her fears and worries.
Erin Entrada Kelly has a way of zeroing in on the things that kids thing and worry about, exploring themes like siblings, friendships, courage, solving problems, and, of course, facing fears. I really enjoyed reading this second Marisol Rainey book and look forward to Book #3.
June 2, 2022
This is book number two in the Maybe Marisol series. The endearing main character is Marisol Rainey.
This story is about overcoming fears, told with a bit of humor and the fears children might face growing up. It surely took me back to my elementary school days.
Marisol Rainey’s mother was born in the Philippines. Marisol’s father works and lives part-time on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Marisol has this big imagination and likes to name inanimate objects, like the tree in her backyard she calls Peppina, even though she's too scared to climb it. Marisol is the only girl in this small Louisiana town whose mother is not a native and has a dad who lives away three weeks of every month.
Marisol Rainey’s two least-favorite things are radishes and gym class. Avoiding radishes is no problem but gym class is inevitable. Marisol deflates when Coach Decker announces that they will be learning to play kickball. Seems she’s just not great at sports unlike Oz, her older brother. Her classmates know this too and their comments about about her lack of skills truly hurt and make her feel small.
Kickball!,,
Here come the what if’s…
What if she tries to kick the ball, but instead lands on her bottom? What if she tries to catch the ball and gets smacked in the nose?
She is sure she will be the worst kickballer in the history of kickball? In desperation, Marisol and her best friend Jada decide to get help from her most annoying big brother, Oz.
Even though Surely Surely Marisol us part of a series this works as a stand alone allowing readers to read the books in any order. The chapters are short, lots of white space and humorous black and white illustrations throughout.
Young readers will identify with the joys of friendship, the power of being different, and the good feeling of persevering.
I highly recommend this book and the Maybe Marisol series.
This story is about overcoming fears, told with a bit of humor and the fears children might face growing up. It surely took me back to my elementary school days.
Marisol Rainey’s mother was born in the Philippines. Marisol’s father works and lives part-time on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Marisol has this big imagination and likes to name inanimate objects, like the tree in her backyard she calls Peppina, even though she's too scared to climb it. Marisol is the only girl in this small Louisiana town whose mother is not a native and has a dad who lives away three weeks of every month.
Marisol Rainey’s two least-favorite things are radishes and gym class. Avoiding radishes is no problem but gym class is inevitable. Marisol deflates when Coach Decker announces that they will be learning to play kickball. Seems she’s just not great at sports unlike Oz, her older brother. Her classmates know this too and their comments about about her lack of skills truly hurt and make her feel small.
Kickball!,,
Here come the what if’s…
What if she tries to kick the ball, but instead lands on her bottom? What if she tries to catch the ball and gets smacked in the nose?
She is sure she will be the worst kickballer in the history of kickball? In desperation, Marisol and her best friend Jada decide to get help from her most annoying big brother, Oz.
Even though Surely Surely Marisol us part of a series this works as a stand alone allowing readers to read the books in any order. The chapters are short, lots of white space and humorous black and white illustrations throughout.
Young readers will identify with the joys of friendship, the power of being different, and the good feeling of persevering.
I highly recommend this book and the Maybe Marisol series.
October 30, 2022
‘Surely Surely Marisol Rainey’ by Erin Entrada Kelly follows Marisol and her best friend, Jada, as they try to navigate the perils of elementary school gym. The fact that they have to play kickball is not something Marisol wants to remember, but lo and behold, her gym teacher is dedicating two weeks to the game, and Marisol doesn’t know how to handle it. Her dad is away at work, and she doesn’t really want to ask her brother, Oz, for help. He’s the ultimate athlete, in her opinion, and she knows she can’t possibly do as well as him. Adding to her misery as she thinks about how she’ll have to play kickball is the fact that a girl named Evie is always making fun of her and thinking she’ll fail.
