Happy Like Soccer

by Maribeth Boelts (Author) Lauren Castillo (Illustrator)

Happy Like Soccer
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

 Nothing makes Sierra happy like soccer. Her shoes have flames as she spins the ball down the spread-out sea of grass. But nothing makes her sad like soccer, too, because the restaurant where her auntie works is busy on game days and she can't take time off to watch Sierra play. With honesty and subtlety, author Maribeth Boelts and illustrator Lauren Castillo portray an endearing character in a moving, uplifting story that touches on the divides children navigate every day -- and remind us that everyone needs someone to cheer them on from the sidelines.

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Publisher's Weekly

Starred Review
A thought-provoking read-aloud.

School Library Journal

This tender story, written in lyrical text, perfectly blends the protagonist's joy at playing her favorite sport with the loneliness of being the new kid in unfamiliar territory... This quiet gem is lovely for one-on-one sharing.

ALA/Booklist

Castillo's stylized, expressive watercolor illustrations effectively depict the bleakness of Sierra's situation and her small triumph. Realistic without being overly sentimental, Boelts' uplifting story realizes the impact of family, community, and even a little cheering in a child's life.

Review quotes

This story poignantly points out the contrast of living and playing in different worlds... This story will help all children empathize with the lives of others.
—Library Media Connection

What could have been a pedantic lesson in class contrast instead is a heartfelt and honest reminder that everyone needs fans on the sidelines once in a while.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Maribeth Boelts
Maribeth Boelts is the author of numerous books for children, including Those Shoes, a previous collaboration with artist Noah Z. Jones, and Happy Like Soccer, illustrated by Lauren Castillo. She lives with her family in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Noah Z. Jones is the illustrator of Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts as well as Not Norman: A Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett, The Monster in the Backpack by Lisa Moser, and Welcome to the Bed and Biscuit by Joan Carris. He lives in Glendale, California.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780763670498
Lexile Measure
930
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Candlewick Press (MA)
Publication date
March 20, 2014
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV013030 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Multigenerational
JUV032150 - Juvenile Fiction | Sports & Recreation | Soccer
Library of Congress categories
Social classes
Soccer stories
Soccer
Aunts
Problem solving
Nutmeg Book Award
Nominee 2015 - 2015

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