Special Collections
World Cup (Youth League)
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Curious George Plays Soccer
by Margret Rey and H.A. ReyGooooaaalll! The mischievous monkey takes the field in this fun-filled story about being a team player. When George sees his friend Gracie playing soccer in the park, he's eager to join in—so eager that he grabs the ball with his hands and throws it in the net! Lucky for George, there's a soccer camp starting at the rec center where he can learn the basic rules of the game and all about dribbling, passing, and what it means to be a team player. George has fun—and gets into a little mischief—at camp, but it&’s not until the final game that he finds the perfect position for him. When he does, he proves to his teammates, coach, and himself that he&’s their MVM—Most Valuable Monkey!
We Love Soccer!
by Peggy HarrisonFive-year-old teammates Megan, Regan, and Camron love soccer! Join them on the field and off for their first exciting season-from the banner day when they get their uniforms; through the practices, drills, and games that build skills and teamwork; to the medal ceremony that caps the season. These enthusiastic young athletes demonstrate that anyone who plays is a winner!
Soccer With Mom
by Frank Berrios and Jess GoldenA book about a kid who loves soccer--and his soccer-coach mom! Saturday's a busy day for a brother and sister who play soccer in a league coached by their mom. In this sweet slice-of-life family story, a boy describes the fun he and his friends have playing soccer. Little readers will enjoy this introduction to the game!
What Is the World Cup?
by Stephen Marchesi and Who Hq and Bonnie BaderGOOOAAAAAL! Get ready for a front-row seat at the world's most-watched sporting event--the World Cup.
Every four years, thirty-two of the best men's soccer teams from across the globe compete for the title of FIFA World Cup winner. Over one billion people tuned in worldwide to watch the final game of the 2014 competition, making the World Cup the most widely viewed sporting event in the world, exceeding even the Summer Olympics!
This book takes a look back at what has changed since the first tournament in 1930 and what lies ahead for the most popular sport in the world.
Young Pele
by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James RansomeHOW DID A POOR BOY named Edson--who kicked rocks down roads and dribbled balls made from rags--go on to become Pelé, the greatest soccer player of all time?
While other kids memorized letters, Edson memorized the scores of soccer matches. And when Edson finally played in a youth soccer tournament in the town of Bauru, Brazil, he focused on only one thing from the moment the whistle blew: the goal.
Here is the picture book biography of the boy who overcame tremendous odds to become the world champion soccer star Pelé.
Defending the Line
by Alex Carpenter"Everything in life belongs to God. Our purpose has already been mapped out."
—David Luiz
One of the rising stars in international soccer, David Luiz has been impressing crowds since he was a boy. But it is his faith, not his fame, that drives him to greater success and keeps him “defending the goal.”
David made his debut in professional soccer as a left fullback when he was just 19. He was then picked up by Portugal’s Benfica team and named player of the year for the 2009-2010 season. As a star defender and vice-captain for the Brazilian National team, David shines both on and off the field, inspiring athletes around the world with his incredible soccer skills and his unwavering faith.
David currently plays for England’s Chelsea Football Club, one of the premier club teams in the world, and he is expected to play for Brazil in the 2014 World Cup.
Playing Atari with Saddam Hussein
by Jennifer Roy and Ali Fadhil"What strikes are the mundane aspects of the brief war: going out to play and explore a familiar but ruined neighborhood, the boredom and fear of awaiting scheduled airstrikes, living with uncertainty about loved ones returning home. Still, there&’s room for optimism and humor despite Fadhil&’s harrowing experience."—Booklist "Roy (Jars of Hope) and Fadhil, an interpreter during Hussein&’s trial, offer a window into what Ali calls &“the true Iraq&” and a disturbing but accessible portrait of a civilian child&’s perspective on war."-Publishers Weekly "This blending of biography, historical fiction, and realistic fiction paints a vivid portrait of daily family life in Iraq and the trials many faced."--School Library Journal —
Toward the Goal, Revised Edition
by Jeremy V. Jones“I learned that it is faith that decides whether something will happen or not.”
At the age of eight, Kaká already knew what he wanted in life: to play soccer and only soccer. He started playing in front of his friends and family, but when he suffered a crippling injury, doctors told him he would never play again.
Through faith and perseverance Kaká recovered, and today he plays in front of thousands of fans every year.
As the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year and winner of the Ballon d’Or, this midfielder for Real Madrid has become one of the most recognized faces on the soccer field.
David Beckham, Eat This
by John LarkinWhen Tangles doesn't turn up to training for a couple of weeks, it looks as though the Wildcats will be facing more recruitment problems.
Then Splinters spots Tangles up at the shops wearing a bandanna and a Camp Quality T-shirt and he realises the truth: Tangles is seriously ill.
Splinters wants the Wildcats to try for the Guinness Book of Records marathon soccer match in order to raise some money and buy Tangles a special machine from the States that will save his life.