Despite Marisol’s best efforts to do well, things don’t always go her way, and she embarrasses herself more than once. However, her best friend sticks by her and her brother steps up in a way that she didn’t expect. When she finds that things aren’t going so well, she lashes out, but when she realizes that people are on her side and that relaxing helps her begin to do somewhat better, she finds that everything that has upset her in the past isn’t really all that bad.
With lots of family, friendship, and anxiety, Marisol works through some of her issues, and along the way, she even learns she might be able to talk to animals. The story will touch readers who have ever been unsure of themselves in one way or another and will make them think that they, too, can have things work out their way if they just put their minds to thinking positively and encouraging themselves to succeed.
Beth Rodgers, Author of ‘Welcome to Chanu-Con!,’ a Children's Picture Book, and ‘Freshman Fourteen’ and ‘Sweet Fifteen,’ Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
Despite Marisol’s best efforts to do well, things don’t always go her way, and she embarrasses herself more than once. However, her best friend sticks by her and her brother steps up in a way that she didn’t expect. When she finds that things aren’t going so well, she lashes out, but when she realizes that people are on her side and that relaxing helps her begin to do somewhat better, she finds that everything that has upset her in the past isn’t really all that bad.
With lots of family, friendship, and anxiety, Marisol works through some of her issues, and along the way, she even learns she might be able to talk to animals. The story will touch readers who have ever been unsure of themselves in one way or another and will make them think that they, too, can have things work out their way if they just put their minds to thinking positively and encouraging themselves to succeed.
Beth Rodgers, Author of ‘Welcome to Chanu-Con!,’ a Children's Picture Book, and ‘Freshman Fourteen’ and ‘Sweet Fifteen,’ Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
August 1, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved this book for those in-between readers who are ready for something more than picture books, but aren't yet ready for lengthy, picture-less chapter books. I particularly liked how Marisol's family portrayed a realistic family living in the deep South, with the father working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, while at the same time, still being present in his family's life. While not all readers will be able to relate to this specific situation, it is entirely possible the reader might have a parent who travels for work, is in the military, or is divorced, and he/she must rely on Facetime and video chats from time to time to communicate with his/her parent, just like Marisol does.
Additionally, I also thought that Marisol's fears were spot on and relatable for the age of reader for whom this book is intended. There was not a major tragedy in this book and, unlike other popular characters for readers of this age, Marisol does not endear herself to the reader through a series of mishaps and childish blunders. Rather, she allows the reader to relate to her through her everyday interactions with her friends, her family, her dolls, and her fears about school.
I think this is a great series for the in-between readers, and I plan to purchase it for my library.
I really loved this book for those in-between readers who are ready for something more than picture books, but aren't yet ready for lengthy, picture-less chapter books. I particularly liked how Marisol's family portrayed a realistic family living in the deep South, with the father working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, while at the same time, still being present in his family's life. While not all readers will be able to relate to this specific situation, it is entirely possible the reader might have a parent who travels for work, is in the military, or is divorced, and he/she must rely on Facetime and video chats from time to time to communicate with his/her parent, just like Marisol does.
Additionally, I also thought that Marisol's fears were spot on and relatable for the age of reader for whom this book is intended. There was not a major tragedy in this book and, unlike other popular characters for readers of this age, Marisol does not endear herself to the reader through a series of mishaps and childish blunders. Rather, she allows the reader to relate to her through her everyday interactions with her friends, her family, her dolls, and her fears about school.
I think this is a great series for the in-between readers, and I plan to purchase it for my library.
August 28, 2023
Surely Surely Marisol Rainey
By: Erin Entrada Kelly
Publish Date: August 2022
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Middle Grade
Good Reads synopsis:
Marisol Rainey’s two least-favorite things are radishes and gym class. She avoids radishes with very little trouble, but gym is another story–especially when Coach Decker announces that they will be learning to play kickball.
