Just So Stories

Scholastic Australia

March 20

9781761527623

$14.99

Whether you’re a soccer aficionado or not, or indeed, a Matildas fan or not, there is not a doubt that the success of the team over the past couple of years has given a huge boost to girls in soccer.

In fact, soccer in general seems to be on an increase as a sport of choice for young ‘uns. I know the school where I used to be t-l, around 12 years ago, which was die-hard rugby league [those kids read and read the Rugby League Weekly mags until they literally fell apart!] now has kids almost exclusively playing soccer at breaktimes.

And this new series from Jess Black is really going to score some goals with not only girls, but also boys, who are not just mad keen on the sport but have big dreams. Alex has had a big goal for as long as she can remember. She wants to be accepted into the Kicking It Football Academy (KIFA) in the next Year 5 intake.

Her parents, in particularly her mother, have other ideas. They plan for her to attend Valley View Grammar School, where both her mum and grandmother also went, not to mention her older sister, Gemma, being a current student.

When Alex sends in an application for the try-outs, she has her dad’s approval but ‘as long as you tell your mother’. Well, you can guess on that one. So when Alex manages to get through the try-outs and receives a letter of acceptance, the bigger challenge is to convince her parents, especially given she’s been a wee bit deceitful about it.

Luckily, Gemma is a big sister with big ideas – and also likes the idea of being paid for her services! – and the girls come up with a workable plan to wear down her parents. How Alex convinces her parents to change their minds is a good lesson in persuasion, organising your arguments and, knowing you have the courage of your convictions.

It’s an easy read series, with dynamic fonts, heavily illustrated (nice work, Mario Gushiken!) and definitely a fun read, as well as being inspirational. We want kids to set themselves goals and we want them to follow their dreams and passions.

For many, playing sport whether at their local level or at a national grade, maybe even international, is a dream worth pursuing and working towards. I found it a really enjoyable read and your kiddos from around Year 3 will as well. 5 ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽ rating to score!