About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Nadia is playing for her local soccer team, and they have made it all the way to the national tournament—against some very determined opposition.
Unfortunately, Nadia's challenges don't just come from her opponents but from her teammates as well. After their coach is injured in a suspicious accident and the threats against the team mount, it is up to Nadia and her younger brother Devin to pull the team together and take a run at the championship. Another wild ride!
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
- Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection
Editorial Reviews
"This book in the Graphic Guide Adventure provides plenty of soccer action; tips on how to dribble, pass, and protect the goal; and a solid mystery. Deas draws a multicultural cast, and it’s also nice to see the best kicker is not a slender little girl. The story should appeal to both boys and girls."
— Booklist
"Providing the tips and making both male and female characters a strong part of this multi-cultural team, the author and illustrator have created a well-written and interesting story that should provide a following for other books in this series."
— Puget Sound Council
"Deas' illustrations are full of life. This is especially true in the soccer scenes, where vibrant colours and a sure hand give the images the impression of real movement."
— Quill & Quire
"What makes this book unique is that O'Donnell/Deas give soccer tips with step-by-step illustrations and explanations using the characters for the reader to follow. O'Donnell/Deas then take those tips and incorporates them into the tournament games for the reader to see the actual skill demonstrated. Whether you like soccer or mysteries, this is a great book for curl up to. Recommended."
— Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group
"Soccer fans and just about anyone will enjoy reading this book whether they want to learn tips or read some mystery. It's definitely worth the read. Highly recommended."
— CM Magazine
"Clever dialogue, and the full-color cartoons have a lot of action, particularly Nadia's hair-raising escape from the villain at the end. This entertaining story provides soccer instruction as well as mystery."
— School Library Journal
