A soccer team coached by a math teacher calls itself the Fractions and has fractions as jersey numbers. During tryouts, practice, and a game, the players learn about fractions from situations that they encounter: e.g., the sixteen kids must equally divide up eight oranges. The math aspect of the book seems forced, but the pleasant story and loose, bright illustrations will satisfy kids at the target reading level.

Gr 2-4-Illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings with brightly colored washes, this easy-reading chapter book is not only a sports story but also a clear explanation of fractions in everyday situations. While learning to come together as a team, 16 young soccer enthusiasts also get a math lesson from their coach. Character development is neglected in the quest to present a fun and interesting approach to the topic. This title could easily be incorporated within a math lesson.-Doris Losey, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, Tampa, FL Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.