Description
Eighth-grader Nate Osborne is a forward on his soccer team, the Strikers.
Like the rest of his team, he can get competitive, especially when it comes to playing against their rivals, the Monarchs. The Strikers desperately want the Monarchs to lose. They even root against them when they play other teams.
During a game against the Monarchs, Nate has to decide between going for a goal after a player on the rival team gets injured or kicking the ball out of bounds as an act of good sportsmanship. His aunt has always taught him the importance of fair play, but will he lose the support of his team if he does the right thing?
Out of Bounds is an entertaining yet thoughtful story about young athletes struggling with teamwork and sportsmanship. In the afterword read more about famous instances of exceptional sportsmanship on the soccer pitch.
Reviews
“Bowen tucks in plenty of soccer action —plus a chocolate chip cookie recipe—and closes with some real-life sports incidents that exemplify the principle he wants to highlight.” ―Booklist Online
“Bowen understands the dynamics of our sport, its nuances, and the give-and-take of a soccer match, especially among young players… You’ll be entranced until the last shot on goal” ―Soccer Wire
Awards
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2016
Massachusetts Children’s Book Award (master list) ―Salem State College, 2016-2017
More Details
F&P: GRL Q, Gr 4, Genre RF
Lexile: 630L
Themes: Soccer, Sportsmanship, Teamwork
BISAC 1: JUV032150 JUVENILE FICTION /Sports & Recreation / Soccer
BISAC 2: JUV013000 JUVENILE FICTION / Family / General
BISAC 3: JUV005000 JUVENILE FICTION / Boys & Men
