The Wild Soccer Bunch, Book 1, Kevin the Star Striker Paperback – May 20, 2010

This is one of the few kids' books that I can wholeheartedly endorse for a boy. The book itself is nominally about soccer, but it really takes the reader and transports them to a different world - one where kids are at the center and the rest revolves around them. The characters are exaggerated in accordance with how a child would likely view the world, of course, so that the good ones are really good, the bad ones really bad. Everything that's going on in the book assumes an out-sized importance, just like a child's view.In that way, the book appears well-positioned to captivate a child who's reading it - the book speaks a child's language, looks at the world through a child's eyes. I've read plenty of children's books at this point, and this book is one of the few that really accomplishes that feat.The result is simple - my son has a hard time putting it down. Period. And given that he doesn't usually like to read, and he can't stand some of the books that are assigned to him in school, that's quite an accomplishment.I would further note that although this book was originally written in German, to German kids, it has been seemlessly adapted to an American audience. It reads as if originally written in English, and it's set in Chicago.Another nice aspect of the book is that it definitely encourages activity - via soccer, of course, but I think that kids who play other sports might be inspired as well.The only concern I might have would be for younger girls - this is really a boy-oriented book, as a whole. If you are considering getting a book for a 9 year old (or maybe younger) boy, then you can't go wrong with this, especially if he's a soccer player. For girls, I think it's more of a judgment call.

I am a middle school librarian and the students absolutely love the first book in the series "Kevin the Star Striker". There is nothing else like this series that I can find that is readable and appealing to the low and average reader middle school students. The Matt Christopher soccer books just do not have the same appeal. My question to Sole Books is "When are the other books going to be released?" On Amazon, it said that the 2nd book, "Diego the Tornado" would be released Dec 2010, but it is not available on Amazon or anywhere that I can find. The Sole Books website also lists a 3rd book in the series, but has no additional information about release dates or where to purchase the books. The students keep asking me when more books in the series will be coming out.

My 11 yr old grandson really liked this book and wants to read the others in the series.

Nothing means more to the Wild Bunch than soccer. So when the neighborhood bullies decide they, too, want to play soccer during Spring Break, the ultimate challenge is presented. Unfortunately, there are lots of obstacles thrown at the Wild Bunch. Can Larry, the local washed-up, has-been soccer pro, help the boys see who they are and how they can work together to beat the Unbeatables?This story has the potential to be a great David and Goliath story, and for upper middle school kids, it can be. However, for upper elementary kids (or my 7 and 9 year old boys I bought it for), it doesn’t present positive role models to emulate. The storyline about working through friendship issues and self-doubt through soccer is good, and I liked the overall message. But the kids were sneaky, untruthful, rude, and didn’t care about respecting other people, especially the adults in the book. While that might “appeal” to kids, it is not the kind of character I want my child to identify with until they are older when they have a better understanding of right and wrong.

7yo nephew was very pleased to show me that he had read 1/3 of the book within 12 hours of receiving it. A success I would say!

My Grandson really enjoyed this book, and has requested more in this series. Well written, great illustrations, and an enjoyable story. Arrived quickly and well-worth the money. It's been read a number of times and sits on the nightstand instead of in the bookcase. Highly recommended.

My son does not like reading very much. He does however, love soccer. When he started reading this series, he couldn't put it down. He was very excited to read it each night before bed. He can't wait to read each book!

Our seven year old's comment "if you like soccer you are going to love the book! It was funny and a good story". He also immediately asked for the next book in the series.

The young lad I gave this book to loves it and plans to order another in the series.