Common Sense Media Review
By Terreece Clarke
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Soccer player faces divorce, bullies in fast-paced novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
This novel in verse tells the story of Nick, who has on his mind what every middle school soccer lover does: soccer, playing soccer video games, avoiding school assignments, and more soccer. Just as his plans for a fantastic soccer season are getting started, he learns his parents are getting a divorce. Navigating middle school gets even harder when Nick's bullies come back to school, his best friend has to play on another team, and his favorite rapping librarian keeps trying to get him to read all kinds of dumb books. Will Nick ever get his plan to become a world soccer star back on track?
Is It Any Good?
This lively, touching middle school soccer story is full of fun, whether you're a soccer fan or not. At times, it moves with the breakneck speed of a soccer game -- complete with sudden halting stops of defeat. The sneaky and hilarious way author Kwame Alexander introduces "weird" yet cool vocabulary words is a delightful part of this realistic look into middle school life.
While somewhat lighter than Alexander's The Crossover, Booked still deals with serious life issues for middle schoolers, including bullying, racism, divorce, and education. Kids will find it relatable, and parents and educators will love the positive messaging about family, friendship, and learning.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the bullying in Booked. How can you stop bullies in their tracks before their actions lead to violent physical confrontations?
How can you let your friends who are experiencing difficult times, such as going through a divorce, know you're there for them if they would like to talk?
Families can talk about the importance of reading for pleasure and finding books you really enjoy. Nick hates all his assigned reading materials but enjoys the books his friends suggest. What are some great books you'd recommend to friends?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Sports
- Topics : Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Publication date : April 5, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 12
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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