Soccer Sam (Step Into Reading: Step 4 Reading Paragraphs)

Gr 2-3 When Sam's cousin from Mexico comes to spend a year with Sam and his family, he teaches Sam's second-grade classmates how to play soccer. Marzollo successfully combines basic soccer terminology and story into this easy-to-read book. Sentence structure is short, yet the vocabulary is conversationally modern ("This is awesome!"). Marzollo even introduces some beginning Spanish terms through cousin Marco. Sims keeps the action moving with her colorful scenes of students bouncing the soccer ball off their head and passing it. This will be a welcome addition to easy-to-read section along with Hoff's Soft Skull Sam (HBJ, 1981; o.p.). Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, Va.

"The story line is brisk, and the lively drawings are effective. An entertaining light read with simple sentences and lots of appeal: the bicultural element adds a nice touch."—Booklist.