Soccer on Sunday

Reviewed by: Kara Reiman - Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 31, 2014

Review

Part of the Magic Tree House series (#52), Soccer on Sunday takes Jack and Annie to Mexico in 1970 to watch Pele play in the World Cup final. On their way, they meet a boy named Roberto who is also on his way there and helps them get to the game on time. The book starts with a prologue describing how and why Jack and Annie are able to travel in time, which makes the book accessible as a stand-alone. I understand the books are supposed to be quick, exciting reads for young readers, but for a series that is all about going to different places around the world and throughout time, we learn almost nothing about the '70s, Mexico, or soccer in this installment. Inclusion of more facts or explanation of place and time would make this a much better book.

Overall Book Score: fair