Maureen Ulrich's Shootout is an ambitious teen novel that reaches far beyond the scope of an action-packed hockey story. The parallel, dual narratives of sisters Courtney (14) and Jessie (19) McIntyre are presented in alternating chapters, each perspective portrayed in a convincing and compassionate manner as the plot develops.

One of the things I quite enjoyed in this novel was the complexity of the interpersonal connections among the characters in each of the sisters' worlds, which reach far beyond sibling and peer dynamics. The characters' personalities are very well developed, with a raw honesty - not only the teens themselves, but the adults as well. We see their struggles portrayed clearly through very real, and changing, lenses. In Courtney, for example, we see a burgeoning growth of her leadership skills, and her mature decision-making, as she struggles against bullying as the only girl playing on her boys' U15 team, the Moose. Courtney's and Jessie's mother "isn't her usual self" as the story progresses, and only later do we learn that she's been trying to cope with high anxiety. The character Michael (a hateful, manipulative bully) often angered me in his scenes...as did his deeply-flawed parents.

We see both sisters' worlds developed in a convincing manner - whether in terms of their goals; their maturing sense of self; their connections with peers (and adults); and many issues faced by today's teens. These range from the dynamics of friendships and families (some more stable than others); teamwork; bullying, hazing and peer pressure; to maintaining a sensible balance of activities (whether in a university or high school setting). Courtney must face the multiple challenges of having to prove herself as "one of the guys". For each sister, there are bits of romance, with the sometimes-puzzling and hurtful challenges that can arise. First Nations culture plays a significant role. Substance abuse is addressed, along with issues faced by immigrants and by a transgender player; and, ultimately, learning when it's time to let go.

This intriguing and intelligent novel unfurls with authenticity as it explores and portrays the world of today's teens, and teen hockey in particular. I found the hockey glossary helpful in explaining terminology I didn't always understand. An excellent read! Alison Lohans (Award-winning author of many books including Canine Cupid; and for young adults and children: The 1-Dogpower Garden Team (to be released October 2021); Timefall; Don't Think Twice; Leaving Mr. Humphries, and many others