Product Description
Trying to discover the truth about their eerie new soccer coach's strange behavior, Melody begins to suspect that Coach Graves has been turned into a zombie, much to the delight of the Bailey School kids. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

There's something weird about the new coach!
Do you want to know what is going on with the new coach at the Bailey School? There seems to be a problem with Coach Graves. Eddie, Howie, Melody and Liza try to find out more about their new soccer coach. Of course, Melody and Liza are trying to be friendly with the weird grown-up! When the four friends go to Coach Graves' house, they see a ... grave yard! Read the story to find out whether or not their new coach is - a zombie! Naorin J.

Zombies Are Playing Soccer Now?
This book is an early series of chapter books.They are high interest and good for getting young readers into chapter books.I teach ESOL students and I think the kids will enjoy this series.

the zombie game

I recommend this book Zombies Don't Play Soccer because it is funny because the carters tell rally funny jokes. It felt like I was in this book when I reed it. The carters in this book where believablebecause theysaid stuff that us humans would say in real life like nock that off, be quite , and they made excuses like I did not do it, it was his fault, my dog ate my home work.
I think the theme made this book a good book because the kids in this story thought they made the zombiebut they didn'tso they tried to change the zombie to a real person again they tried every thins but it didn't work. They also touted them self's how to play soccer and they won their first game.
The carters made this book a good book because they hade a big since of humor cause they told funny jokes. They where believable because they did stuff that we would do like be happy at the end of the School. And be made at school work.
The setting was so good I felt like I was there and the things they did I could never teach my self scorer and tack on a zombies. It took place at a soccer field. It was a fun but bad setting.
I recommend this book to people that like to read about Zombies. It is an easy book to read. You can learn more about soccer while still getting a good story at the same time.

Zombies!
There are some weird grownups in Bailey City. But Could the new soccer coach really be a zombie haunting the soccer feild? The Bailey School Kids Are going To Find Out!

Strange soccer happenings
Very strange things happen to the kids of Bailey Elementary School.If it's not weird enough to have a VAMPIRE for a teacher, then what about having a ZOMBIE for a soccer coach??

In this 15th installment of the Bailey School Kids series, the gang is gearing up for a soccer tournament against their ol' school rivals.Like other sports they play, the Bailey kids just aren't doing well at all.That is, until Coach Graves shows up and puts `em through the motions!!

Coach Graves has that combination of motivation, organization and sheer power that all fine teams have.Though she drills them through some tough practices, has them exercise until the gang thinks their legs will fall off and the whole team shows up for practice reeking of muscle-relaxant cream, with her as the coach, the Bailey team might have a fighting chance!!

That is, until one day when a mysterious old woman comes to practice, gets into a heated argument with Coach, and suddenly the Coach Graves, who has always been in constant motion, just sits on the bench staring out into space.Good grief!Has Coach been turned into a ZOMBIE?!

I've reviewed a number of the Bailey Kids books, and believe them to be good choices for intermediate readers.They're short, the language is easy, the type is large and easy to read (I'd say about 14-16 point), and the plot is logical and flows.As a teacher, I often use these books to hook in reluctant readers who don't normally read for pleasure, but who also might be too spooked by the Goosebumps series by Stine.

As of this writing, there are some 40 books to the series, each involving some mysterious creature, anything from vampires to aliens to mermaids.It isn't necessary to read the series in order, though some characters make repeat appearances in other books.A lot of books in the series can be holiday-based, like "Cupid Doesn't Flip Hamburgers" or "Santa Claus Doesn't Mop Floors".Most have a gentle blend of silliness and creepiness that is engaging without being terrifying. It's a fun series, and I've found myself reading almost ALL of them, even when I'm not using them to teach with!So, get yourself a few and follow along with the gang's adventures!! ... Read more

Product Description
Packed with drills and tips for practice and game days

The fun and easy way(r) to kick-start your soccer coaching skills

Volunteering as a youth soccer coach can be a great experience, both for you and your squad. But what if you've never coached before? Don't worry! This friendly guide explains soccer rules, shows you how to approach coaching, and gives you practical pointers on improving your team's soccer skills and encouraging good sportsmanship.

Discover how to

• Understand soccer rules
• Develop a coaching philosophy
• Teach soccer fundamentals
• Run great practices
• Lead your team during a game
• Communicate effectively with parents

Customer Reviews (5)

good book for first time coach
So far this book has been very helpful and quick to read for the first time coach of girls soccer (age 6, 7, 8). If you are trying to get to a club soccer level I think there are other books that may be better but this is ideal for the busy person who is new at coaching.

very helpful
for our first time coaching it was really good. the reason for only 4 stars is that there aren't very many drills/exercises that one can do with the kids.

An introduction only
This book has some good pointers and some nice basic information about the rules of soccer, basic skills, etc.The information in the book though is probably not good for teams above U7, or for coaches with some experience coaching.The books concentrates on drills (not games!) that are often not very easily translated into real situations that occur in games.This means that when you put the kids on the field against another team, they are going to be unprepared.If you are a new coach with little to no soccer experience, this is a good place to start.If you are looking for anything more I would look elsewhere.

Coaching Soccer For Dummies
This is a great book for anyone thinking of coaching a soccer team..it is full of great information.

First Time Soccer Coach
My 5 year old signed up for instructional soccer, the local parks and rec. deparment needed coaches, next thing you know I'm a soccer coach.Step one, buy a book that will get me started on the right foot, and that's exactly what this book was.This book provided me with the guidelines for dealing with the parents as well as providing me with a refresher on the ins and outs of soccer.I would recommend this to any coach just starting out.If you have previous knowledge of soccer either playing or coaching this may not be the book for you as it is very basic. ... Read more

Product Description
Dewey London and Bundy Neel are psyched about the new summer soccer league, until they learn about the contest to be team captain: whoever draws the best team logo will be named captain.Should artistic Dewey enter even though Bundy would make a better captain? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Friends Forever
When two friends see a poster for a summer soccer team sign up they are instantly excited, but when they realize that whomever makes the tee shirt design for the team gets to be team captain they are both really excited.There's only one problem.One can't draw, but he would make an excellent team leader.The other one can draw, but has no interest in being team captain.Only turning the pages will allow you to find out which friend, Dewey or Bundy, gets to be the winner of the contest!

This is a great book to get kids thinking about what their talents are and what they would do in Dewey and Bundy's situation.This is a great series of books for early readers.My seven year old is the one who picked out this book for us to read and can't wait for the next book in the series that we chose to read.Definitely a fun read!

By Kerri J. Busteed
Author of Will's First Hunt Will's First Hunt

Soccer Story
Sports Stories.Mid-upper elementary.

Summary
Stookie Norris's older brother, Greg, makes a soccer hat trick and gets his picture in the paper.This prompts Stookie to try to score all during his next game by hogging the ball.He plays out of position, fails to work with the team, wears himself out, and gets chewed out by the coach.

Illustrations
Some black and white drawings in the book.

... Read more

Product Description

Brilliant Orange is a book about Dutch soccer that's not really about Dutch soccer. It's more about an enigmatic way of thinking peculiar to a people whose landscape is unrelentingly flat, mostly below sea level, and who owe their salvation to a boy who plugged a fractured dike with his little finger. If any one thing, Brilliant Orange is about Dutch space, and a people whose unique conception of it has led to some of the most enduring art, the weirdest architecture, and a bizarrely cerebral form of soccer--Total Football--that led in 1974 to a World Cup finals match with arch-rival Germany. With its intricacy and oddity, it continues to mystify and delight observers around the world. As David Winner wryly observes, it is an expression of the Dutch psyche that has a shared ancestry with the Mondrian's Broadway Boogie Woogie, Rembrandt's The Night Watch, maybe even with Gouda cheese.

