• Age: 5 to 9
• Grade: k to 4

"Unexpected emotional depth. . . . A thought-provoking read-aloud." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) 

Nothing makes Sierra happy like soccer. Her shoes have flames as she spins the ball down the spread-out sea of grass. But nothing makes her sad like soccer, too, because the restaurant where her auntie works is busy on game days and she can’t take time off to watch Sierra play. With honesty and subtlety, author Maribeth Boelts and illustrator Lauren Castillo portray an endearing character in a moving, uplifting story that touches on the divides children navigate every day — and remind us that everyone needs someone to cheer them on from the sidelines.

Maribeth Boelts' profile page

Lauren Castillo's profile page

Maribeth Boelts is the author of many books for children, including Those Shoes, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones, which was a Charlotte Zolotow Award Highly Commended Title. About Happy Like Soccer, she says, “Coaching soccer for a number of years, I saw the amazing impact a cheering family could have on a child-someone who knows and loves us and will root us on.” Maribeth Boelts lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Lauren Castillo has illustrated many books for children. This is her first book with Candlewick Press. She lives in Brooklyn.

A thought-provoking read-aloud.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

This tender story, written in lyrical text, perfectly blends the protagonist’s joy at playing her favorite sport with the loneliness of being the new kid in unfamiliar territory... This quiet gem is lovely for one-on-one sharing.
—School Library Journal

Boelts’ quiet tale celebrates the perseverance of a young girl as she attempts to achieve her goals.
—Kirkus Reviews

Castillo’s stylized, expressive watercolor illustrations effectively depict the bleakness of Sierra’s situation and her small triumph. Realistic without being overly sentimental, Boelts’ uplifting story realizes the impact of family, community, and even a little cheering in a child’s life.
—Booklist

This story poignantly points out the contrast of living and playing in different worlds... This story will help all children empathize with the lives of others.
—Library Media Connection

What could have been a pedantic lesson in class contrast instead is a heartfelt and honest reminder that everyone needs fans on the sidelines once in a while.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books