Fans are gearing up for soccer’s most prestigious event, which kicks off in Brazil on June 12, and there’s still plenty of time to beef up your holdings about “the beautiful game.” Highlighted here are enticing picture books, absorbing novels, and inviting nonfiction that will appeal to youngsters who love to play, from the beginners to ball-handling aces. Touching upon different cultures and countries, these titles also celebrate the universality of the most popular sport in the world.  Crazy about Soccer! by Loris Lesynski. illus. by Gerry Rasmussen. Annick. 2012. Tr $22.95. ISBN 9781554514229; pap. $12.95. ISBN 9781554514212. K-Gr 4—An ebullient collection of tongue-twisting, imagination-stretching, smile-cracking poems. Illustrated throughout with bright-hued cartoons, more than 50 playful entries reflect upon basic skills and techniques, match-time ups and downs, and pure zeal for the game. Whether describing a goalie’s “Dive at the Net” (a “fabulous daredevil save!/As sudden and fast as a tidal wave!”), pointing out humorous “‘Header’ Variations,” or exulting in the need to play “Soccer ‘Round the Clock,” these share-aloud gems will delight young footballers. Goal! by Sean Taylor. photos. by Caio Vilela. Holt. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-62779-123-6. Gr 1-4—Eye-catching photographs and straightforward text introduce soccer and showcase the accessibility and universality of the sport. Vilela’s vivid images capture the exuberance of young players representing an assortment of countries and cultures. For instance, a flip-flop-wearing teen juggles a ball in Ghana, Tanzanian children kick around a sphere cleverly fashioned from wire and rags, and two kids vie for ball possession in the streets of Iran. A rousing celebration of global diversity and the game that unites us all. Happy Like Soccer. by Maribeth Boelts. illus. by Lauren Catillo. Candlewick. 2012. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4616-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-7049-8. K-Gr 3—Nothing makes Sierra happy like soccer, and since being picked for a new team, her “shoes have flames” as she dashes across turf much lusher than the ragged lot in her urban neighborhood. Nothing makes Sierra sad like soccer, because her auntie works on Saturdays and there is no one to root her on from the sidelines. When her final game is rained-out and needs to be rescheduled, the shy girl summons her courage and comes up with a plan that allows both her feet and her heart to fly on the field. Portraying a child's passion for playing as well as a close-knit family relationship, this sweetly emotional tale is told with lyrical text and enchanting ink-and-watercolor artwork. Maisy Plays Soccer. by Lucy Cousins. illus. by author. Candlewick. 2014. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-7228-7. PreS—The endearing and ever-eager mouse and her friends take the field and enjoy a day filled with kicking and passing, shots on goal, half-time snacks, and smiles all around. Color-saturated cartoon artwork, easy-to-follow action, and an emphasis on fun make this appealing picture book pitch perfect for the very youngest ball-booting neophytes. My First Soccer Book. by Clive Gifford. Kingfisher. 2012. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7534-6783-1. Gr 1-4—Energized text and crisp photos of youngsters in action introduce soccer basics, from rules and regulations, equipment and warm-ups, and position play to on-the-field skills, techniques, and strategies. Diagrams, sequenced snapshots, and helpful tips keep the information crystal clear and accessible. The book ends with a brief look at professional-level play. Gifford’s Kingfisher Book of Soccer Skills (Kingfisher, 2012) provides a similarly attractive and informative but more in-depth handbook for more experienced footballers (grades 5-8).   Out of Nowhere. By Maria Padian. Knopf. 2013. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86580-0. PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96580-7; pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86562-6; ebook $10.99. ISBN 978-0-375-89610-1. Gr 9 Up—Tom Bouchard’s small Maine town has recently become a “secondary migration” center for Somali refugees, and though he’s noticed that the halls of Chamberlain High are suddenly overflowing with African Muslims, many of whom can’t speak English and struggle to adapt, he has had little to do with the newcomers. However, when Tom, the soccer team captain, witnesses the amazing passing and shooting skills of a recently arrived Somali immigrant, he believes that Saeed could be a game-changer for their squad. Suddenly, the teen’s eyes are opened to new perceptions, as he learns about Somali culture, begins to understand the challenges faced by recent immigrants, and rethinks the attitudes and prejudices of his conservative town. Told in a believable first-person voice, this fast-paced novel tackles themes of empathy and cultural acceptance while providing thrilling on-field descriptions, a slew of self-discoveries, and even a touch of romance. Outcasts United: The Story of a Refugee Soccer Team That Changed a Town. by Warren St. John. Delacorte. 2012. