About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their sports-loving child gets frustrated by what they see as unfair calls in a game. This book channels that passion for fairness into a constructive, engaging activity. It presents real, controversial plays from professional soccer, explains the rules, and challenges the reader to make the official call. By examining these ambiguous situations, children learn about critical thinking, sportsmanship, and the importance of perspective. It's an excellent choice for a reluctant reader who is passionate about sports, as it uses high-interest content to teach valuable life skills like navigating gray areas and respecting authority, even when you disagree.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None. The book focuses on sports-related conflict and rule interpretation in a non-personal, analytical way.
Ideal Reader
A 9 to 13-year-old who is an active soccer player or a devoted fan. This child likely has a very strong sense of justice and fairness, gets invested in the outcome of games, and enjoys puzzles or debates. It is particularly well suited for a reluctant reader who is highly motivated by sports content and the chance to prove their knowledge.
Parent Prep
No preparation is needed. The book is self-contained, explaining all necessary rules and context for each play. It can be read cold by a child or read together with a parent to spark discussion. A parent has just watched their child get extremely upset about a referee's call, either in their own game or while watching a professional match. The child exclaims, "That's not fair! The ref is wrong!" and may be struggling to accept a decision that didn't go their way. This book provides a perfect outlet for that analytical energy.
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