The Day Dad Joined My Soccer Team

K-Gr 2—An unnamed kid in the number four jersey loves playing soccer as much as his dad, in his "Soccer Dad" T-shirt, loves cheering him on. When Coach needs a parent volunteer, Dad is already on the field before he can be told that his help is needed with halftime snacks, not playing. Despite the boy's advice, Dad is soon embarrassing his son by goofing off, not encouraging his teammates, having a hissy fit after being accidentally tripped, and being an all-around poor sport. The boy laments to Coach that his Dad is ruining the game for everyone, but Coach responds with this: "If we're patient and keep showing him what it means to be a team player. I am sure he'll figure it out."And Coach is right; Dad ends up playing a great game. Fergus's first-person text is spot-on and immediately makes readers feel invested in the story's outcome. Lowery's illustrations are spare yet action-packed and display a wide range of emotions. They are a great combination.