• Age: 9 to 13
• Grade: 4 to 8
• Reading age: 7 to 10

For Vicky Parker, life has never been better. Despite mom's new boyfriend (ew!), Vicky and best friends Parm and Marjan seem to be shoo-ins for the soccer team and the chance to play in the tournament — in England! But friendships turn into rivalries as the pressures of tryouts get to be too much, and a charming grade twelve boy takes an interest in Vicky instead of Marjan. How far are the girls willing to go when the competition heats up? And is a trip (and a boy) worth the sacrifice of a teammate and a best friend? [Fry Reading Level - 3.9

TREVOR KEW is an English teacher and regular contributor to the soccer magazine Free Kick. He is also the author of several Lorimer Sports Stories soccer novels. Trading Goals was shortlisted for Japan's Sakura Medal and Playing Favourites is a Junior Library Guild selection.

www.trevorkew.com

Trevor Kew's profile page

Kew does an excellent job segueing between the high-intensity sports-action sequences and the more fragile emotional scenes. Vicky's endeavors to balance her fledgling romance, soccer aspirations and a changing family structure will resonate with readers.

www.kirkusreviews.com

"Soccer action takes a backseat to teen angst and lively banter, but the cast is thoroughly multicultural, and by the end, all fences have been mended."

Booklist Online (U.S.)

...a ringing endorsement for the title overall and especially the soccer scenes...Sidelined is an excellent example of a transitional novel with crossover appeal. Even for those that do not regularly purchase series titles, Sidelined deserves a place on your bookshelf.

CM Magazine

...a good novel for reluctant readers and for sports fans. Kew writes the soccer aspects of the novel very well. Recommended.

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"Soccer action takes a backseat to teen angst and lively banter, but the cast is thoroughly multicultural, and by the end, all fences have been mended."

Booklist Online (U.S.)