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Description
The Glory Garden players may finally have met their match when they play their old World Cup rivals.
Quick Summary
Blaze of Glory drops you straight into the world of the Glory Garden soccer team, a group of middle-graders who think they're unstoppable until they get a surprise rematch against the squad that knocked them out of the World Cup a few years back. Cattell mixes quick-wit locker-room jokes with heart-pounding play-by-play action, making the pressure of a big game feel as real as a classroom pop quiz. The characters have to sort out clashing egos, a new coach who's all about winning, and the classic fear of letting their teammates down, all while trying to keep the fun in the sport. It's a great fit for soccer-loving kids, anyone who enjoys a bit of friendly rivalry, and even reluctant readers who want a fast-paced story without heavy drama. Parents will find plenty of positive takeaways about teamwork and perseverance, and the only scary part is the tension of a penalty shootout, which resolves with humor. If you've ever cheered for an underdog team in a book like Mike Lupica's "Travel Team," you'll recognize the same electric vibe here.