Overview

New York Times Bestseller National Book Award Longlist ILA-CBC Children's Choice List ALA Notable Children's Book Book Links' Lasting Connections Kirkus Best Book San Francisco Chronicle Best Book Washington Post Best Book BookPage Best Book A novel about a soccer-obsessed tween boy written entirely in verse? In a word, yes. Kwame Alexander has the magic to pull off this unlikely feat, both as a poet and as a storyteller. -- The Chicago Tribune Like 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!

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9780544570986

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<b>Kirkus Best Books of 2016 </b><b>SF Chronicle Best of 2016 list</b> A novel about a soccer-obsessed tween boy written entirely in verse? In a word, yes.Kwame Alexander has the magic to pull off this unlikely feat, both as a poet and as a storyteller. <i></i><b><i>The Chicago Tribune</i></b> This lively, touching middle school soccer story is full of fun. <i></i><b><i>Common Sense Media</i></b> * A satisfying, winning read. <i><b>Kirkus</b>, </i> STARRED review * Alexander skillfully juggles verse styles to realistically capture Nick's humor and smarts, passion for soccer, and vulnerability when being bullied, having surgery, or facing his parents' troubled marriage. Emotionally resonant and with a pace like a player on a breakaway... <i><b>Publishers Weekly</b>, </i> STARRED review * Alexander understands reluctant readers deeply, and here hands them a protagonist who is himself a smart, reading-averse kid who just wants to enjoy the words that interest him on his own terms. With accessible poetic forms and engaging formatting, Booked s pages will be turned swiftly and enthusiastically. <i><b>Horn Book</b><b>Magazine</b>, </i> STARRED review * Middle-school readers and their advocates will surely love Alexander s joyous word play and celebration of reading. <b><i>Booklist</i></b>, STARRED review Newbery-winning poet Alexander once again brings to life a novel in verse that equally captures the rapid-fire excitement of a soccer match and the palpable pain of a young boy whose family is falling apart. Another winning goal for Alexander and middle school readers alike. <i><b>School Library Journal</b></i> This is a fantastic book with a never-ending supply of new words like onomatophobia and yobbery that will leave readers full of new words and ideas. This is an absolute must-have for any library serving tweens. <b><i>VOYA</i></b> A powerful story that will leave the reader breathless, right to the very end. <i><b>BookPage</b></i><b> Children's Top Pick</b>

A novel about a soccer-obsessed tween boy written entirely in verse? In a word, yes.Kwame Alexander has the magic to pull off this unlikely feat, both as a poet and as a storyteller. The Chicago Tribune * A satisfying, winning read. Kirkus, STARRED review * Alexander skillfully juggles verse styles to realistically capture Nick's humor and smarts, passion for soccer, and vulnerability when being bullied, having surgery, or facing his parents' troubled marriage. Emotionally resonant and with a pace like a player on a breakaway... Publishers Weekly, STARRED review * Alexander understands reluctant readers deeply, and here hands them a protagonist who is himself a smart, reading-averse kid who just wants to enjoy the words that interest him on his own terms. With accessible poetic forms and engaging formatting, Booked s pages will be turned swiftly and enthusiastically. Horn BookMagazine, STARRED review * Middle-school readers and their advocates will surely love Alexander s joyous word play and celebration of reading. Booklist, STARRED review Newbery-winning poet Alexander once again brings to life a novel in verse that equally captures the rapid-fire excitement of a soccer match and the palpable pain of a young boy whose family is falling apart. Another winning goal for Alexander and middle school readers alike. School Library Journal This is a fantastic book with a never-ending supply of new words like onomatophobia and yobbery that will leave readers full of new words and ideas. This is an absolute must-have for any library serving tweens. VOYA

* It s not a small thing to incorporate big issues like bullying and divorce into eminently readable free verse that connects boys, sports, and reading. While some may find Mr. Mac s passion a bit overwhelming (while other may find it simply delightful), middle-school readers and their advocates will surely love Alexander s joyous word play and celebration of reading. Booklist, STARRED review * What the mostly free-verse novel does have is a likable protagonist, great wordplay, solid teen and adult secondary characters, and a clear picture of the challenges young people face when self-identity clashes with parental expectations. The soccer scenes are vivid and will make readers wish for more, but the depiction of Nick as he unlocks his inner reader is smooth and believable. A satisfying, winning read. Kirkus, STARRED review

* Alexander understands reluctant readers deeply, and here hands them a protagonist who is himself a smart, reading-averse kid who just wants to enjoy the words that interest him on his own terms. With accessible poetic forms and engaging formatting, Booked s pages will be turned swiftly and enthusiastically. Horn Book, STARRED review * It s not a small thing to incorporate big issues like bullying and divorce into eminently readable free verse that connects boys, sports, and reading. While some may find Mr. Mac s passion a bit overwhelming (while other may find it simply delightful), middle-school readers and their advocates will surely love Alexander s joyous word play and celebration of reading. Booklist, STARRED review * What the mostly free-verse novel does have is a likable protagonist, great wordplay, solid teen and adult secondary characters, and a clear picture of the challenges young people face when self-identity clashes with parental expectations. The soccer scenes are vivid and will make readers wish for more, but the depiction of Nick as he unlocks his inner reader is smooth and believable. A satisfying, winning read. Kirkus, STARRED review

* Alexander skillfully juggles verse styles to realistically capture Nick's humor and smarts (showcased in witty footnoted definitions of words like cachinnate and mewling ), passion for soccer, and vulnerability when being bullied, having surgery, or facing his parents' troubled marriage. Emotionally resonant and with a pace like a player on a breakaway... Publishers Weekly, STARRED review * Alexander understands reluctant readers deeply, and here hands them a protagonist who is himself a smart, reading-averse kid who just wants to enjoy the words that interest him on his own terms. With accessible poetic forms and engaging formatting, Booked s pages will be turned swiftly and enthusiastically. Horn Book, STARRED review * It s not a small thing to incorporate big issues like bullying and divorce into eminently readable free verse that connects boys, sports, and reading. While some may find Mr. Mac s passion a bit overwhelming (while other may find it simply delightful), middle-school readers and their advocates will surely love Alexander s joyous word play and celebration of reading. Booklist, STARRED review * What the mostly free-verse novel does have is a likable protagonist, great wordplay, solid teen and adult secondary characters, and a clear picture of the challenges young people face when self-identity clashes with parental expectations. The soccer scenes are vivid and will make readers wish for more, but the depiction of Nick as he unlocks his inner reader is smooth and believable. A satisfying, winning read. Kirkus, STARRED review Newbery-winning poet Alexander once again brings to life a novel in verse that equally captures the rapid-fire excitement of a soccer match and the palpable pain of a young boy whose family is falling apart... Authentic characters and amusing situations abound, making this story one that will be welcomed by readers of all levels. Another winning goal for Alexander and middle school readers alike. School Library Journal

Author Information

Kwame Alexander is a poet, children's book author, playwright, producer, public speaker, performer, and winner of the 2015 Newbery Medal for his novel-in-verse, The Crossover. Alexander believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people. He lives with his wife and two daughters in the Washington, D.C., area. Visit his website at www.kwamealexander.com.

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