Customer Reviews (12)

Stands Out as a Real Gem
I had a few friends recommend this book years back and found it to not only meet their rave reviews, but even exceeded them. The book does a great job weaving depth in understanding Dutch football (soccer) and a broad and deep understanding of many facets of Dutch culture. Many authors try to weave one or two patterns they perceive in to a deeper understanding, but this book pulls many together and can even be read from a design or architecture perspective that is an introduction to Dutch football, or from a social science perspective.

It is now about time for a reread of this book, which is the sign of a favorite book for me.

One of the best football books ever.
First a list of all the things this book is not about

This won't give you all the records and statistics of Dutch football.

Doesn't have a chronological history of the game in the country. Doesn't talk in detail about all their great players, great matches or great clubs. To sum it up, this book isn't the best preparatory material for a quiz on Dutch football. You might even end up in last place.

In that sense, it is quite unlike most of the books written about a country or a club's football history and culture. In fact, the writer often goes on for pages without even talking about football, forget Dutch football. And yet, it is in my humble opinion ( as well as that of most people who write reviews on Amazon.com and [...]) quite easily the best book on Dutch football.

Because David Winner's book deals with something much more profound and goes much deeper in its investigation.

It talks about the mental makeup of the Dutch nation - why they are what they are?

It does a very good job of explaining a lot of other Dutch peculiarities - and I use that word because the Dutch are the antithesis of a conformist regular normal world. And in doing so it answers the questions about Dutch football. Why and how the Dutch came up with Total Football? Why the Dutch lose all the important matches? Why the players always get into fights? Why it is wrong to call the Netherlands the Brazil of Europe? The Dutch concept of nationalism and patriotism? And the Dutch definition of a good footballer?

If Dutch football was a living person then this book makes it very clear that the head is the most important organ; more valuable than the feet. And then it does what Freud would have tried to do - study the person's head.

And that ways, the book is very aptly named. And David Winner has written a book unlike any other.

Two of the fascinating concepts that this book deals with are individualism and space - and explains that both are as much a part of the national fabric as of their approach to football. Individualism is not the freedom to do whatever he feels like but to retain a strong sense of the self while still keeping the collective in mind. And space is to create space where there is none - something the country below sea level does on an ongoing basis.

A special mention must be made of a very fine introduction by Franklin Foer who makes a very interesting analogy that the richness of football is like a cultural Galapagos.

This book is like a fine meal. You need to eat slowly and savour every morsel. It might bore the casual fan as he looks to read about the feats of the all conquering Ajax side of the early seventies. The least he is expecting is a chapter on the three consecutive European triumphs. But all he gets is bits and pieces, here and there.

But if he can soldier on, he will have the pleasure of reading one of finest books written on football. He will see the Dutch in a new light and might just become an Oranje supporter for life (The Dutch have been one of my favourite teams but after this book, I got an Orange jersey to wear during the World Cup)

You will not win the quiz but you will surely win the paper writing competition on Dutch football.

Rating - Five out of Five all the way.

Yes...it is true. I think it is the best book on football (soccer)
This book is a Chronicle. The Orange Chronicles.

But such an interesting read it almost feels like a great work--an entertaining novel, but yes it really did happen.

The field is more than a 2-D surface, which is what it is to most TV viewers, if you never get to soccer games. Even to the most jaded soccer watcher, This book makes the field come alive in such a way that even a non-soccer appreciator could get hooked. It is just an all-around well written sports book, by a writer who really loves sports. I don;t like intellectualized sports books, but prefer a real fan's book or player's book, and WInner writes from the sidelines in an infectious way.

Ajax was usually the team I would love to hate, and I only got to see them once "live" as an opposing side, and yes I had to admit they were amazing (and beat my team : (, but little did I know that they actually started their revolutionary ways long before I was born, utilizing "the pitch" in such a way that the field became a small calculating place, without fatigue or confusion from their player switching. I don;t want to write too much and add any more spoliers than anyone else has written--since the book is like a strategist's dream...Every coach should read this.

I thought the title was strange, until I got halfway through the book and realized--yes the Dutch football developments in the 60s/70s were neurotic but Awesome in their results. Hurray for the little lowland country, home to some of the greatest soccerplayers ever.

I cannot think of a better book to read before or during the World CUp!

EEM

'Winning is not the most important thing. The most important thing is playing a good game." - pg. 144
Soccer fans around the world rejoiced watching Holland's attractive 'total football' drub Italy's cynical style 3-0 in the 2008 Euro Cup, brilliantly done! But this was a game where a dive, trash talking and physically menacing the opposition's top players or elbows to the head like what was done to our USA player or Luis Enrique of Spain in the 1994 World Cup or anything else coming out of the Azzurri's bag of tricks was not going to work. The 11th Commandment per this book is 'There is no medal better than being acclaimed for your style.'- Johan Cruyff and the book illustrates that 'decency' is a tendency that runs deep in Dutch society and not only this but while most other teams are out there to win at any cost, the Dutch are often there to show 'how good they are'.

Brazil has 'jogo bonito', but highly recognized in their orange kits on the field, originators of 'total football', Netherlands is really a team that plays an exceptionally flowing beautiful game. The concept of 'total football' is in fact, part and parcel with the famed Ajax team and Johann Cruyff, covered in this book.

In regards to a very small issue, I don't quite agree with a minor statement that the author made about the Dutch in saying that they are the tallest race on earth, really?? I wonder why Lithuania is such a dominant perennial basketball world and European power but Holland is not. Netherlands (or Holland, actually a part of the larger country) plays cricket and yes, even fielded a top-notch baseball team to the baseball world cup so I doubt it would be only because they are not interested in basketball.

One other issue I believe the author isn't quite correct on, is the extent that Holland blossomed as a football power. True, they improved exponentially as one of the best teams in the world beginning in 1974 with Cruyff and in fact, shaped the football landscape. However, they really were not that bad before this and it was exciting to read about their rivalry with neighboring Belgium (and on that note, Belgium's national football team deserves a treatise, being on the periphery, they've definitely had their successes as well). Again, the successes of Ajax during the war would attest to this but actually, according to the Elo ratings websight, it does seem they hit #1 in the world sometimes in the 1910s and '20s.

This is a good primer on Dutch soccer, not the final word by any means but it discusses the structure of their game, rivalries and history along with trying to connect the dots to the culture and malaise of the nation itself. After this book, there are a number of other books to read on Dutch soccer for further understanding such as Ajax, the Dutch, the War: Football in Europe During the Second World War or The Coaching Philosophies of Louis van Gaal and the Ajax Coaches. Ajax has the status of being legendary with the football it developed, total football and its players while lacking the monetary resources the famous rich European clubs have had.

Be on the watch for this book coming out under two different covers, Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football this being the other edition, otherwise, I don't know how the two vary.

All in all, this is partly an artsy take on the topic,a book needs to be written that is more in depth to the subject that is more along the lines that has been done with Spanish and German soccer. The author has another book out on soccer, so it would be interesting to see how the two compare.