There are so many things that can go wrong in kickball. What if Marisol tries to kick the ball . . . but falls down? What if she tries to catch the ball and gets smacked in the nose? What if she’s the worst kickballer in the history of kickball? Marisol and her best friend Jada decide to get help from the most unlikely–and most annoying–athlete in the world: Marisol’s big brother, Oz.
Book Review:
Cute middle grade book that I gave 4 stars. This is the second book in the series. In this one she has to deal with playing kickball in gym class. Marisol is not into sports and doesn’t do well. There is a girl who brags about how well she can play, and she ends up teasing Marisol. Marisol must learn how to not only deal with this sport but also the girl. She does get help from her best friend and her brother.
This is a great book to help younger children figure out how to deal with some issues.
By: Erin Entrada Kelly
Publish Date: August 2022
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Middle Grade
Good Reads synopsis:
Marisol Rainey’s two least-favorite things are radishes and gym class. She avoids radishes with very little trouble, but gym is another story–especially when Coach Decker announces that they will be learning to play kickball.
There are so many things that can go wrong in kickball. What if Marisol tries to kick the ball . . . but falls down? What if she tries to catch the ball and gets smacked in the nose? What if she’s the worst kickballer in the history of kickball? Marisol and her best friend Jada decide to get help from the most unlikely–and most annoying–athlete in the world: Marisol’s big brother, Oz.
Book Review:
Cute middle grade book that I gave 4 stars. This is the second book in the series. In this one she has to deal with playing kickball in gym class. Marisol is not into sports and doesn’t do well. There is a girl who brags about how well she can play, and she ends up teasing Marisol. Marisol must learn how to not only deal with this sport but also the girl. She does get help from her best friend and her brother.
This is a great book to help younger children figure out how to deal with some issues.
December 28, 2022
First sentence: Marisol Rainey keeps a list in her head. She calls it her List of Favorites. Her best friend, Jada George, has a list, too. Marisol and Jada like to compare their lists because it's interesting to see all the ways they are the same and all the ways they are different.
Premise/plot: Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is the second in the series. Marisol is still Marisol. [I love her so much!] In this one, she's working on tolerating sports. I guess that might be how you could describe it.
My thoughts: I really love, love, love Marisol, I do. She's a fabulous character. I'd also have added gym class to my list of least favorite things. But, for me, feeling the way I do about sports, I just couldn't really connect the way I wanted to with this book. It was too much sports. And even knowing that Marisol herself didn't naturally like let alone love sports didn't really help overall. I wanted to love this second book just as much. But I'd almost rather the author tackled Marisol's dislike of radishes instead.
Premise/plot: Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is the second in the series. Marisol is still Marisol. [I love her so much!] In this one, she's working on tolerating sports. I guess that might be how you could describe it.
My thoughts: I really love, love, love Marisol, I do. She's a fabulous character. I'd also have added gym class to my list of least favorite things. But, for me, feeling the way I do about sports, I just couldn't really connect the way I wanted to with this book. It was too much sports. And even knowing that Marisol herself didn't naturally like let alone love sports didn't really help overall. I wanted to love this second book just as much. But I'd almost rather the author tackled Marisol's dislike of radishes instead.
September 12, 2022
I like this early chapter series. Marisol has a very clear voice. Her anxiety is expressed authentically. In one illustration, she is shown with her head surrounded by her "brain train," including the thoughts, "I wish... I wonder... If only... Maybe... I should... Surely... Maybe... I should... Surely... One day... I wish... I wonder... If only..."
She has Oz, her big brother. "Surely the only thing worse than being terrible at sports is having an older brother or sister who is a fantastic athlete." Amen, Marisol.
She has bestie Jada who has divorced parents. I'm critical of the way Jada's family is portrayed at times like when Jada leaves her stuffed animal at Dad's and can't get it until she returns in two weeks. Dad wants her to be more responsible. Listen, it sucks for kids to try to keep all organized when going back and forth. Wouldn't one of the parents take that little drive so their daughter has her comfort object??
