SOCCER IS HUGELY POPULAR! 2.3 million kids ages 6-12 play soccer regularly; some travel teams play practically year-round; U.S. Youth Soccer leagues are in every state.

WORLD CUP 2019: FIFA 2019 World Games take place June 11- July 7, 2019.

PLAYFULLY ENGAGES READERS IN POETRY: An author’s note defines thirteen different poetic forms and challenges readers to match the forms to the poems (an answer key is included).

GREAT FOR CLASSROOMS: This is a terrific choice for teachers introducing poetry to students.

RACIALLY DIVERSE CHARACTERS appear throughout the artwork in this book.

IDEAL FOR RELUCTANT READERS: The engaging subject matter and playful, imaginative poems and art will reel in reluctant readers.

EMPHASIZES SPORTSMANSHIP: The poems show that the heart of this sport is friendly, fair play and teamwork.

Elizabeth Steinglass has contributed poetry to both Dear Tomato: An International Crop of Food and Agriculture Poems and The Poetry Friday Anthology for Celebrations, as well as to various magazines, including Highlights for Children. Soccerverse is her first picture book. She grew up in St. Louis, Missouri where she played soccer, basketball, and softball, read many, many books, and wrote her first poems. She now lives in Washington, DC with her husband, her three children, and her sleepy cat Scout. She loves to read, write, hike, watch soccer, and spend time with her family.

Edson Ikê is an illustrator and graphic designer, who creates illustrations for books, newspapers, magazines, and posters. Woodcutting is the aesthetic basis of his work. The Smith & Lens art gallery in Mississippi, U.S., exhibited his prints in 2016. Soccerverse is his first book to be published in the United States. He lives in São Paulo, Brazil. Visit him at ensaiografico.com.br.

Author Residence: Washington, DC

Edson Ikê is an illustrator and graphic designer, who creates illustrations for books, newspapers, magazines, and posters. Woodcutting is the aesthetic basis of his work. The Smith & Lens art gallery in Mississippi, U.S., exhibited his prints in 2016. Soccerverse is his first book to be published in the United States. He lives in São Paulo, Brazil. Visit him at ensaiografico.com.br.

Illustrator Residence: São Paulo, Brazil

“Twenty-two poems celebrate, from a young person’s perspective, the beautiful game that is soccer. Ikê’s digitally created art is stylized and full of motion. His lighthearted illustrations incorporate some poetic fantasy elements and flourishes…Each poem uses one or more of 13 poetic forms described briefly in an author’s note—something that will surely charm teachers and aspiring poets. A pitch-perfect ode to the details and delights of playing soccer.” -Kirkus Reviews