"Brilliant" is an apt word for it
More than just a book about Dutch football, Brilliant Orange discusses all aspects of Dutch life, culture, and history and how it all relates to the football they play.From the war and the continuing rivalry with the Germans, to the Dutch reclamation of land from the sea and how it inspired the development of Total Football, this is a great read and a fascinating insight into the psyche of a truly unique nation. ... Read more

Product Description

Now with a new afterword, The Girls of Summer, by the award- winning New York Times sportswriter Jere Longman, takes a serious, compelling look at the women who won the 1999 World Cup and brings to life the skills and victories of the American team. Longman explores the issues this unprecedented achievement has raised: the importance of the players as role models; the significance of race and class; the sexualization of the team members; and the differences between men and women's sports. Provocative and insightful, this book reminds us that the real struggles are off the field -- and some remain to be won.

Some of Longman's statements ring false--millions of Europeans would be appalled to hear soccer described as a "Third World sport"--but overall, Girls of Summer is a fine tribute to the world champions. --M. Stein ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

A good source of inspiration
My teenage daughter really enjoyed this book.She plays high school girls soccer and this was a book that she really enjoyed.

superb soccer
I loved this book.It told about the history of what made the team and womens soccer so good and fun.If you love soccer and history, you will love this book.

Girls of the Century
Jere Longman's, The Girls of Summer, is by far one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read.I am a huge Womens National Team fan.I am always in search for a great book, depicting the life and success's of the entire team.He coherses through the professional and personal lives of the women that grabbed the hearts of the United States.Their success is revealed in this wonderful book.

I persoanally, could not put this book down when I purchased it.I finished it in two days, it was just so up-lifting.It's a great motivational book.You always wish you were there to experience the moments that the team lived through.From country to country, trial to trial, this team is very special.If someone would like to know the US history of womens soccer, this is a perfect buy.I could picture myself there, it was detailed and deeply moving.I really enjoyed reading on the players whom fought so hard to gain respect and recognition.

I'm sure, if we saw the final game against China in 1999, we can all say where we were, and how we reacted.For many of us, such as I, we cried for joy.That game was the turning point in womens sports.And Longman made me remember once again what it was like to watch that game, and see the 90,000+ fans going wild after Brandy Chastain scored the final PK.It is a fantastic book for any soccer fan, man or woman.It is a book to read if you feel you need to be inspired.It's worth the buy.

Best book I've read in a long time
This was an awesome book and the best I've read in a longtime. Everyone should read this regardless of if they play soccer or not.

great and insperational
I thought that this was a great book.I enjoyed reading it because my favorite female athletes were the subjects in this book.This book shows the stroggle that athletes go through and the publicity that is always there no matter what.

This was probably the best book that i ever read because i play soccer and i like to seee wha goes around on the proffesional level.The us womens soccer team has gone trough their ups and downs and this book went through it step by step.I felt as though i know what they were going through because it was so real.

Mia Hamm is right now the best womens soccer play in the world.She is well know in any ste and country.She has been on adds and verious things to promote the womens soccer team.Others team mates have done the same but none to the level of Mia Hamm.This book shows what she has been through and her own personal struggle to make it as a proffesional athlete.

Now that i have read this book i have even more respect for the womens national soccer team and all proffesional athletes because i am aware of what they have gone through.I have been able to read about my favorite female athletes and know about their past.I recomend this book to anyone who is a female athlete or loves the game of soccer.It's not just for girls it is great for men to learn aboutproffesiional athletes.

alex rothemich ... Read more

Product Description
With Skills and Strategies for Coaching Soccer, you have access to 120 drills for teaching skills to players at all levels--from beginning to intermediate to advanced. And for each skill, you'll find drills for players at different levels of development.

Some of the basic skills presented include collecting and controlling, passing, dribbling, kicking, heading, goalkeeping, and the throw in. You'll also find

• offensive moves and countering defensive moves;

• 120 drills for beginning, intermediate, and advanced players;

• coaching points for each drill;

• a fitness program for soccer;

• sample game situations and how to coach in those situations;

• 246 high-quality illustrations of field diagrams and skill execution; and

• methods of coaching that are appropriate for individuals or groups. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Who is it aimed at
Have to say going against most opinions here because I found little use in the book and quite glad I got it as a present and did not pay for it myself.I can see where some people might get some valuable information out of it but my biggest issue was that it couldn't decide if it was directed at the coach new to the game or an intermediate coach moving into coaching 11v11 games (hence little use for anyone coaching over 13's)

As the back of the book states the author has coached from 5 year olds to pros and it is obvious that he couldn't decide who to target the book at. Soccer books that try to cover all ages or aspects of the game are not good books

SUPERB!
This book on soccer coaching is first rate! Easy to understand but NOT simplistic or dumbed down. Filled with great ideas and insights into the game for coaches AND players. I doubt there is a level of player or coach who will get this book and not find themselves flipping thru the pages picking out items and saying"I didn't know that". Well worth the price.

The best book on soccer coaching
If you are coaching soccer for kids, and are eager to learn more about improving your own skills, this is the book to read! As you become an even better coach, your players will also benefit. The book is packed with information. The basics are well explained, and many specific suggestions are made for exercises that are fun, and at the same time provide good learning for the players. Contained in the book is also a first hand introduction to soccer that will teach you what to look for next time you watch a soccer game, and most important, a tool for improving the skills of your players in a human and friendly way. This book will improve your perception. Highly recommended!

Excellent Resource for ANY Soccer Coach
This book includes excellent drills for skills ranging from fundamental to experienced. It also gets into a lot of game strategy, and it addresses the special situations such as throw-ins and corner kicks from offense and defense. I really like how he pulls in excellent advice and his philophy for coaching. If I had to select just one book for my coaching library, it would be this one!

Great Intermediate Book
First, I have to define intermediate.I have coached U6 and U8 for 5 seasons, and have just moved up to coach U11.I bought this book and Progressive Soccer, and this book was MUCH better.It's pretty beat up now because I refer to it constantly.It has drills and games for all the skills, and most of them start out at a low level (U8 or so) and get more advanced.Almost all of them have worked out well for our team.
I would say this is not a beginner's book, too much info and probably too in depth for a brand-new coach.Not a lot of "kiddie games" like you would use for U6 or U8.I would say U10 and up can get a lot out of this book.
My only complaint is I would like a little more in the team strategy parts and "system of play" parts, the book is a little weak on those areas, other than going through some different formations (which won't apply if you don't play 11 on 11).
Again, highly recommended for the coach moving up for the first time into the U10 age group for the first time. ... Read more

Product Description
Gooaal! Soccer fans everywhere will cheer on SpongeBob and his friends in this funny soccer adventure. ... Read more

Product Description
The United States Indoor Soccer Association reports that there are 4.8 million people playing indoor soccer each year, making it the ninth most popular team sport.Until now, very little has been written on the subject.This book covers all aspects of indoor soccer including the dramatic differences between indoor and outdoor soccer, game systems and strategies, offensive and defensive tactics, why the transition game is so important, goal keeping strategies and tactics, practice drills, and much more.By the time you finish reading this book, you will have a much greater understanding of the intricacies of the game that will make you a better player or coach.The author has been playing and coaching indoor and outdoor soccer for more than 36 years.He has learned the strategies and tactics by watching, playing with, and interviewing some of the best players and teams in the game.He has assembled this knowledge and is ready to share it with anyone wishing to improve their game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Impressive layout and organisation of ideas
I got this book for my husband who is a soccer maniac.

