Soccer Sam (Step into Reading, Step 4)

From School Library Journal Grade 2-3 When Sam's cousin from Mexico comes to spend a year with Sam and his family, he teaches Sam's second-grade classmates how to play soccer. Marzollo successfully combines basic soccer terminology and story into this easy-to-read book. Sentence structure is short, yet the vocabulary is conversationally modern (``This is awesome!''). Marzollo even introduces some beginning Spanish terms through cousin Marco. Sims keeps the action moving with her colorful scenes of students bouncing the soccer ball off their head and passing it. This will be a welcome addition to easy-to-read section along with Hoff's Soft Skull Sam (HBJ, 1981; o.p.). Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, Va.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. "The story line is brisk, and the lively drawings are effective. An entertaining light read with simple sentences and lots of appeal: the bicultural element adds a nice touch."-- Booklist. From the Inside Flap Illus. in full color. In a perceptive tale of friendship and sports, Sam's visiting Mexican cousin overcomes the language barrier by teaching soccer to his new friends. Illus. in full color. In a perceptive tale of friendship and sports, Sam's visiting Mexican cousin overcomes the language barrier by teaching soccer to his new friends. Jean Marzollo is the award-winning and bestselling author and illustrator of more than 130 children’s books, including the I Spy series. She also served as the editor of Scholastic’s kindergarten magazine, Let’s Find Out , from 1972 to 1992. Marzollo lives in upstate New York with her husband, Claudio. To learn more, visit JeanMarzollo.com. Read more