Happy Like Soccer

by Maribeth Boelts, Lauren Castillo (Illustrator)

Overview

"Unexpected emotional depth. . . . A thought-provoking read-aloud." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) 

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780763670498
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	03/11/2014
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	385,071
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	NC930L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 9 Years

About the Author

Maribeth Boelts is the author of many books for children, including Those Shoes, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones, which was a Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended Title. About Happy Like Soccer, she says, “Coaching soccer for a number of years, I saw the amazing impact a cheering family could have on a child-someone who knows and loves us and will root us on.” Maribeth Boelts lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Lauren Castillo has illustrated many books for children. This is her first book with Candlewick Press. She lives in Brooklyn.

Editorial Reviews

A thought-provoking read-aloud.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

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.
—School Library Journal

Boelts’ quiet tale celebrates the perseverance of a young girl as she attempts to achieve her goals.
—Kirkus Reviews

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.
—Booklist

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

From the Publisher

The other girls on Sierra’s soccer team are surrounded by their families on game days, but Sierra’s auntie, a waitress, works Saturdays, and Sierra plays alone: the onlookers “cheer for me by the number on my uniform, not knowing my name.” The plan Sierra comes up with to allow her auntie to see her play—and the courage she summons to put it into action—give Boelt’s (Those Shoes) story unexpected emotional depth. Castillo’s (Melvin and His Boy) quiet ink-and-watercolor spreads make it clear that Sierra’s situation is different from that of the other girls, and that her auntie treasures her niece and keeps her safe. The fenced-in soccer field in Sierra’s urban neighborhood is scruffier than the team’s suburban field, but Sierra’s auntie’s apartment is cozy and welcoming, and so are her words. Class differences (“Then my ride comes, filled with laughing girls who know the jokes I don’t”) and the clash of city and suburban culture are clearly laid out, but softened by supportive adults (Coach Marco asks Sierra if there’s anything she needs, and means it). A thought-provoking read-aloud. Ages 5–9. (May)

Publishers Weekly

K-Gr 3—Nothing makes Sierra happier than playing soccer, especially now that she has been picked for a new team where she gets to play on a smooth field instead of the ragtag lot near her home. But there is sadness, too, because her auntie, with whom Sierra lives, has to work on Saturdays and can't watch her play. Sierra plays hard in every game, but longs to have someone she knows rooting on the sidelines. When her aunt's boss lets her switch her shift at the restaurant so she can go to Sierra's last game, they celebrate with a made-up dance and cherry cake. Unfortunately, the game is canceled because of rain. Sierra asks Coach Marco if he can reschedule it on her aunt's day off, at the lot near their apartment. Happy to be playing in front of her auntie and neighbors, Sierra runs so fast, it feels like flying. 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. Castillo's muted colors reflect the narrator's thoughtful mood. Sierra's and her auntie's shaded skin tones and the spreads of the long bus ride from their city neighborhood to the suburban soccer field enhance the text by subtly suggesting why Sierra feels slightly out-of-place while playing with her new team. This quiet gem is lovely for one-on-one sharing.—Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT

School Library Journal

Soccer is a bittersweet mix of sorrow and joy for Sierra. Sierra struggles with conflicting emotions about her new soccer team. Traveling out of the city, Sierra now plays on soccer fields unlike the one near the apartment where she lives with her aunt, which is exciting. However, being on this new team has some drawbacks. With most games on Saturdays--which is her aunt's busiest day at the restaurant--Sierra is sad to be the only player without family members to cheer for her during games. Yet, with a little ingenuity, Sierra discovers a solution to her dilemma. Boelts focuses on the relationship between Sierra and her aunt, deftly portraying Sierra's maturity and fortitude as she attempts to resolve the situation. Sierra, while dedicated to her sport, recognizes the importance and inspiring effect of her aunt's support and encouragement. Castillo's watercolor-and-ink illustrations of the city's landscapes feature towering buildings in an austere setting. In contrast, drawings of Sierra's home and her aunt's workplace depict warm, cozy scenes. Scenes with the dark-skinned, crinkly-haired auntie and niece emphasize the close, nurturing relationship. Action-filled paintings of the soccer games capture the fast-paced excitement of the game. Boelts' quiet tale celebrates the perseverance of a young girl as she attempts to achieve her goals. (Picture book. 5-9)

Kirkus Reviews