Title: Soccer to the Max by Bibi Belford

Publisher / Publication date: Ten|16 Press 2026

Language: English

Softcover / 278 Pages

Genre: Middle Grade Contemporary

ISBN-13: 9781645388425

ISBN-10: 1645388425

ISBN/EAN: 9781645389118

Byline:
Soccer to the Max scores BIG!  An action-packed adventure filled with heart, humor and everyday heroes. 

Review: 
Soccer to the Max introduces Sandburg, an 11-year-old soccer enthusiast with big aspirations and an even bigger attitude that needs some fine-tuning, both on and off the field. We meet Sanburg as he wraps up his fourth grade year with Miss Hamilton on his way to a fun-filled summer. When his plans take an unexpected turn, Sandburg is hit with a “double whammy” leaving him annoyed with nearly everyone and everything. By facing disappointments and unforeseen challenges, Sandburg eventually learns, “heroes are made by the path they choose.”

Filled with important life lessons, clever wordplay, and relatable characters, this book is a delight to read. The soccer scenes are so realistic, I imagined being in the crowd cheering the players on. Anyone looking for a good story about soccer and believes in the value of friendships, family and teamwork will love this book. After all, we could all use a good “corner kick” from time to time.

Reviewed by Denny Balish

Denny Balish is a writer, musician and creative soul. Her written works can be found in the anthology A State of Healing and in various literary publications including The Shallot, Creative Wisconsin Magazine, and Egerton Community Literary Magazine.  Denny is a member of Wisconsin Writers Association and Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets; and has facilitated Women’s Writing Circles for more than a decade. In addition to writing and playing flute with Madison New Horizons Band, she enjoys taking walks in nature, engaging in meaningful conversations, and hanging out with her little dog, Luna. You might even find her communing with crows.

Website: https://www.dennybalish.com/