Hat Trick (The Kicks)

Where does Alex Morgan find the time? Anyway, Hat Trick is fourth in her utterly charming middle grade series about The Kicks, nickname of the Kentville Kangaroos soccer team. Months after her family's big move from Connecticut to California, 12-year-old Devin Burke has fully embraced the Cali life. But here's the rub: With the Kicks elimated from the playoffs, soccer season is officially over for Devin and her friends until next spring. That is, until the girls realize that they could sign up for the local winter league. But what happens when Devin and her besties are assigned to different teams? And what's up with Devin's super-strict new coach placing a premium on rough, aggressive, borderline dirty play?The "hat trick" title refers to the three goals that Devin sets out to achieve. And, oboy, she'll need all her talent for problem solving. Can she find a way to bring teamwork to her new, standoffish teammates, the Griffons? How can she make sure that her and her friends' diverging interests and activities don't fracture their friendship? And, lastly, can she figure out a way to resurrect her little sister Maisie's elementary school soccer program which had been cut due to lack of funding?So, I'm the furthest thing from a middle grader, but I really enjoyed The Kicks books, having ripped thru them in two days. And Hat Trick is another swell read. I like what Devin's all about: dedication, teamwork, perseverance, and good sportsmanship. She's such an inspiring leader. I like that she's industrious about making time to maintain her long-distance friendship with Kara, who was her best friend in Connecticut. Even though Devin faces an abundance of obstacles, the writing generates a really positive vibe, and it's mostly because Devin herself is such a positive person. I love how her parents are so supportive, and big ups to Devin's dad for how he constructively resets Devin on the right path when she acts up that one time. The problems - on and off the field - that Morgan introduces in her story are those that young athletes face in real life. She handles the girl drama with finesse. The cool thing about this is that Alex Morgan went thru these same exact experiences, so there's no lacking of credibility there. I kept sniffing around for a ghost writer, but I guess Morgan really is the culprit. She writes in a really entertaining and natural style that just keeps you turning pages. I love the values that she imparts. I love that she's got the storytelling skills to impart them. And since she's a celebrity author (congrats on the FIFA world cup win, you guys!), the hope is she can reach out to a ton of young readers. Me, I'd already pre-ordered her fifth Kicks book (Shaken Up, coming out in September, 2015).And if you're all caught up with the books, you should know that Amazon Studios has greenlit a pilot for The Kicks, and fingers crossed that it gets picked up for an ongoing online series. You should check out the pilot. It's neat, and, like the books, chock full of fun soccer action.

Another good book in the series. My daughter has read all the The Kicks books and is looking forward to more.

My daughter loves this series...a must for a soccer loving reader!

My grand daughter thoroughly enjoyed this series

My 10 yr old granddaughter loved it !

Awesome bookGreat jobI really like this seriesIt is a really good seriesThank you Alex Morgan for writing these books

Great read. Devin is so much fun to read about. Frida,Jesse, Zoe, Emma and the rest of the kicks just keep you wanting more!!

My daughter loves this series. She is 8 years old, plays soccer and reads these quickly (and repeatedly.)

A wonderful book from a wonderful woman (Alex Morgan ! ) !

Love the book