The fast-paced, soccer-themed Way to Play, Sammy! is the second book in a series by former New Zealand international footballer and FIFA Committee for Women’s Football member Michele Cox. Kicking off where the first book, Sammy Joins the Shooting Stars left off, the illustrated, mid-primary reader targeted Way to Play, Sammy! sees nine-year-old Sammy and her distinctive ‘snork’--a fountain-like ponytail styled atop her head--take to the pitch for her first match as a member of the champion Shooting Stars football team. But unlike the first book, where Sammy worries that she isn’t good enough to be a Shooting Star, Sammy is supremely confident and has to learn some hard, ego-bruising lessons about the values of humility and teamwork. The very readable text features three football matches and a cameo by famed international footballer, commentator, and role model Carolina Morace. It also contains offpitch lessons about the importance of friendship, practice, and persistence, as well as step-by-step skills instructions in Sammy’s voice so the reader can learn and improve as she does. The third instalment All Boots In, Sammy, is sure to continue in this strong vein and cement this series as a must-read for budding female footballers.

Fiona Crawford is a writer, editor, proofreader, and sports fanatic

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