A Greater Goal: The Epic Battle for Equal Pay in Women's Soccer-And Beyond

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Finalist

A CCBC Choice

More than 250 women have played on the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, and most contributed to the battle for equal pay. This narrative nonfiction book by the award-winning author and journalist Elizabeth Rusch traces the evolution of that fight, bringing this important rights issue in sports and in our culture to the attention of young readers. Features extensive back matter.

With the passage of Title IX in 1972, the doors opened for young women to play sports at a higher level. But for the women on the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, being able to compete at an international level didn't mean fair treatment and fair compensation.

From economy-class airplane seats and inadequate lodging to minimal marketing and slashed wages, the women representing the United States at the Olympics, the World Cup, and other tournaments had reason to be fed up. They were expected to--and did--win, but they weren't compensated for their talent and dedication. With the help of their union and in collaboration with the men's team, they secured an equitable contract in 2022 that ultimately benefited both national teams as well as athletes of the future.

Elizabeth Rusch's A Greater Goal chronicles how members of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team fought to receive fair treatment and equal pay despite the intense pushback they received from U.S. Soccer, the governing body of soccer in the United States. With a narrative that includes player profiles and vignettes framed from team member perspectives, A Greater Goal illuminates the work, support, and grit needed to be treated with equality in a world that often undervalues the contributions of women.

Features extensive back matter, including a call to action, additional resources, and an index.

Author: Elizabeth Rusch
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Published: 07/09/2024
Pages: 336
Weight: 1.01lbs
Size: 9.25h x 6.25w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780063220904

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 7.7
Point Value: 11
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 553900 / Greater Goal: The Epic Battle for Equal Pay in Women's Soccer--And Beyond


Award: 2025 Yalsa Award for Excellence in Non-Fiction for Young Adults Finalist - Young Adult Nonfiction


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 07/01/2024 pg. 70
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2024
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2024 pg. 120
School Library Journal 12/30/2024 pg. 1
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2024 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style

About the Author
Rusch, Elizabeth: -

Elizabeth Rusch is the author of A Greater Goal and You Call This Democracy?, both of which were finalists for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, and more than a dozen acclaimed children's books, including picture books, middle grade, fiction, nonfiction, and a graphic novel. In a starred review Kirkus called her book The 21: The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government Over Climate Change a "nail-biting account." She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her family.