When he flipped through it I was impressed by the great organization of ideas and the big selection of tactics, strategies and tips presented. The layout is very clean and uncluttered and easy to read.

He liked the book and thought its was an entertaining and interesting read. He did feel though that he couldn't apply much of it as a player and would benefit more a trainer or coach.

indoor facility owner
We purchased several copies of the book as a giveaway to indoor coaches.It has been very well received.We like the content and presentation very much.Thanks.

Review from International Soccer Network
We found the text to be a much needed addition to the discussion of soccerThere is so little available on the topic of indoor soccer; this easily becomes the #1 guide for playing and coaching the indoor game.

It is written in a way that it is easy to understand.Diagrams describing plays and tactics are a nice supplement throughout the book.I learned quite a bit about indoor soccer as I am new to this version of the sport.

Everyone can take something away from this text.The biggest point of discussion is that playing soccer indoors is almost a different sport than the outdoor game.The author nixes the well-known assumption that the two versions of the beautiful game are played the same way.

You won't find a detailed analysis of indoor tactics and strategies anywhere else.

Best book on Indoor Soccer for those transitioning from Outdoor Soccer
This book is not a book for those beginning to play soccer. This book is geared for those who already know how to play outdoor soccer and are transitioning to indoor soccer. The book starts out with a comprehensive comparison between indoor and outdoor play, discusses game systems and strategies, playing offense, playing defense, transitions, substitutions, goal keeping and plays. For each topic discussed, the author points out the differences between indoor and outdoor soccer and why something you may do in outdoor soccer may not be appropriate for indoor soccer or how you may need to adjust for indoor soccer play. The final chapter provides a set of drills which are specific to indoor soccer.

This is the best book I have found on indoor soccer. It is well written, with each chapter being broken up into short subsections which are to the point and augmented with easy to understand diagrams. This book contains about 129 pages of great insight into playing indoor soccer and was written by someone who clearly understands and explains "when and why" you need to play indoor soccer differently from outdoor soccer. I highly recommend this book for experienced outdoor soccer players transitioning to indoor soccer.Indoor Soccer: Strategies and Tactics

GOT GAME? HOW ABOUT INDOORS?
The soccer gods are smiling! Someone, thank you Greg, finally realized that all those folks trying to transition from outdoor soccer to indoor soccer could use some help.

While my brief bit of fame as a keeper - making the first cut for what became the Women's Olympic Soccer team - dissolved after an injury, I'm sure that I had I continued I would have amped up my indoor time whenever possible, because it is way fun!

Outdoors has its dramatic heart stopping moments. Indoors your heart rate can barely keep up. Greg brings this all into perspective with concise examples of how the games differ and how you must constantly be on your toes.

Being closer to the action makes things fun for everyone, on and off the field. Even substitutions are pulse-pounders!And with the thoroughness of a good field general, Greg gives ample illustrations of each position's importance.

Here's the deal: regardless of your level of play you'll find something helpful in this book. My recommendation is that teams buy a handful of copies and circulate them. As Greg mentions field time for practice is usually limited, but using his drills and even running mock plays in a parking lot could be a helpful and team building tactic. If you fully utilize this book on indoor soccer you can answer an emphatic yes, when asked: Got Game?
... Read more

Product Description
From the USA Today bestselling author of Deja Demon--slaying demons is nothing compared to the terrible twos.

Demon Hunter Kate Connor is having one hell of a month...

In between demon patrols and teaching self-defense classes to the local moms, Kate has to deal with a teenage daughter who's gung-ho on being a demon slayer in training and a toddler son entering a tantrum phase that rivals anything from the pits of Hell.

That's a lot for one woman to juggle, but on top of it all, Kate has to find a way to release the demon possessing her first husband, Eric, without destroying the man inside. Because if the demon within Eric gets free, it just might be more than one seriously stressed suburban mom can handle.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Awesome book
The fourth and final book of the Demon Hunting Soccer Mom exceeded my expectations.I don't know why the name of the series seems to change slightly book to book, but it is all part of the same series.Kate Conner is very real and is easy to identify with.The book jacket to an earlier book suggests Kate Conner is like Buffy becoming a soccer mom if she kept her past a secret.I think Julie Kenner's series is better.I loved this series, it is one of the best I've ever read.

More Demons!
Kate our demon-hunting mom is back in action.This book picks up right where the last one left off.Her dead husband is back in the body of a chemistry teacher, her daughter is training to be a hunter and her new husband now knows about demons and wants to help.Her daughter is about to celebrate her 15 birthday when all hell breaks loose on the demon front.The biggest and badest of demons is trying to get out of her husbands body and our favorite bad-ass chick is back and allowing the first of all female demons to have her body.What does this mean?Fighting the demons has gotten harder and more of Kate's non-standard life becomes less organized and more painful.I'm not sure how much further this story line can go ... but I sure am enjoying it!

Julie is a great writer...
I have to say that Julie Kenner is a great writer. Her book is tight, well paced and it keeps you on pins and needs the entire time.














Spoilers:



On that note, I have to say that I was disappointed with the ending and that characters. If I was a mother, with a toddler, I would not allow my husband who has already walked out of the family once due to that monsters are real, walk out again and take my toddler with him. For a Demon slayer, Kate a wuss when it comes to her man.
While I can see her husband running out once out of panic, twice is not acceptable. Time to bust out the divorce papers.
While there was the "happy ending" how happy is it?
My feelings on this series are up in the air. I will read the next in the series but if Kate's husband doesn't grow a pair, I wont be buying the rest of the series.

Kate Kicks A$$ again!
I just love the Kate Connors series by Julie Kenner. The books keep getting better and better an dthe most recent addition, Demon Ex-Machina, was no exception. Once again Demon-hunter, Kate Connors finds herself battling more demons. I don't want to give away any of the plot,but secrets are unveiled and Kate faces lots of challenges. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

Demon Hunting Soccer Mom book review
This series of books, by Julie Kenner, are undoubtedly aimed at young teen females, but I am a male in my 60s and have enjoyed each of the so-far 5 novels in the series and am looking forward to future books. My two daughters, both well out of their teens, are enjoying them just as much. Well written and lots of fun. Just be sure to read them in order, as it's a continuing story. ... Read more

Product Description

Chuck Culpepper was a veteran sports journalist edging toward burnout . . . then he went to London and discovered the high-octane, fanatical (and bloody confusing!) world of English soccer.

After covering the American sports scene for fifteen years, Chuck Culpepper suffered from a profound case of Common Sportswriter Malaise. He was fed up with self-righteous proclamations, steroid scandals, and the deluge of in-your-face PR that saturated the NFL, the NBA, and MLB. Then in 2006, he moved to London and discovered a new and baffling world—the renowned Premiership soccer league. Culpepper pledged his loyalty to Portsmouth, a gutsy, small-market team at the bottom of the standings. As he puts it, “It was like childhood, with beer.”

Writing in the vein of perennial bestsellers such as Fever Pitch and Among the Thugs, Chuck Culpepper brings penetrating insight to the vibrant landscape of English soccer—visiting such storied franchises as Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool . . . and an equally celebrated assortment of pubs. Bloody Confused! will put a smile on the face of any sports fan who has ever questioned what makes us love sports in the first place.