But when the English FA decide to hold a competition for a couple of junior soccer teams to play a curtain raiser for the grand reopening of Wembley Stadium, Splinters is ready to abandon Tangles to his fate and put all his energy into that instead.
Leo Messi
by Roy Apps and Chris KingWe've all got a dream, right?
Growing up in Rosario, Argentina was tough for a kid - especially a little one like Lionel Messi. But Lionel didn't want to be little - he wanted to be a LEGEND!
This is the story of Lionel's discovery, his first football matches for Newell's Old Boys and then the huge decision that would change his life FOREVER...
It takes blood, sweat and tears to get to the top of any sport, and these short, inspirational biographies show just how tough it can be.
Each is written by expert author Roy Apps for kids with a reading age of 7 (but could also be enjoyed by pre-teens) and illustrated with black-and-white artwork.
The stories focus on top athletes and sport personalities, with each dramatic story bringing to life the skill, determination and luck needed to break through into top level competition.
Kick
by Walter Dean Myers and Ross WorkmanFor the very first time in his decades-long career writing for teens, acclaimed and beloved author Walter Dean Myers writes with a teen, Ross Workman.
Kevin Johnson is thirteen years old. And heading for juvie. He's a good kid, a great friend, and a star striker for his Highland, New Jersey, soccer team. His team is competing for the State Cup, and he wants to prove he has more than just star-player potential.
Kevin's never been in any serious trouble . . . until the night he ends up in jail.
Enter Sergeant Brown, a cop assigned to be Kevin's mentor. If Kevin and Brown can learn to trust each other, they might be able to turn things around before it's too late.
Now Is the Time for Running
by Michael WilliamsJust down the road from their families, Deo and his friends play soccer in the dusty fields of Zimbabwe, cheered on by Deo's older brother, Innocent.
It is a day like any other . . . until the soldiers arrive and Deo and Innocent are forced to run for their lives, fleeing the wreckage of their village for the distant promise of safe haven.
Along the way, they face the prejudice and poverty that await refugees everywhere, and must rely on the kindness of people they meet to make it through. But when tragedy strikes, Deo's love of soccer is all he has left. Can he use that gift to find hope once more?
Relevant, timely, and accessibly written, Now Is the Time For Running is a staggering story of survival that follows Deo and his mentally handicapped older brother on a transformative journey that will stick with readers long after the last page.
Tangerine
by Edward BloorThough legally blind, Paul Fisher can see what others cannot. He can see that his parents' constant praise of his brother, Erik, the football star, is to cover up something that is terribly wrong. But no one listens to Paul--until his family moves to Tangerine.
In this Florida town, weird is normal: Lightning strikes at the same time every day, a sinkhole swallows a local school, and Paul the geek finds himself adopted into the toughest group around: the soccer team at his middle school.
Maybe this new start in Tangerine will help Paul finally see the truth about his past--and will give him the courage to face up to his terrifying older brother.
Includes a reader's guide and an afterword by the author.
Soccer on Sunday
by Mary Pope Osborne and Sal MurdoccaThe #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system!
Goal! Jack and Annie have tickets to one of the most exciting soccer games ever—the 1970 World Cup! They are sure the famous soccer player Pelé will tell them a “secret of greatness.”
The game is nonstop action and the stands are packed. But how will they find Pelé in a crowd of 100,000 soccer fans? Have they failed their mission? Or will the answer come when they least expect it?
Formerly numbered as Magic Tree House #52, the title of this book is now Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #24: Soccer on Sunday.
Did you know that there’s a Magic Tree House book for every kid?
Magic Tree House: Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books
Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader
Super Edition: A longer and more dangerous adventureFact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures
Have more fun with Jack and Annie at MagicTreeHouse.com!
Sabotage Season
by Alex MorganThe Kicks' championship hopes are being sabotaged in the second book in a series that celebrates confidence and teamwork, from star soccer player and Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan. Things are going wrong left and right for the Kentville girls' soccer team, and Devin's sure the girls from their rival team, the Pinewood Panthers, are behind the many mishaps. Can Devin get to the bottom of the mystery and stop the sabotage before her team's championship hopes disappear for good?
The Flea
by Michael PartThe Flea tells the amazing story of a boy who was born to play the beautiful game and destined to become the world's greatest soccer player.
The Million Dollar Kick
by Dan GutmanWhisper remembers everything including scoring a point earlier for the opposing team. She wins a chance to kick a goal past a professional soccer goalie for a million dollars. Should she risk further embarrassment in front of her middle school?
Outcasts United
by Warren St. JohnThis young people's version of the adult bestseller is a complex and inspirational story about the the Fugees, a youth soccer team made up of refugees from around the world, and their formidable female coach. Clarkston, Georgia, was a typical southern town until it became a refugee resettlement center. The author explores how the community changed with the influx of refugees and how a single individual made a difference in the lives of so many.
Booked
by Kwame AlexanderLike lightning
you strike
fast and free
legs zoom
down field
eyes fixed
on the checkered ball
on the goal
ten yards to go
can't nobody stop you
can't nobody cop you...
In this follow-up to the Newbery-winning novel THE CROSSOVER, soccer, family, love, and friendship, take center stage as twelve-year-old Nick learns the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. Helping him along are his best friend and sometimes teammate Coby, and The Mac, a rapping librarian who gives Nick inspiring books to read.
This electric and heartfelt novel-in-verse by poet Kwame Alexander bends and breaks as it captures all the thrills and setbacks, action and emotion of a World Cup match!
Keeper
by Mal PeetWhen Paul Faustino of LA NACION flips on his tape recorder for an exclusive interview with El Gato — the phenomenal goalkeeper who single-handedly brought his team the World Cup — the seasoned reporter quickly learns that this will be no ordinary story.
Instead, the legendary El Gato narrates a spellbinding tale that begins in the South American rainforest, where a ghostly but very real mentor, the Keeper, emerges to teach a poor, gawky boy the most thrilling secrets of the game.
A seamless blend of magic realism and exhilarating soccer action, this evocative novel will haunt readers long after the story ends.
He Who Dreams
by Melanie FlorenceJuggling soccer, school, friends and family leaves John with little time for anything else.
But one day at the local community center, following the sound of drums, he stumbles into an Indigenous dance class. Before he knows what's happening, John finds himself stumbling through beginner classes with a bunch of little girls, skipping soccer practice and letting his other responsibilities slide.
When he attends a pow wow and witnesses a powerful performance, he realizes that he wants to be a dancer more than anything.
But the nearest class for boys is at the Native Cultural Center in the city, and he still hasn't told his family or friends about his new passion. If he wants to dance, he will have to stop hiding.
Between the mocking of his teammates and the hostility of the boys in his dance class, John must find a way to balance and embrace both the Irish and Cree sides of his heritage.
Home of the Braves
by David KlassAs Joe Brickman heads into his senior year, he's looking forward to soccer season and dating Kristine. But scary, unpredictable things start happening at Lawndale High, as past violence returns to haunt the present.
Compulsion
by Heidi AyarbeToday has to be perfect.
Magic.
I look at the clock.
10:14 AM.
Ten fourteen. One plus one is two plus four is six plus ten is sixteen minus one is fifteen minus two is thirteen. OK.
I turn from the clock and walk into the hallway. "Ready."
Saturday will be the third state soccer championship in a row for Jake Martin. Three. A good number. Prime. With Jake on the field, Carson City High can't lose because Jake has the magic: a self-created protection generated by his obsession with prime numbers. It's the magic that has every top soccer university recruiting Jake, the magic that keeps his family safe, and the magic that suppresses his anxiety attacks. But the magic is Jake's prison, because sustaining it means his compulsions take over nearly every aspect of his life.
Jake's convinced the magic will be permanent after Saturday, the perfect day, when every prime has converged. Once the game is over, he won't have to rely on his sister to concoct excuses for his odd rituals. His dad will stop treating him like he is some freak. Maybe he'll even make a friend other than Luc.
But what if the magic doesn't stay?
What if the numbers never leave?
Acclaimed author Heidi Ayarbe has created an honest and riveting portrait of a teen struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder in this breathtaking and courageous novel.
Defending Taylor
by Miranda KenneallyThere are no mistakes in love.Captain of the soccer team, president of the Debate Club, contender for valedictorian: Taylor's always pushed herself to be perfect. After all, that's what is expected of a senator's daughter.
But one impulsive decision-one lie to cover for her boyfriend-and Taylor's kicked out of private school. Everything she's worked so hard for is gone, and now she's starting over at Hundred Oaks High.
Soccer has always been Taylor's escape from the pressures of school and family, but it's hard to fit in and play on a team that used to be her rival.
The only person who seems to understand all that she's going through is her older brother's best friend, Ezra. Taylor's had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. But it's hard to trust after having been betrayed.
Will Taylor repeat her past mistakes or can she score a fresh start?
Out of Nowhere
by Maria PadianAt Maquoit High School, Tom Bouchard has it made: captain and star of the soccer team, boyfriend to one of the prettiest, most popular girls, and third in his class, likely to have his pick of any college, if he ever bothers filling out his applications.
But life in his idyllic small Maine town quickly gets turned upside down after the events of 9/11. Enniston has become a "secondary migration" location for Somali refugees, who are seeking a better life after their country was destroyed by war--they can no longer go home.
Tom hasn't thought much about his Somali classmates until four of them join the soccer team, including Saeed. He comes out of nowhere on the field to make impossible shots, and suddenly the team is winning, dominating even; but when Saeed's eligibility is questioned and Tom screws up in a big way, he's left to grapple with a culture he doesn't understand and take responsibility for his actions.
Saeed and his family came out of nowhere and vanish just as quickly. And Tom may find himself going nowhere, too, if he doesn't start trying to get somewhere.