Kick It, Mo! (Mo Jackson #4)

PreS-Gr 2—In this soccer-themed installment, the sports-loving Mo Jackson is practicing his kicks. He kicks his desk; he kicks the bed; he kicks the pillow into the bookshelf in the hall, knocking books off the shelf, much to his mother's chagrin. Mo's parents take him outside to help him practice, but Mo's enthusiastic kicks are all too high. When he gets to the soccer game against the Pups, Mo's smaller stature means he gets tired chasing the ball more quickly than his teammates. But when the Pups' goalie throws the soccer ball back toward Mo, he gives a mighty kick, mostly missing the ball, but keeping it on the ground and making the winning goal. There is plenty of action in this friendly sports-themed easy reader. A large font and lots of word repetition combined with cheerful and expressive depictions of the characters, particularly Moe and his diverse team, make for a very accessible reader. VERDICT Another winning title in the popular series.—Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, OR