Eyes on the Goal

Just before they#x19;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#xE2;#xAC;#x1D;a group with younger, smaller kids. For the first time, both boys aren#x19;t the stars of their team. In fact, they can#x19;t seem to get a handle on soccer. At the same time, Jackson is having a hard time getting a handle on his mom#x19;s deepening relationship with her boyfriend, and her suggestion that they move in with him. And Gig is worried about his father#x19;s deployment to Afghanistan. Here is a story about how life, like sports, can be unpredictable, frustrating, and exhilarating.

John Coy is the aware-winning author of picture books (including Night Driving, illustrated by Peter McCarty), young adult novels, and the 4 for 4 middle-grade series. He live in Minneapolis and travels to schools nationaly and internationally. Visit him online at www.johncoy.com.