Nothing makes Sierra happy like soccer. Although the African American girl has to ride all the way past her inner-city neighborhood, even past the boarded-up buildings where the buses stop running, she is thrilled to be playing on a real soccer field with real goals, rather than on the lot by her apartment with two garbage cans shoved together. While the other players (mostly white) have families to cheer from the sidelines, Sierra's auntie (and presumably her main caregiver) has to work Saturday mornings. When her auntie finally gets a day off to watch Sierra play, the game is canceled due to rain. Mustering all her courage, Sierra reaches out to sympathetic Coach Marco to bring the game to her auntie, her neighborhood d herself. Castillo's stylized, expressive watercolor illustrations effectively depict the bleakness of Sierra's situation and her small triumph. Realistic without being overly sentimental, Boelts' uplifting story realizes the impact of family, community, and even a little cheering in a child's life.

City-kid Sierra wants her auntie, who works on Saturdays, to attend one of her soccer games. A rain cancellation spoils her aunt's first chance to watch a match, so Sierra comes up with a plan. Boelts's lyrical text (a suburban soccer field is a "spread-out sea of grass with no weeds") teams up nicely with Castillo's quietly expressive illustrations.

Soccer is a bittersweet mix of sorrow and joy for Sierra. Sierra struggles with conflicting emotions about her new soccer team. Traveling out of the city, Sierra now plays on soccer fields unlike the one near the apartment where she lives with her aunt, which is exciting. However, being on this new team has some drawbacks. With most games on Saturdays--which is her aunt's busiest day at the restaurant--Sierra is sad to be the only player without family members to cheer for her during games. Yet, with a little ingenuity, Sierra discovers a solution to her dilemma. Boelts focuses on the relationship between Sierra and her aunt, deftly portraying Sierra's maturity and fortitude as she attempts to resolve the situation. Sierra, while dedicated to her sport, recognizes the importance and inspiring effect of her aunt's support and encouragement. Castillo's watercolor-and-ink illustrations of the city's landscapes feature towering buildings in an austere setting. In contrast, drawings of Sierra's home and her aunt's workplace depict warm, cozy scenes. Scenes with the dark-skinned, crinkly-haired auntie and niece emphasize the close, nurturing relationship. Action-filled paintings of the soccer games capture the fast-paced excitement of the game. Boelts' quiet tale celebrates the perseverance of a young girl as she attempts to achieve her goals. (Picture book. 5-9)

K-Gr 3 Nothing makes Sierra happier than playing soccer, especially now that she has been picked for a new team where she gets to play on a smooth field instead of the ragtag lot near her home. But there is sadness, too, because her auntie, with whom Sierra lives, has to work on Saturdays and can't watch her play. Sierra plays hard in every game, but longs to have someone she knows rooting on the sidelines. When her aunt's boss lets her switch her shift at the restaurant so she can go to Sierra's last game, they celebrate with a made-up dance and cherry cake. Unfortunately, the game is canceled because of rain. Sierra asks Coach Marco if he can reschedule it on her aunt's day off, at the lot near their apartment. Happy to be playing in front of her auntie and neighbors, Sierra runs so fast, it feels like flying. This tender story, written in lyrical text, perfectly blends the protagonist's joy at playing her favorite sport with the loneliness of being the new kid in unfamiliar territory. Castillo's muted colors reflect the narrator's thoughtful mood. Sierra's and her auntie's shaded skin tones and the spreads of the long bus ride from their city neighborhood to the suburban soccer field enhance the text by subtly suggesting why Sierra feels slightly out-of-place while playing with her new team. This quiet gem is lovely for one-on-one sharing. Martha Simpson, Stratford Library Association, CT