What could go wrong if you join a team being called “the worst ever”?
Noah and Daniel are both excited about their new school and hope to become the boys they know they can be.
Noah hopes to fit in and be part of a group of friends for a change, and Daniel, whose parents love moving to new places, just wants to stay in one place long enough to have a birthday party with friends from school.
They quickly size each other up and, despite their differences — Noah has a cochlear implant while Daniel’s parents barely seem to know he exists — they soon become fast friends.
Together, they decide to join the local soccer team — what could possibly go wrong?
Read on to find out!
Kaylee Haynes, Elementary School Teacher –
The Worst Team Ever is an empowering book of acceptance and perseverance that will have kids feeling like they are the ones the story is about.
Daniel and Noah are two boys, both nervous about their first day of school. Each has their own obstacles and challenges to face, but they quickly discover that they could be great friends when they join a soccer club. Discovering that this soccer team is not going to easily solve their problems, they have to figure out if they want to stay a part of this historically losing team or move on to different options. Noah and Daniel’s journey will inspire others to look at their lives differently and teach them that they are truly capable of anything they put their minds to. The relationship development between friends, teammates and brothers is fantastic and a great example for all kids. However, the age difference between Noah and Gabriel was a little difficult to reason out. It seems like Gabriel would be a lot older than Noah so they wouldn’t be playing each other in soccer. Having said this, this story is great for the “underdogs” and families that aren’t necessarily picture perfect. There’s a little bit of something for everyone.
K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite –
Author Mateo Sommer has crafted a truly heartwarming and engaging read that delves into the themes of friendship, resilience, and self-acceptance. Young readers will find it easy to form a deep connection with Noah and Daniel, empathizing with their hopes and struggles thanks to some brilliant speech and thought presentation. The narrative style is emotive and detailed, and Noah’s experience with a cochlear implant and Daniel’s yearning for stability are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity throughout. Their friendship is played out with dialogue that sounds age-appropriate but also manages to convey the complexity of their emotional journeys, highlighting the importance of understanding and acceptance. Amidst the humor and warmth of the tale, there are also enjoyable lessons in teamwork and perseverance, as well as the brilliance of finding joy and camaraderie in their shared efforts. Overall, The Worst Team Ever is a book that I’d certainly recommend at home and in the classroom.