My son, Ben, is obsessed with soccer now, so when his teacher sent home "Let's Try Soccer!" I figured it would be a hit. It follows a kid named Luke on his first day joining a soccer league. He learns the basics, like what the different positions are and how the game is played. It's very introductory, which was exactly what Ben needed since he’s only just started playing himself.
Ben actually sat still through the whole thing, which is saying something! He especially liked the pictures showing kids kicking the ball and running on the field. He kept pointing out the goalie and saying that's what he wants to be. There were a couple of times I had to explain a word or two, but overall it was easy for him to understand. The writing is simple and straightforward. It felt like the right length for a bedtime story, not too long that he'd lose interest.
For those keeping track of AR points, it's a Level 3.0 and worth 0.5 points. Ben's in second grade, so it was perfect for his reading level, though I think a kindergartener could definitely enjoy it with a little help from a parent. The word count is around 1175, but it doesn't feel overwhelming because of the pictures and short sentences.
I think this book would be great for a kid who is just getting into soccer or any sport really. It explains the basic concepts in a way that's easy to grasp and it’s a good way to introduce the idea of teamwork and learning new skills. If your kid already knows a lot about soccer, this might be too basic. But if they are brand new to the game, this is a solid place to start.