Happy Like Soccer

Written by Maribeth Boelts

Sierra loves soccer, but her aunt can't watch her play. Who will cheer her on?

4.5/7 Bookroo expert·4.1/5 Goodreads · 364 ratings

32 pages· 958 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud· NC1050L

$18.25Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Sierra's passion for soccer is unmatched, but her heart aches as her aunt can't attend her games due to work. As she dribbles across the field, Sierra longs for someone to cheer her on by name, not just her jersey number. Will she find the support she craves, or will the silence from the sidelines persist? This touching tale explores the emotional divides children face and the universal need for encouragement.

From the publisher

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. On game days, her auntie helps Sierra get ready and tells her, “Play hard and have fun.” And Sierra does, but she can’t help wishing she had someone there to root for her by name, and not just by the number on her uniform. With honesty and rare 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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