In the first book of the brand new “Kickers” series, Rich Wallace introduces readers to Ben and the Bobcats.This is Ben’s first time on a real soccer team, but he just knows that he’s going to be the best player out there; he’s a four-square champ on the playground and he even owns his very own soccer ball.That changes when mean show-off Mark joins the team.Mark is really fast and athletic, but he hogs the ball and is not very good at passing it to his teammates.To make matters even worse, the Bobcats only have three practices before their first big game, and Ben finds out the hard way that Mark isn’t the team’s only ball hog.Ben might be one too!At practice, their coach works with the Bobcats to help them become a better team and have more fun playing together.Will it be enough to earn the team their first win of the season?This book is a great introduction to teamwork and soccer skills, and the story ends with Ben’s Soccer Tips.Boys and girls who play soccer or other sports will especially like this series.Middle readers, 128 pages.
Recommended by Molly Crumbley, Librarian
