The Wild Soccer Bunch, Kevin the Star Striker Review

With the world craziness over soccer this month, I was happy to be contacted and asked to review this awesome book.

The Wild Soccer Bunch, Kevin the Star Striker
Ages: Middle Grade
Author: Joachim Masannek
Illustrator: Jan Brick
Hardback: 145 pgs
Publisher: Sole Books
Publication Date: 2010, Wild Soccer USA, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-0-9844257-0-9

The Wild Soccer Bunch was created in 2002 in Germany by author/screenwriter/director Joachim Masannek. The first book, followed by a German language feature film, became an overnight sensation. To date, the brand has evolved into a strong worldwide franchise, with the 14-book series translated into 28 languages and five international theatrical films. With well over 9 million books sold in more than 30 countries, The Wild Soccer Bunch is a true international phenomenon. Bringing the brand to North America is Wild Soccer USA, which plans to release the next two books in the series – Diego the Tornado and Zoe the Fearless – within the next 12 months. Wild Soccer USA is also behind the youth website www.wildsoccer.com, which features interactive soccer games, chat forums, and more.

When I first received the book and passed it on to my daughter, she looked at me and said "but isn't this for boys?". She was under the impression that it was a boy book, but it's really not.

Jasmine loves soccer and she read this book while on vacation, loved every single page and said that she really enjoyed getting to know the characters while still being able to enjoy a subject which she loves....soccer.

Writer Joachim Masannek based the series on his own experiences as soccer coach to his young sons. Masannek’s initial idea was to create a series of 13 books, each one narrated by a unique member of the team. This idea was inspired by his belief that soccer is the most inclusive of all team sports. Masannek said, “In soccer, every member of the team, regardless of his/her athletic ability, has an opportunity to be directly involved in the game. Everyone gets to run around, kick the ball, and enjoy their time outdoors.”

Having read the book myself, after she was done with it, I have to say that one of the things I really enjoyed was the way it dealt with teamwork, leadership, diversity, and self-acceptance.

If you have a child that loves soccer and loves reading, I think they would totally enjoy this book.

To learn more about the book or purchase a copy, you can check out the Wild Soccer Bunch website.

Impress Media provided me with a free copy of the book for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.