April 2, 2024 by Union Square Kids
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this very short, dyslexic-friendly novel, we meet Shane Logan, a kid from Leeds who comes to a new school. Mrs Ali, his teacher, is very kind despite his angry attitude, and gives him supplies so he can participate in class. Peter, an avid soccer player, thinks that maybe Shane will calm down if they ask him to play soccer, but is as explosive on the field, kicking the subpar soccer ball angrily. There is a Sunday league, the North Park Juniors, and Peter and his friends ask Shane to be a part of that, because he has decent soccer skills. When Shane's father Mick brings him, it's easy to see where Shane gets his attitude, as Mick yells and abuses Coach Gary. At one point, the two have to be sent home because of their outbursts. It turns out that Mick isn't Shane's dad, but rather his mother's boyfriend, and after throwing a chair through a window, Mick has been taken away by the police. Shane continues to play soccer, and the team helps him. There are also short chapters of nonfictional information interspersed throughout, with information on Great Goalies, Over the Top Goalies, Bloopers, and the like.
Strengths: Like Fabbri's Back of the Net series, this book includes plenty of on field action combined with young adult social problems like anger management. This is fast paced, and short, so students who lose interest quickly will be done with the book by the time they are tired of it.
Weaknesses: This is a British title, so I wasn't quite sure why it was so notable that Shane was from Leeds. It's not that important to the story, and readers who are very interested in soccer will be familiar with the international players in the nonfiction section. The writing was on par with other high interest, low level readers.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who are successful with titles like Robinson's Carter High or Saddleback Publishing's District 13 books. There's an older feel to it, so readers who think the Jake Maddox books are too young, but who need easier text, will enjoy these. I have a lot of ELL students who enjoy soccer, and this will be perfect for them.
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