Soccer Team Upset
by Fred Bowen
Open Road Media 2013
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- leadership
- perseverance
- sportsmanship
- jealousy and envy
- resilience
- work ethic
- dealing with change
About this book
When Tyler’s best friend and star midfielder, Zack, leaves their rec team for an elite travel squad, Tyler is sure the Cougars’ season is doomed. Early losses seem to prove him right—until Tyler realizes the team needs more than a superstar: they need focus, effort, and teamwork. With practice and a new attitude, Tyler tries to help his friends believe in themselves. Fast-paced soccer action and relatable team dynamics make this a great pick for sports-loving readers in upper elementary and middle school.
Setting: contemporary suburban youth soccer league, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Soccer Team Upset right for my child?
Yes — Soccer Team Upset is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include teamwork, leadership, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Soccer Team Upset?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Soccer Team Upset takes around 1.7h to finish. The book has 15,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Soccer Team Upset have an AR quiz?
Yes — Soccer Team Upset has an AR quiz available, worth 2 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Soccer Team Upset?
Soccer Team Upset has an AR reading level of 4, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.