This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite
Soccer to the Max by Bibi Belford centers on Sandburg Zaproski, an eleven-year-old fifth-grader who is crushed when his dream summer trip to his grandparents’ Texas ranch is canceled. His sister Millay needs medical checkups, so his parents send him to the Grand Premier Youth Soccer Camp instead. Sandburg shows up to camp feeling deeply resentful about the sudden change. Things get even tougher when he finds out his best friend, Hugo, has signed up with a rival training program. This double dose of disappointment forces Sandburg to face his own negative attitude while trying to fit in with a brand-new group of peers. The story follows him through all sorts of camp activities as he gets ready for a big tournament, where his younger cousin Max unexpectedly joins the squad and pushes Sandburg’s sportsmanship to the limit. Dealing with unexpected hurdles both on and off the field, will Sandburg find a way to move past his selfishness and help his squad chase a big win?
Soccer to the Max by Bibi Belford is a heartwarming children’s novel that will give young readers a great message about unity and adjusting their outlook on situations that are totally out of their control. The competitive sports environment gives the characters a great space to face their biases and grow through common struggles. The narrative builds beautifully toward the big final tournament, keeping you hooked with exciting sports action and meaningful friendships. Sandburg’s journey really shows that true strength comes from pulling together as one, which changes how he treats his cousin and the other players. Showing a family that stands by each other alongside such positive peer support gives the storyline a lot of heart for younger kids. It ends on a perfect note that ties everything together, proving that the greatest win an athlete can ever earn is learning how to selflessly back their squad so everyone can win together. Very highly recommended.