Customer Reviews (39)

Rubs Me the Wrong Way
I'm a bit of a budding soccer fan, so I thought I would give this book a try.

Don't get the wrong idea.I loved the parts where he just talked soccer and his reactions to it...I just tend to dislike the parts where he's so blatantly anti-american that I found myself hard pressed to finish even the following page.It's not that i'm a hugely patriotic or anything.More that I find myself understandably offended when the writer continually calls my intelligence into question.

An example?

"With Americans sharing a common inability to view a map and spot, say, Louisiana-this helps explain why it took us four days to get food to sarving Americans after Hurricane Katrina-Americans certainly could not point out Wigan."

Now, i'm sure we're not all the best a geography, but is it really necessary to insult your readers (afterall, a goodly portion of the people who bought this book were Americans) to such a degree that it becomes annoying and tiring?The author could not go two pages without criticizing some facet of America and it's culture/sports/educations system/etc etc.Could the book not have focused more on soccer (since that was what the book was supposed to be about) and less on the fact that the author obviously has some lingering bitterness with his country of birth?

I really think this book could have been great had it simply kept its focus on soccer and less on the author's personal feelings towards the American people.

Great Intro to English Soccer
I loved this book.As a result I can't get enough of the Premier League, FA Cup and Carling Cup.I don't want the season to end.Its a great way to get to understand English soccer.

Not bad, not great
Not a bad overview of the English Premier League; but I must admit I found the constant criticism of pretty much everything American a bit grating (there's usually one snarky comment directed at the likes of the following every few pages:NFL, Vince Lombardi, US Sports fans).As an avid reader of "Stuff White People Like" I can't help thinking this books validates several of that web sites entries.

nice read
It's a mostly enjoyable read about an American sports writer's education in English Soccer.Of particular interest are the stories about the hurdles that Culpepper had to go through to get to games, descriptions of the stadiums and their surrounding towns, and his gradual acceptance by the fans of his adopted team, Portsmouth (who are in some serious trouble at the moment.Sorry, Mr. Culpepper).As an American who spent most of his career covering sports in the US, Culpepper offers an interesting perspective, and includes in his book some touching stories that are still to be found in modern sports even though he's clearly grown tired of the excesses of its prima donnas.

On the other hand, I must agree with the other reviewers who found the negative comparisons with the US tiresome.A few of these were cute.After a while, it became an annoyance.

All in all, I enjoyed being a guest on Culpepper's journey.

Great read!
Learned a lot about the England soccer scene through this book, it was a fantastic read.I would highly recommend this to any soccer fan. ... Read more

Product Description
From the sublime skills of Pelé to a day in the life of a professional soccer player, this gloriously illustrated book explores every aspect of the game. Rules, skills, and tactics are clearly explained and presented with state-of-the-art digital diagrams and photographs. This newly revised edition of a worldwide bestseller offers both practical advice as well as an insider"s view of the history of the game, profiles of legendary players, great clubs, and women"s soccer. Now including a two-page guide to U.S. domestic leagues and competitions and with dazzling action photos of today"s top stars, from Ecuador"s Clever Chala to Norway"s Margunn Haugenes, Soccer is a must-have for fans of the game. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For anyone of any age wanting to enjoy the game
Now in a fully revised and updated second edition, Soccer: The Ultimate Guide To The Beautiful Game by Clive Gifford is an in-depth guide to the basic skills needed to play one of the world's most popular team sports. Included are all the rules and strategies, along with a brief history of the popular and widely beloved sport of soccer. Full-color illustrations throughout, including three-dimensional realistic computer models of soccer players handling the ball as well as photographs of real-life athletes, Soccer: The Ultimate Guide To The Beautiful Game stands out -- both as a "user friendly" how-to manual and as collectible to cherish for dedicated soccer enthusiasts. Soccer is very highly recommended for anyone of any age wanting to enjoy the game as either a participant or a spectator. ... Read more

Product Description
Coach Girls for Success on and off the Field
Girls rule! Coaching girls' soccer is a challenge and also a wonderful experience. Witness a game-winning penalty kick or a goalie who saves an almost unstoppable ball, and you can't help but be inspired. The effort, pride, and enjoyment on the players' faces are great rewards for parents and often the signs of a good coach—the type of coach you want to be. So how can you get there?
Perfect for coaches of girls up to age 13, Coaching Girls' Soccer includes everything you need to be an outstanding coach and mentor to your team. Whether you are a seasoned coach looking to fine-tune your skills or a rookie eager to take the field running, you'll discover techniques for success that are tailored specifically to the needs of girls, including:
·Drills and strategies for coaches new to the world of coaching soccer
·Tips on what girls want and need from their soccer experience
·Practical suggestions on how to motivate in a positive and encouraging way
·Advice for helping girls deal with their changing bodies
·And much more!
Now you can be a coaching winner and help bring out the best in your players, both on the soccer field and in the game of life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Good basic information.
Good basic information on soccer and on coaching girls.Could use more information on 6 v 6 and 8 v 8 play as that is what U10 and U12 leagues play in my state.All the tactics in the book are for 11 v 11 soccer.

Good starting place
I was asked to help coach my daughter's soccer team--a first for both of us.Not knowing where to start, this is what helped me get going.Good material on motivations and drills, etc.Definitely what I needed.

Coaching Girls
I have coached girls soccer for 8 years and I still found a few nuggets inside.I am really using the stuff on social issues and diet for teem girls.

excellent beginner's guide to soccer
Easy to read and understand. Good pictures. Very helpful if you have never coached before or just want to improve your knowledge of coaching.

Comprehensive Coaching Guide
New coaches will learn everything they need to know.In addition to the drills and strategies, you'll also learn how to motivate kids, how to deal with their parents, and much more. ... Read more

Product Description

Africa United is the story of modern-day Africa told through its soccer. Traveling across thirteen countries, from Cairo to the Cape, Steve Bloomfield meets players and fans, politicians and rebel leaders, discovering the role that soccer has played in shaping the continent. He recounts how soccer has helped to stoke conflicts and end wars, bring countries together and prop up authoritarian regimes.

Customer Reviews (2)

Limited but solid study of African soccer
Fascinating travelogue about Africa and its relationship to soccer. While Bloomfield neglects some important football-playing nations, such as Cameroon and Ghana, his attention to some of Africa's minnows is commendable. He also includes first-hand accounts of national and club-team matches, presenting a multifaceted study of soccer in ten African nations.

BEEN THERE, SEEN THAT
There are some very good things that can be said about this book. For a start it is very well written in a pleasant and informal way. As well as that, the author clearly knows what he is talking about, both as regards soccer and in respect of African politics, and it could be said of the latter that it takes a bit of getting to know. Add to that sound and level-headed judgment, and we have already got a formidable little catalogue of virtues. The other side of the issue, in my own view, is that the book does not live up to its title or to the author's objective, so far as I can understand that.

What Steve Bloomfield is aiming to do is stated in his Introduction. `Football in Africa often reflects the political and cultural struggles that a country is experiencing.' he tells us. It does that anywhere I guess, but a far more arresting statement follows `football can also have an incredible unifying effect.' He reinforces this with a claim that at a time of deep political division in the Ivory Coast football served as a unifying factor. Well, I'm sure it did to some extent, but the extent was probably the duration of the match. The very last words of the book are `For ninety minutes nothing else mattered.' (referring to a game in Somalia), and I read everything in between searching for anything that would give a more general significance to this unifying factor.

