Sam Kerr is an Aussie Rules fan through and through. When she’s excluded from her team she doesn’t know what to do. Netball? No thanks. Chess? Bleugh.
Her best friends Dylan and Indi think she should flip from Aussie Rules to soccer – and it doesn’t seem so bad at first. The coach is ok. The team seems nice enough…
But with the school bully, Chelsea, on her case and the pressure of learning new rules weighing her down, will it all be too much? Will Sam give up – or will she make the flip?
Kicking Goals is the debut middle-grade series co-written by Sam Kerr and Fiona Harris, with illustrations by Aki Fukuoka. Kerr is currently the captain of the Australia women’s soccer team, the Matildas, and a leading goal scorer for Chelsea in the English FA Women’s Super League.
The Flip Out is based on Sam’s life story, following her move away from playing Aussie Rules simply because there wasn’t a girls’ team for her to join. With encouragement from her family, who told her not to give up, Sam soon discovers soccer … and so the story begins.
Admittedly, my experience and encounters with soccer are limited – very limited – so I read this book with fresh eyes and a fresh perspective. I loved it! Whether you’re a soccer novice or superstar, there’s so much to take away from this book.
While specific to soccer, this book covers the universal themes of teamwork, personal challenges (on and off the pitch), overcoming obstacles, family and friendship, and perseverance. These aspects of the book can be applied to any passion in life, ultimately teaching us that hard work and determination will help you reach your goal – in soccer and beyond.
Kerr says: ‘Through these books, I hope to share some of my personal stories of growing up, of pushing boundaries and chasing my dreams.’ And The Flip Out does exactly that. It’s an uplifting read that has inspired me to reach for goals I’ve been pushing aside.
If you’re a fan of Billie B Brown, Go Girl and Tiny Timmy, then you’ll love Kicking Goals! Book #2 in the series, A New Knight, is due for publication in December 2021. I recommend this book and series for boys and girls aged 7+.
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