Eyes on the Goal
Here is a story about how life, like sports, can be unpredictable, frustrating, and exhilarating.Eyes on the Goal by John Coy is part of the 4 for 4 series, an action-packed middle grade series for young readers about four boys from diverse backgrounds who deal with family, friendship, and school situations.
Just before they’re due to start middle school, Diego, Gig, Jackson, and Isaac, four sports-loving friends, all attend the same weeklong soccer camp. Diego is an experienced soccer player, and Gig has a natural ability for the sport he never realized. But Jackson and Isaac are split into another group of players—a group with younger, smaller kids. For the first time, both boys aren’t the stars of their team. In fact, they can’t seem to get a handle on soccer. At the same time, Jackson is having a hard time getting a handle on his mom’s deepening relationship with her boyfriend, and her suggestion that they move in with him. And Gig is worried about his father’s deployment to Afghanistan.
School Library Journal
Jackson Kennedy has finished fifth grade, along with Diego, Gig, and Isaac. Diego, an experienced player, has convinced them all to attend a weeklong summer soccer camp at a local college. Initially, the boys are put on separate teams, because Jackson and Isaac are new to the sport. After enjoyable episodes with an alleged ghost and some girl interest, the four work together when Diego convinces a counselor to let them all play as a team for the final tournament. These friends exhibit a good sense of humor along with authentic-sounding complaints and bickering about playing and learning new skills. Personalities are further developed as Jackson finds his niche as a goalie and Diego exhibits humility as well as problem-solving talents on the field. Coy has created a story of just the right length to keep his fans engaged. It is not necessary to have read Top of the Order (Feiwel & Friends, 2009) to appreciate this one. Hints of fall football in middle school indicate that a third book is to follow.
Library Media Connection
Jackson and his friends head to soccer camp and learn about themselves in this appealing book. The four boys, who will be starting sixth grade, have distinct ability levels and different amounts of interest in soccer, but they feel it will be fun to be together. However, at camp, they are separated based on their abilities. Jackson and Isaac remain together at the lowest level, Gig because of his speed is at the middle level, while Diego is at the top. At camp, the boys have adventures sneaking out of the dorm and some fledgling relationships with girls. They finally figure out how to work best together. Coy’s characters’ actions and dialogue are realistic as are the situations in which they find themselves. There is enough soccer action to keep fans interested, but not so much as to turn off those who do not play. A few of the plotlines are left unfinished, but it does not detract from the overall story. Upper-elementary and middle-school age readers, especially reluctant boys, will find a great deal to enjoy in this book. Recommended. (May/June 2010 issue)