The front cover in my edition carries the subtitle `How football explains Africa'. This strapline may of course be editorial and not the author's own, but the book's very title has to be his and it is `Africa United'. Whatever Africa may be, united it ain't, and this choice of title, leading the reader to carry on in the hope of finding some grand overview, is not the best. Really, what I feel this book is crying out for but lacking is generalisation. What can be said about African football overall? Is the aim to illustrate African politics and social issues from football, or to illustrate football from the conditions in Africa? In some cases, e.g. Egypt, we are shown how football came to the government's rescue; but when it comes to Zimbabwe it is the political and economic environment that we are shown affecting the governance of football; and in general the two issues of politics and football seem to march along side by side, with only occasional and temporary interactions.

The book is always threatening to disintegrate into a string of instances and one-off reportage. In particular I felt that I could have done without most of the blow-by-blow reports of matches. There are certainly football supporters who relish and constantly relive this kind of thing, but I imagine that your average follower of the game can remember very little from before his team's most recent match, and that the laboured accounts of free kicks in such-and-such a minute, or time added for injuries on some other occasion, will satisfy neither kind of reader.

One particular theme, though, did strike me as helping to unify the book, though I'm not sure that the author intended this. Near the beginning he relates what may have been a narrow escape in Sudan, and right at the end he ponders the power of the beautiful game to provide another kind of escape, from the unpleasant realities of everyday life and, not infrequently, everyday death. I should not end what has been a comparatively critical notice without at least saying that the book is very readable and interesting, whatever limitations I seemed to detect. It may actually be that reading it as a continuous narrative in the way I did is not the best way of taking it. The chapters are laid out methodically country by country, and I can think of no particular reason why they have to be read in the order as presented. All the same, do please read the Introduction first. I think you will want to form your own idea of what the author may be intending. ... Read more

Product Description

Do you know how a poor boy from Brazil who loved fútbol more than anything else became the biggest soccer star the world has ever known? Turn the pages of this book to read the true life story of Pelé, King of Soccer, the first man in the history of the sport to score a thousand goals and become a living legend. Rudy Gutiérrez's dynamic illustrations make award-winning author Monica Brown's story of this remarkable sports hero truly come alive!

Customer Reviews (1)

A Soccer Legend
Reviewed by Cayden Aures (age 4) and Mom for Reader Views (1/09)

The bilingual book "Pele: King of Soccer/ El rey del futbol" explores the life of Pele, a soccer legend.He grew up poor in a town in Brazil.Every evening, Pele and his father would go play soccer in the streets.His family had so little that they couldn't even afford a real soccer ball so they used other things like grapefruits instead.We learn how Pele got started playing professionally and what he has accomplished in the sport.

Cayden:"I play soccer in the yard with daddy.I am going to start playing on a team this week too!I am glad we got this book about soccer.That guy is really good at playing it.He got it in the net 1000 times they said!He is good at soccer like Michael Phelps is at swimming!I liked the story.The pictures were kind of swirly though.I want to read it again!"

Parent's comments:

This book was perfect for my son.He loves all things soccer and actually will be starting an indoor league in a few days.He, and I, really enjoyed the story of Pele and his humble beginnings.The book definitely held my child's interest from start to finish.The illustrations were a little on the abstract side and it was a little difficult for Cayden to understand a lot of them.The storyline, however, more than made up for that for him and "Pele: King of Soccer/ El rey del futbol" by Monica Brown will be a book we will read again and again! ... Read more

Product Description
The Fix is the most explosive story of sports corruption in a generation. Intriguing, riveting, and compelling, it tells the story of an investigative journalist who sets out to examine the world of match-fixing in professional soccer.

From the Introduction
Understand how gambling fixers work to corrupt a soccer game and you will understand how they move into a basketball league, a cricket tournament, or a tennis match (all places, by the way, that criminal fixers have moved into). My views on soccer have changed. I still love the Saturday-morning game between amateurs: the camaraderie and the fresh smell of grass. But the professional game leaves me cold. I hope you will understand why after reading the book. I think you may never look at sport in the same way again.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Not A Good Bet
I'm betting not many people will enjoy this book either because of the message it delivers or because it reads like a term paper crossed with a sloppy magazine article."The Fix" is an investigation into how the Asian underworld is corrupting soccer leagues with its efforts to profit from sports betting.Underworld...Gambling...Soccer.Sounds like it should be interesting...but it is not.

This book has the feel of a bunch of magazine articles that have been spliced together.Repetition abounds.Mr. Hill travels all over the world without ever finding the focus of his own story.His writing jumps from topic to topic and back again without ever locking on to an aspect that the reader can latch onto.

The message of "The Fix" comes through loud and clear, though:all levels of the beautiful game are in danger because of the temptations faced by referees, players, former players, managers, boards, and even ownership.Apparently anybody can be bought by thugs from Asian sports betting syndicates.The fix may be in on any game you watch.

Maybe my high expectations are partially to blame for the fact that I was relieved to turn the last page of "The Fix."

not awesome
I'm not sure what I expected when I picked this book up, but whatever my expectations were, they were not met. I didn't really find the revelations in this book to be explosive and, overall, the book wasn't written very well.

The Dark Side of the Beautiful Game
"The Fix" is an exceptional reading that opens your eyes to reality of any professional sport in any country in the World. The book is well organized, very easy to read, extremely insightful, and keeps you interested cover to cover. The author provides significant proof and detailed description of how match fixing is done, how people (players, referees, officials, gamblers...) are involved and certain results are achieved. The book is a real eye opener for those who believe that soccer is "pure and clean" sport without outside influence. Sadly enough FIFA, knowing that the problem of match fixing exists, does not apply any actions toward investigating the exisitng and even growing threat in sport corruption. It's very simple - too much money involved; TV contracts; sponsors; stadium tickets.... And this books shows it all! "The Fix" is a must read for any fan of Beautiful Game or a fan of any professional sport, since the concepts are the same. Yes, it's possible that you will not look at the sport the same way as before, and that you might be sceptical about some matches and team performances. I am. Bit, I still love soccer. And i still love watching it! The book opened my eyes on the sports corruption since i had no idea it was on a such a huge scale. Most of us know that these problems exist in South America and that some World Cup matches were fixed and certain teams were "guided" to the play-offs and even Finals, but the problems in Asia and Europe were new to me. I strongly recommend this book to all sports fans - read it, you'll be shocked by revelations!

A Well Researched Book
I'm not an avid follower of soccer but nevertheless I found the bookvery interesting. Mr. Hill's detailed and exhaustive research into the fixing of international soccer matches at the highest levels makes an amazing and suspenseful story involving covert meetings, secret tape recordings and interesting but deadly characters. Unfortunately for the sport it's all true! It's actually a frightening read, especially as one can only wonder to what degree other high level sporting competitions are fixed.

The Tip of the Iceberg: 'The Fix: Soccer & Organized Crime' by Declan Hill

'The Fix: Soccer & Organized Crime' by Declan Hill***

To anybody who really follows the game of football/soccer, this book is no surprise. Historically, Hill, normally an investigative television producer/journo, gives the reader a good sense as to how lowly-paid players (before worldwide broadcasting brought hundreds of millions in cash to the game) were always susceptible to bribery from bookmakers and various gangsters. Nowadays, Hill shows, in a pretty much indisputable way, that match fixing in soccer is even more widespread, including matches at the World Cup level.

