Soccer Sabotage

Soccer Sabotage: A graphic Guide Adventure

Author: Liam O’Donnell
Illustrator: Mike Deas

Synopsis

Nadia is playing for her local soccer team, and they have made it all the way to the national tournament—against some very determined opposition. Unfortunately, Nadia’s challenges don’t just come from her opponents but from her teammates as well. After their coach is injured in a suspicious accident and the threats against the team mount, it is up to Nadia and her younger brother Devin to pull the team together and take a run at the championship.

Format: Graphic Novel
ISBN: 9781551438849
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Pub Date: April/01/2009
Pages: 64

Awards
2010 CCBC Best Books
2009 Junior Library Guild Selection

Reviews

Booklist – March 1, 2009

“This book in the Graphic Guide Adventure provides plenty of soccer action; tips on how to dribble, pass, and protect the goal; and a solid mystery. Deas draws a multicultural cast, and it’s also nice to see the best kicker is not a slender little girl. The story should appeal to both boys and girls.”

Quill & Quire – May 1, 2009

“Deas’ illustrations are full of life. This is especially true in the soccer scenes, where vibrant colours and a sure hand give the images the impression of real movement.”

CM Magazine – May 1, 2009

“Soccer fans and just about anyone will enjoy reading this book whether they want to learn tips or read some mystery. It’s definitely worth the read. Highly recommended.”

Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group – July 10, 2009

“What makes this book unique is that O’Donnell/Deas give soccer tips with step-by-step illustrations and explanations using the characters for the reader to follow. O’Donnell/Deas then take those tips and incorporates them into the tournament games for the reader to see the actual skill demonstrated. Whether you like soccer or mysteries, this is a great book for curl up to. Recommended.”

School Library Journal – September 1, 2009

“Clever dialogue, and the full-color cartoons have a lot of action, particularly Nadia’s hair-raising escape from the villain at the end. This entertaining story provides soccer instruction as well as mystery.”

Puget Sound Council – September 1, 2009
“Providing the tips and making both male and female characters a strong part of this multi-cultural team, the author and illustrator have created a well-written and interesting story that should provide a following for other books in this series.”