She has Oz, her big brother. "Surely the only thing worse than being terrible at sports is having an older brother or sister who is a fantastic athlete." Amen, Marisol.
She has bestie Jada who has divorced parents. I'm critical of the way Jada's family is portrayed at times like when Jada leaves her stuffed animal at Dad's and can't get it until she returns in two weeks. Dad wants her to be more responsible. Listen, it sucks for kids to try to keep all organized when going back and forth. Wouldn't one of the parents take that little drive so their daughter has her comfort object??
October 6, 2022
Things go wrong for young Marisol when her coach begins a kickball unit in P.E. Marisol worries about all the bad things that could happen playing kickball. With her father away on an oil rig, Marisol and her best friend, Jada, decide to get help from Marisol's brother, Oz, who is a fabulous soccer player. But one practice doesn't seem enough to save Marisol from utter humiliation and the taunts of her nemesis Evie Smythe. At the same time, Marisol tries to figure out if her friend Felix's claim to be able to talk to animals is true. She sets up an experiment hoping that it will help her with both issues. Once again, Marisol faces off with what she calls her 'brain train', her tendency to overthink and over worry. Hopefully, with the help of her family and Jada, she can find a way to work through these newest challenges in her life. I find Marisol to be a charming character and one that I can easily relate to (she's not the only one with a 'brain train'). I appreciate how real Marisol feels as she struggles with her worries and her feelings and her relationships. She snaps at her friend, she gets angry that her dad isn't around when she wants him to be, and she's annoyed by Evie's bragging. Many young readers will be able to connect with Marisol and her worries.
July 8, 2022
This review is based on an ARC. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. Marisol and her best friend Jada have likes and dislikes. For Marisol, one of her biggest dislikes is that she isn't usually good enough to get a "Good job" in gym class. In fact, she often struggles. The upcoming kickball unit has her full of anxiety and fear of failure.
I loved the cute illustrations and the relatability of Marisol and her struggles. I think middle grade readers will as well. I also loved the small references and nods to Marisol's Filipino culture and Jada's Latino background, providing extra understanding and representation to middle grade kids.
Well done. I will be adding both this book and the other in the series to my list that I want to stock in my library for children to check out and read.
I loved the cute illustrations and the relatability of Marisol and her struggles. I think middle grade readers will as well. I also loved the small references and nods to Marisol's Filipino culture and Jada's Latino background, providing extra understanding and representation to middle grade kids.
Well done. I will be adding both this book and the other in the series to my list that I want to stock in my library for children to check out and read.
May 19, 2022
As a more mature reader Marisol Rainey reminds me of my heart-warming Beverly Cleary days. Surely, Surely Marisol Rainey the second in the series, by one of my favorite authors Erin Entrada Kelly, is a fun read for beginning readers. I really like Coach Decker. He seemed like a cool character that I would have enjoyed his gym class, though I don’t care for kickball either. Note: I would like to “grow up” to be a “public intellectual”- it sounds super important.
What a really adorable, fun way for readers to start with chapter books. This adventure in friendship is sure to be enjoyed by new readers. I can envision teachers reading this to their classes everywhere!
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Greenwillow Books
What a really adorable, fun way for readers to start with chapter books. This adventure in friendship is sure to be enjoyed by new readers. I can envision teachers reading this to their classes everywhere!
Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Greenwillow Books
November 30, 2022
Marisol is not a fan of gym class so she worries about playing kickball. Luckily her older brother is good at it. She and her bestfriend get help from him but is it enough to win the game?
Another Erin Entrada Kelly book. This was a very quick read. I finished it less than 30 minutes. Nothing unique but I liked the overall message. It was nice to meet Marisol, her family, and her friends again. Also her stuffed toys and cat. I liked that we get some sweet sibling moment. Read this if you’re looking for a light and quick read. I’ll definitely get this book and the first book, Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey, for my nephews and niece.