The fixers Hill discusses come from Asia, where betting on all sports is almost a fanatical religion. The vulnerable teams he discusses are from poor nations, usually in Africa, where player salaries are low. They are soft targets. Hill concentrates on Ghana's Jekyll and Hyde performance at the 2006 World Cup. This part of the book is very disturbing and definitely effective. Hill names, Stephen Appiah, a former midfielder for Italy's Juventus and Turkey's Fenerbahce clubs. Appiah, a young player in his pomp, once touted to be Patrick Veiera's successor at English powerhouse club, Arsenal, was freed from his contract by Fenerbahce as a result of his snitching. Indeed, since talking to Hill and the release of this book, Appiah's hopes of catching on with another big European club have thus far disappeared. It seems that both Hill and Appiah are high on FIFA President Sepp Blatter's mierda list.

Hopefully, this should help Hill sell lots of books. Hill surely had Blatter tearing what little hair he has left when describing contacts between fixers and players beginning at FIFA youth tournaments which theoretically 'promote' the ever developing game. FIFA, which is the ruling body for the professional game, a worldwide organization that rules with a kind of heavy-handed greed and secrecy that can't help but remind you of the mafia, does not come off well in this book. Hill nails the organization bang to rights. Unfortunately, Hill, who took on the Russian Vor ve Zakonye (a worldwide gangster organization) when he exposed their corruption of the NHL in some sterling work for the CBC, stops short here. A vague threat from ethnic Chinese gangsters to hurt or kill him is stated implicitly, but the full story hinted at is never quite told.

At the same time Italian football has always been corrupt. Massive scandals involving players, club directors, general managers, organized crime figures and even the prime-minister, Silvio Berlusconi, who owns A.C. Milan and the lion's share of Scudetto (Italian League) television rights. German Bundesliga games have also been fixed. A certain English striker, once a star for a top four English premiership team and a major Spanish club, has been banished from the England national squad for making and taking bets recently. With the hundreds of millions in laundered oil and drug cash floating around the game in Europe and hard rumors of Interpol catching the 2008 EUFA Cup Final, one gets the sense that Mr. Hill knows a lot more than he lots on!

One problem Hill has here is the narrative first-person stylings he uses spasmodically to move things along and make himself into the hero investigative journo. Hill is repeatedly 'shocked' to find gambling going on around him, so that it gets silly after a while. I'm reminded of Claude Rains' policeman raiding Rick's mini-casino in 'Casablanca.' Hill plays up his narrator/self as a mirror of the naïve boy who used to watch Arsenal games at Highbury as a teenager with his dad and stops to cry for himself. Nevertheless, he seems to have forgotten that the Arsenal team which featured the beautiful trickery of Liam Brady also played Spiv thugs like Peter Storey, Peter Simpson and Frank McClintock. 'The Fix' is a good read, but Hill has barely scratched the surface. Be sure to read it, but follow it up with a far, far better book on the way corruption in the game actually works, "Broken Dreams' by Tom Bower. Hill concentrates on soft targets in Asia and Africa. Next time, perhaps, he'll go after the Big Game. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

The Fight for the Right to Sport
Five decades ago, apartheid was at its height in South Africa. The South African government shamelessly thought that it could turn its entire population into an all-white nation of people, free of indigenous blacks they so blatantly and obtusely considered to be second class. Because of their legacy of social brutality towards its own people, the South African government came under close scrutiny from the international community. Among other things, this scrutiny brought with it a ban on all South African sports teams in the 1964 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. Political, economic, and sports sanctions continued for years in an effort to pressure the South African government to end apartheid. It wasn't until 1994 that Nelson Mandela would bring an end to apartheid. Now a mere 16 years later, the fact that the World Cup is being hosted by South Africa is a nothing short of a miracle.

To many people around the world, soccer is more than just a game. It's a way of life; it's the reason for getting out of bed in the morning; a catalyst for bringing people together. The game of soccer became all of these and more for the men held prisoner on Robben Island off the coast of Cape Town in the 1960's and 70's. Often defined as "hell on earth", Robben Island was South Africa's Alcatraz for the most hardened criminals, and was especially known for housing political prisoners. Those who sought to end the atrocities of apartheid or who openly sought social equality were seen as enemies of the state and sent to Robben Island to serve "hard time" sentences. On the island, political prisoners were forced to work breaking rocks in a quarry; the goal of their oppressors was to break them and make them conform.

Through this adversity, five prisoners on the island, Anthony Suze, Sedrick Isaacas, Lizo Sitoto, Marcus Solomons, and Mark Shinners, among others, banded together to win the right from prison authorities to play recreational soccer. //More Than Just a Game: Soccer vs. Apartheid// chronicles the struggles of these five men on the island and their quest to gain the privilege of playing a game they loved and held dearly. //More Than Just a Game// is an important testimony to just how powerful a game such as soccer can be in unifying people.

Edited by: Joseph Kopaczynski

The subtitle is no exaggeration
This is the greatest hidden story you're bound to come across in sports.The authors did a great thing in discovering it and sharing it with the rest of the world.

OLE!
I bought this book for my son(age 18) who is an excellent student,but has never been a reader-maybe because he spends so much free time on the soccer field!He actually loves this book....says it is very interesting and well written.And I'm thrilled to see him enjoying it so much. ... Read more

Product Description
While Americans are avid about football and baseball, statistics actually show that more people play soccer. Cities participate in statewide competitions, enormous crowds watch the U.S. vie for the World Cup, and what parent doesn't know about early morning soccer practice?

"Soccer Skills" has everything the young soccer player needs to move his or her game forward. This fully illustrated step-by-step guide covers all aspects of the game, from historical background and soccer jargon to basic ball control and defensive and offensive strategies. Everything a player needs to know to play his or her best game is included:- Pre-season and pre-match preparation- Ball control- Passing skills- Running with the ball- Free kicks, corners, bending the ball- Hitting the back of the net- Controlling the ball on the head- Shadowing and tackling- Goalkeeping- Warming up and cooling down

Training drills used by the game's top professionals are presented with sequential photographs and detailed explanations. At-a-glance tips help players solve problems with their own game.

From the skills necessary to play at any level to the strategic tips for winning, "Soccer Skills" is essential for anyone playing - or hoping to play - the international sport of soccer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

As a coach it helped me with my skills drills
The product came on time as stated from the seller.As a book its drills as listed are helping me coach my team to a good season.

excelente!
the best book I have read in my 7 yrs asrec soccer coach, !

a great book for teen soccer coach
This book is very good for coaches. It got excellent progressive drills to get a team to function like a well oiled machine for attacking and mid field play. I think the strong point for this book is the way it builds up a young team to attack the near post with sharp passes, strong midfield controll drills, etc. The drills for bringing in the backs for attacking play is decent. While the style is very Euro, the drills will sharpen any team to dominate the midfield. very good coaching book among the many out there. ... Read more

Product Description

Author Brad Herzog brings his well-received prose and soccer knowledge together with Melanie Rose’s charming and realistic illustrations to detail every facet of the game. Each letter has a simple rhyme for young readers: J is for the jerseys that soccer players wear. But often in the World Cup, opponents tend to share. In a gesture of respect after a game ends, They simply swap their jerseys as if they are old friends. For older readers the expository text gives specific details about, goaltending, referees, the World Cup and many other aspects. K is for Kick follows the wildly popular Z is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphabet.