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74194-1; PLB $19.99. ISBN 978-0-375-99033-5; pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0-385-74195-8; ebook $8.99. ISBN 978-0-375-98880-6. Gr 7 Up—The true story of a determined young woman, a diverse group of multinational teenagers, and a small town struggling to redefine itself after becoming a refugee settlement center. While watching pickup soccer in a parking lot in a run-down part of Clarkston, GA, Jordanian-born Luma Mufleh resolved to create a free program for the participants—young refugees from war-torn countries across the globe. A demanding coach who set clear expectations for hard work and good behavior, Luma also helped her players off the pitch, often serving as social worker, educational advocate, and parent figure. Ultimately, the Fugees’ shared fervor for the game allowed them to surmount differences in language, culture, and religion, resulting in a positive experience that affected their own lives as well as their broader community. St. John’s account weaves together harrowing personal stories, striking game details, and clearly presented social issues to create a riveting and uplifting read. The Soccer Fence: A Story of Friendship, Hope and Apartheid in South Africa. by Phil Bildner. illus. by Jesse Joshua Watson. Putnam. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24790-3. Gr 1-5—Hector loves to kick the ball around the rocky field in his dilapidated township in Johannesburg, South Africa, and longs to be invited to join the white boys who play on a fenced-in emerald-green turf in the wealthy part of the city where his mother works. It’s 1990, and though Apartheid is beginning to crumble, the march towards freedom seems frustratingly slow to the boy. However, when his homeland is chosen to host the 1996 African Cup of Nations, and Bafana Bafana—the new multiracial national team that truly represents all South Africans—goes on an against-the-odds winning streak, it seems like his dreams of change just might come true. The poignant first-person narration and expressive color-rich artwork bring history to life and underscore how sports helped heal a divided nation. Soccer Star. by Mina Javaherbin. illus. by Renato Alarcão. Candlewick. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-6056-7. K-Gr 3—Young Paulo dreams of the future when he will “light every home in Brazil” as a soccer star. But for now, he and his teammates must work jobs in their impoverished favela to support their families. At home, Paulo shows his younger sister Maria ball moves, while she teaches him math from school. After a day spent casting fishing nets, it’s finally time for a much-anticipated match. When the goalie is injured, Paolo decides to put aside their boys-only rule and allow Maria to play (she scores with an impressive bicycle kick). The warm sepia-ink artwork and graceful text convey the setting and underscore Paulo’s determination and willingness to embrace change. A story shimmering with heart and hope. Soccerland. by Beth Choat. Amazon/Skyscape. 2012. pap. $8.99. ISBN 978-0761462491. Gr 5-8—The best athlete by far on her high school squad, Flora has her sights set on playing for the U.S. Women’s National Team, and before her mother died of cancer two years earlier, the 14-year-old promised to never give up her dream. However, her tiny Maine town just doesn’t offer the opportunities needed to take her game to the next level. When she receives an invitation to go to a National Team Identification Camp in Colorado, she eagerly accepts, but soon finds herself shaken by a mean girl clique, a coach who constantly criticizes her, and a tragedy at home. One of 100 talented and ambitious girls, Flora has two weeks to prove that she has what it takes to be a champion. Themes of sportsmanship, self-esteem, perseverance, and burgeoning independence are skillfully wrapped into the fast-paced, soccer-savvy narration.

Series for Serious Soccer Fans

“World Cup Fever.” by Michael Hurley. A to Z of the World Cup. ISBN 978-1-4109-5517-3. World Cup 2014. ISBN 978-1-4109-5518-0. World Cup Heroes. ISBN 978-1-4109-5516-6. World Cup Nations. ISBN 978-1-4109-5515-9. Ea vol: Raintree. 2014. pap. $8.99. Gr 3-8—Brimming with action-filled photos, these fun-to-browse volumes provide a mix of stats and facts that will captivate kids who just can’t wait for the World Cup kickoff. From Azteca Stadium to now infamous French footballer Zinedine Zidane, A to Z compiles an array of interesting tidbits; 2014 zooms in on this year’s host country and participants; Heroes highlights outstanding players from the first competition in 1930 and on; and Nations offers stats and thumbnail details about the countries and squads that make up this year’s qualifiers. Coverage of current-day stars and squads as well as players, teams, and important moments from the past offer an enticing overview of an event now watched by millions across the globe. “World Soccer Legends.”  by Illugi Jökulsson. FC Barcelona: More Than a Club. ISBN 978-0-7892-1158-3. Manchester United: The Biggest and the Best. ISBN 978-0-7892-1162-3. Real Madrid: The Most Successful Club in the World. ISBN 978-0-7892-1160-6. U.S. Men’s Team: New Stars on the Field. ISBN 978-0-7892-1180-4. Ea vol: Abbeville. 2014. Tr $12.95. Gr 4-8—These lively volumes introduce clubs well-known to American soccer enthusiasts with glimpses at the featured team’s origins and history, influential coaches and managers, lauded athletes past and present, and dramatic upsets and fist-pounding triumphs. Written with appealing vivacity, the texts are accompanied by firecracker photos that show spectacular on-the-pitch action, and archival images take readers back to the early days. There are statistics galore, and each book ends with profiles of current superstars, many of whom will be heading for Brazil to represent their home countries. Up-to-date, informative, and engaging offerings.