Total Soccer
by Dean Hughes
Distributed by Random House, Inc. 1992
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- teamwork
- perseverance
- sportsmanship
- self-confidence
- leadership
- friendship
- goal-setting
About this book
A fast-paced sports story, Total Soccer follows a middle-school player and his teammates through a challenging season where practice, pressure, and friendships all collide. When the team struggles to click, he has to learn how to communicate, trust others, and step up when it counts most. With plenty of on-the-field action and relatable off-the-field moments, this is a great pick for soccer fans and sports-loving readers. Kids enjoy the game-time excitement, realistic teamwork struggles, and the satisfying sense of improvement.
Setting: contemporary suburban middle school and community soccer fields
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Total Soccer right for my child?
Yes — Total Soccer is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.3, 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, perseverance, sportsmanship.
How long does it take to read Total Soccer?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Total Soccer takes around 1.9h to finish. The book has 17,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Total Soccer have an AR quiz?
Yes — Total Soccer 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 Total Soccer?
Total Soccer has an AR reading level of 4.3, 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.