Customer Reviews (4)

YAHOO!
The KEEN Blackcomb boots are great for our North East Winter Weather. Perfect for recess duty in the snowy north.Nice and warm, they fit great, are not heavy and actually feel good on my feet.I usually take a 9 but ordered a 9/12, I had heard that KEEN sizes are a bit small - so size up.I shopped around and found the boots at Amazon.com to be the best price and they arrived in just three days!

Alphabet books a big hit
K is for Kick and all the other is the series are filled with lots of great facts.

E is for Educational
This is a great book for younger children - jam packed with soccer facts and information about the history of the game. While some of the words may be difficult for elementary-aged kids, it will certainly "kick start" their desire to learn.

An alphabet book for fans of soccer, both young and old
I have to think the idea reader for "K is for Kick: A Soccer Alphabet" is going to be the parent who is having trouble waiting for their kid to be old enough to go out on the soccer field and kick the ball around, let along trying to help the kid learn to read.Author Brad Herzog admittedly creates a two-tier format that has one part targeted on young readers learning the alphabet and the other for more advanced readers who are clearly soccer fans.But I have to think that if a kid is learning his alphabet than the idea that "C is for clubs everywhere" and gives examples of Italy's A.C. Milan and Santos in Brazil, that they probably have little idea as to where to find Italy and Brazil on the map.There are references to age appropriate aspects of the game, such as kicking and youth soccer, but then "N" stands for not only the University of North Carolina's dynasty in women's soccer but number 19, the number that UNC retired in honor of Mia Hamm.

In addition to examining the history and lore of soccer from A for a game played "all over the world" to Z for the French soccer star "Zinedine Zindane," Herzog provides detailed sidebars on each topic that supply lots of details that adult readers who are soccer fans can appreciate.This may well be one of the most impractical alphabet books I have come across, but that seems a small matter given the love of the game that infuses the entire volume.The result is one of the few alphabet books that young readers may actually enjoy more as they grow older and can read the details provided in the small print.The illustrations by Melanie Ross-Popp are energetic enough and older readers will appreciate her liberty in showing Brandi Chastain (under L for "ladies").This is one of a series of alphabet books from Sleeping Bear Press that includes "A is for America: An American Alphabet," "M is for Maple: A Canadian Alphabet," "M is for Majestic: A National Park Alphabet," "P is for Pilgrim: A Thanksgiving Alphabet," and "Z is for Zamboni: A Hockey Alphebet."Of course, I am waiting for the Baseball Alphabet book (H is for Home Run?). ... Read more

Product Description

DISCOVER THE SERIES BOYS AND GIRLS AROUND THE WORLD LOVE TO READ!

Customer Reviews (1)

Perplexed
I bought the book for my five year old soccer-playing grandson on the basis of a rave review by a panel of reviewers on Simon Mayo's BBC 4 show, which I listen to on podcast. The review was not for this particular book but for the Horrid Henry series in general. After previewing the book, however, I have two reactions: (1) although it is entirely is within my grandson's ability to comprehend the stories, their subject matter is not yet suitable for a child of this age, or so I find; and (2) the hilarity of the stories mentioned by the reviewers eluded me, despite my being a British-American by heritage (English and Irish, a reader of British literature by profession,and a lifelong lover of British humor. But give me Daniel Pinkwater or Shel Silverstein any time for young readers--although, I confess, I do not consider myself especiallyknowledgeable about much of contemporary children's literature. One final point: the book has been annoyingly Americanized, e.g., the U.K. title is "Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend," a much more alliterative title. ... Read more

Product Description
The Soccer Field Is Empty is the story of teen love, steamy romance, friendship, loyalty, understanding, and ancient prejudice. Here is a tale that breaks the stereotypes of the ignorant and peers into the soul of two boys who want what we all want; to love and be loved. The story of Mark and Taylor, two sixteen-year-old high school athletes, is a tale of love and happiness torn asunder by a world that understands too late. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Poorly written story
This tragic novel of a doomed love affair between two sixteen year-old boys is poorly written.The most annoying part of the writing is the constant repetition of feelings and personal references.The entire novel is the journal writing of each boy.Each boys obsesses about the other in almost the same way so each back and forth is merely a repetition of the first viewpoint.Also the relationships with others, once established, are referred to again a number of times using the same descriptions, such as referring to a couple of other boy friends as "brothers" and forever supporting them.

It is not enough that the two characters are attractive and the description of their love for each other is wholesome and pretty.The portrayal of their family and friends and their secret lives is realistic, but the characters become boring with constant repetition of the same emotions and expressions.Apparently this is only of a number of stories in the Chronicles of Gay Youth series by the author.A description of the stories in this series is displayed at the end of the book.It appears that other characters from this story carry on.One wonders of t he style is the same.

when you fall in love so bad
The story of Mark and Taylor will always emboss in the bottom of my heart!!

The first book I read from Roeder was "Someone is Watching" instead of Ethan and Nathan I was more addicted to Mark and Taylor by the time I was reading it, but now the passion is growing even bigger! The more I read, "The soccer flied is empty" the more I love Mark and Taylor.

First, loving someone is really hard, and being love with the person you dream about is even harder, reading about Mark and Taylor give me hopes that there is really true love in this world. The way they acted between themselves, the way the look upon others... is just more than everything in the world. It felt so real when I read it!! Roeder able to create an environment that is believable, which makes you think you are a part of the story!!

Although they ended in way I never wanted to, but it still can't stop you from liking reading!!

The only problem I had with the book is the cover, most of the reader would just buy the cover because of the cover, I have noticed this book for while, however the cover just turned me off!! Until I read, "Someone is Watching", I realized it was about Mark and Taylor, which it is a must I have to buy a bad cover!!!!
BUT the story is great... any

Romeo and Juliet from a gay prospective
This is a great casual read.Roeder does a very good job of conveying the conflicting feelings that all teens have in their relationships.He also does a great job of building up enough sympathy for the main characters that you definately feel moved at the end of this Romeo and Juliet tribute.

I don't mind giving away the end because Roeder's references to Romeo and Juliet begin in the very first sentence.

This isn't high literature but it is very effective and you will cry in the end.

Important On Many Levels!
This is my second Mark Roeder novel. I too read "A Better Place" prior to reading "The Soccer Field...". I enjoyed both pieces, however, I found "The Soccer Field..." somewhat redundant. The author tells us every other page how much these two guys love each other (we get it already). Even though the writing is relatively mediocre I must say I love Roeder's work. I have purchased every title in "The Gay Chronicles" and look forward to reading them as well. As an adult, I identify with so many of the situations presented in his books. They are real and true, I can also say as a teacher I see many of these situations occur on school campuses everyday. The books are great reading for straight readers as well, especially adoloscents, who would benefit greatly from reading these stories. Keep up the good work Mark. I highly recommend everyone who is sensitive to the issues presented here, pick up a copy and see some real life situations that so many kids in our schools today are going through. What Mr. Roeder depicts is not far from the truth!

Soccerfield Is GREAT
I was told om Mark's books, and I didn't start with The Soccerfield Is Empty. But when I read it, I enjoyed it thoroughly. Both characters Mark and Taylor are well writen, Mark A Roeder does a excellent job with both characters. I highly recommend his books to straight boys/Men, I am straight and I like his books I read so far. Start with The Soccerfield Is Empty, and read his books in chronological order. ... Read more