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Starred Review The Floating Field

How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their Own Soccer Field

  • Interest Level: Grade 2 - Grade 5
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

On the island of Koh Panyee, in a village built on stilts, there is no open space. How will a group of Thai boys play soccer?

After watching the World Cup on television, a group of Thai boys is inspired to form their own team. But on the island of Koh Panyee, in a village built on stilts, there is no open space. The boys can play only twice a month on a sandbar when the tide is low enough. Everything changes when the teens join together to build their very own floating soccer field.

This inspiring true story by debut author Scott Riley is gorgeously illustrated by Nguyen Quang and Kim Lien. Perfect for fans of stories about sports, beating seemingly impossible odds, and places and cultures not often shown in picture books.

“A compelling book for football [soccer] fans and readers seeking examples of ingenuity.”—starred, Publishers Weekly

Format Your Price Add
978-1-5415-7915-6
 $14.99
978-1-7284-2736-2
 $24.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 2 - Grade 5
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Picture Books, Social Studies
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diversity
Copyright 2021
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Millbrook Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 40
Publication Date 2021-03-02
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF054130, JNF038020, JNF080000
Dewey 796.33409593
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Lexile 680
Guided Reading Level P
ATOS Reading Level 4.0
Accelerated Reader® Points 0.5
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Awards, Maps, Original artwork, Reviewed, and Starred Reviews

Awards

  • Illinois Bluestem Award Master List, Long-listed, 2024
  • Read Aloud Indiana Program Selection, Winner, 2024
  • Louisiana Reader's Choice Award Honor Book, Commended, 2024
  • Prairie Pasque Award Nominee, Nominated, 2023
  • Nutmeg Award, Nominated, 2023
  • Utah Beehive Book Award Nominee, Nominated, 2023
  • Black-Eyed Susan Book Awards Nominee, Nominated, 2023
  • Dogwood Book List for Nonfiction, Nominated, 2022
  • Red Clover Picture book Award Nominee, Nominated, 2022
  • Texas Topaz Reading List, Winner, 2022
  • Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award, Nominated, 2022
  • Notable Award Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Winner, 2022
  • Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books, Winner, 2021
  • Freeman Book Award, Winner, 2021

Reviews

Starred Review The Horn Book Magazine

Reviewed on 1 May 2021

“[F]illed with happy smiles and strong kicks. . . . A splendid nonfiction picture book.”—starred, The Horn Book Magazine

Starred Review School Library Journal

Reviewed on 1 May 2021

“This is a story that presents kids as true problem solvers. . . . an excellent STEM resource.”—starred, School Library Journal

Booklist

Reviewed on 13 January 2021

“This inspiring tale will appeal to soccer fans, of course, but also has applications for problem solving and determination.”—Booklist

Starred Review Publishers Weekly

Reviewed on 11 January 2021

“A compelling book for football [soccer] fans and readers seeking examples of ingenuity.”—starred, Publishers Weekly

Kirkus Reviews

Reviewed on 1 January 2021

“An intriguing true story elevated by striking illustrations.”—Kirkus Reviews