  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 03/01/2018 K-Gr 2—An unnamed kid in the number four jersey loves playing soccer as much as his dad, in his "Soccer Dad" T-shirt, loves cheering him on. When Coach needs a parent volunteer, Dad is already on the field before he can be told that his help is needed with halftime snacks, not playing. Despite the boy's advice, Dad is soon embarrassing his son by goofing off, not encouraging his teammates, having a hissy fit after being accidentally tripped, and being an all-around poor sport. The boy laments to Coach that his Dad is ruining the game for everyone, but Coach responds with this: "If we're patient and keep showing him what it means to be a team player. I am sure he'll figure it out."And Coach is right; Dad ends up playing a great game. Fergus's first-person text is spot-on and immediately makes readers feel invested in the story's outcome. Lowery's illustrations are spare yet action-packed and display a wide range of emotions. They are a great combination. VERDICT A fun and engaging role-reversal read-aloud about how to be a good sport. Purchase as needed.—Catherine Callegari, Gay-Kimball Library, Troy, NH - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 05/01/2018 Complementing The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten (2013), this role-reversal episode likewise offers some indirect instruction in proper attitudes. Misunderstanding a coach’s request for a parent volunteer, the young narrator’s dad proceeds to charge onto the pitch—where he whines about being on defense rather than offense, hogs the ball, acts up on the sidelines, throws a fit when an opposing player isn’t penalized for tripping, and loudly declares that playing soccer is all about “WINNING!” The coach counsels the mortified lad to be patient and to keep demonstrating that being a Good Sport involves playing fair, showing respect to all, supporting teammates, and having fun. In the game’s second half, Dad comes around handsomely. Unshaven and, thanks to a jersey that’s far too small, bare of belly in Lowery’s cartoon illustrations, the offending parent cuts a thoroughly ridiculous figure that young readers will mock with gusto even as they absorb these guidelines to civil, responsible behavior. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
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