Soccer Shock [Mass Market Paperback]

Donna Jo Napoli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1993 | Age Level: 8 and up

When ten-year-old Adam discovers that his freckles can see and talk, he plans to use this secret to get onto the school soccer team.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-5-- Do talking freckles sound far-fetched? It is an unusually fantastic twist, yet this lighthearted novel succeeds with genuine characters in a believable setting, wound into an otherwise realistic plot with lots of childlike experiences. Even the freckles become credible. Adam is an average, likable kid who wants to make the soccer team, but he is better at math. Garrison is assured of making the team but his poor math skills embarrass him. In the weakest segment of the book, lightning strikes close to Adam and he hears voices. Two chapters later, in a humorous sequence in the bathtub, he discovers that his freckles talk only when there's a proper conductor--in this case, water from his ears to his spots--and that he is the only one who can hear them. Although he bribes them into helping him play his chosen sport better, Adam never becomes the best player, nor does Garrison truly excel in math. Instead, they are heroic in smaller, more personal ways--sticking to their goals and accomplishing them. Johnson's black-and-white drawings capture many of the comic moments.
-Denise Krell, New York Public Library
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

Brainy Adam wants desperately to make the fifth-grade soccer team but doesn't have much chance until star player Grayson offers lessons in exchange for math tutoring--and, more importantly, Adam discovers that a lightning bolt's near miss has left him with the ability to hear the freckles on his knees talking, so that he has an efficient early-warning system on the playing field. The freckles really steal the show here, whether they're telling Adam that the ball's coming his way or the swing's about to break, or just commenting aimlessly on the gum under desks. Despite having to cope with classmate Kim's aggressive pursuit, Adam is feeling fine--until he temporarily skins off Gilbert, his best freckle, and has to face the soccer tryouts without his secret weapon. A well-written story with an affectionate, tolerant cast, a little elementary math and soccer instruction, and a funny premise. Illustrations not seen. (Fiction. 10-13) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (November 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014036482X
• ISBN-13: 978-0140364828
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,467,334 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

For all information about Donna Jo Napoli (books, events, biography, awards, contact information), please go to http://www.donnajonapoli.com