Check out my other reviews here.
Another Erin Entrada Kelly book. This was a very quick read. I finished it less than 30 minutes. Nothing unique but I liked the overall message. It was nice to meet Marisol, her family, and her friends again. Also her stuffed toys and cat. I liked that we get some sweet sibling moment. Read this if you’re looking for a light and quick read. I’ll definitely get this book and the first book, Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey, for my nephews and niece.
Check out my other reviews here.
August 21, 2022
It's so nice to read a book where Marisol tells this story of her feelings about sports even when her older brother Oz is a super athlete. She knows this isn't one of her good traits and struggles to find something about herself so others will say "Way to go, Marisol!" She also has a hard time sharing her worries, with her dad who works far away and the only time the family talks to him several weeks of the month is through an online chat. Then, everyone is listening! Readers will connect, I'm sure, and also see that sometimes it all works out well, especially if one does share and also does the right thing with best friends.
April 17, 2022
Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is a fantastic follow up to Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey! This time with her friends Jada, Marisol is working toward success in the kickball world. Will they be able to pick up some skills from from her soccer star brother? Will Marisol finally get to hear coach shout “Way to Go!” for something she did in PE? It’s hard not to be won over by the characters in Erin Entrada Kelly’s books, and Marisol’s story falls in line with that. Endearing! I will continue to talk up this series to both the students and the teachers in my school.
May 22, 2022
Started this while in a line at the bank (8 deep with 2 tellers, sigh) and oh my, it brought a smile to my face! Felt all the emotions along with Marisol (I wasn’t athletic either) and would’ve loved to have her as a friend to read about back in the day.
Keep thinking I can’t love Marisol more, and the ending of this one (cat meow prediction, kick, clouds) left me going awww (surely).
As well: appreciate the mention of The Brain Train and how it chugs and chugs and becomes exhausting, with one quick way to address it (focus on the right-nows).
Keep thinking I can’t love Marisol more, and the ending of this one (cat meow prediction, kick, clouds) left me going awww (surely).
As well: appreciate the mention of The Brain Train and how it chugs and chugs and becomes exhausting, with one quick way to address it (focus on the right-nows).
July 31, 2022
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this book.
I loved Marisol!
Despite wanting to retreat when she's forced to play kickball in gym, something Marisol assumes she's not good at, she eventually decides to enlist the help of her brother Oz, who's great at sports, to help her improve her skills so she doesn't let down her team. Marisol wants to do well, wants her classmates and her coach to praise her, but she first must overcome her self-doubt. She's a loyal friend and loves her family. I was rooting for Marisol all the way!
Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is a great read.
I loved Marisol!
Despite wanting to retreat when she's forced to play kickball in gym, something Marisol assumes she's not good at, she eventually decides to enlist the help of her brother Oz, who's great at sports, to help her improve her skills so she doesn't let down her team. Marisol wants to do well, wants her classmates and her coach to praise her, but she first must overcome her self-doubt. She's a loyal friend and loves her family. I was rooting for Marisol all the way!
Surely Surely Marisol Rainey is a great read.
November 12, 2022
In the second book of the Marisol series, this time she faces her fear of playing sports (in this case, kickball) and boosts her self-confidence with the help of her BFF Jada, animal-whisperer (or is he?) Felix, her brother Oz, and Dadhead.
Well-paced with just enough angst, beginning chapter book readers will zoom through this one due to its large amounts of white space and numerous black and white line drawings that add clarity and levity to the story.
Perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody, Clementine, Ivy + Bean, Ruby Lu, and Katie Kazoo.
Recommended for grades K-3.
Well-paced with just enough angst, beginning chapter book readers will zoom through this one due to its large amounts of white space and numerous black and white line drawings that add clarity and levity to the story.
Perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody, Clementine, Ivy + Bean, Ruby Lu, and Katie Kazoo.
Recommended for grades K-3.
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