Aiden the Soccer Star

Written by Suzan Johnson
Illustrated Sana Freeman
Published in 2016

Why we chose this book: 
As I've mentioned in past posts, we are trying to read books with T right now that will help him process difficult feelings (anger, disappoint, etc.). This story is about a boy facing disappointment, so I was eager to read it with T when the author offered us a copy for review.

Mom's Review

Aiden faces disappointment when he does not get to play his preferred position on the soccer field.

Aiden the Soccer Star follows a young boy's soccer experience during one season. Eager to join the team, Aiden is thrilled to be accepted. He soon faces disappointment, however, when he does not play at all during his first game. His reaction is understandable and realistic, and children experiencing disappointment can identify with his feelings. Instead of quitting, an impulse likely felt by some in his position, he determines to hone his skills so that the coach will put him in the next game. During subsequent games he still does not play, yet he perseveres. When Aiden finally has the chance to play, he is asked to play the goalie position, which he did not want. Aiden practices, his younger brother encourages him, and finds that he is well suited to this position.

When Aiden continues practicing and then decides to accept the goalie position, he sets a positive, healthy example for facing disappointment; although we cannot avoid disappointments, we can choose how we react and work toward achieving our goals. T and I talked extensively as we read (only part of our conversations is below), and I think that this book gave him a usable model for managing disappointment.

In short, I liked this book for several reasons:
1. Aiden is supported by his sibling.

2. Aiden's perseverance provides a positive model for facing disappointment and frustration.

3. Aiden overcomes his disappointment, but faces a second realistic disappointment.

4. Aiden is human, not animal.

5. Aiden reacts believably.

Son's Review
(age 3 years)

While reading:
Son: What does "anxious" mean?

Mom: It means he's worried.

Mom: Does Aiden look happy or unhappy?

Son: Unhappy. Why does he?

Mom: I don't know. Let's read and find out.

Mom, a bit later: So why is he sad?

Son: Because he doesn't get a chance to play in the game.

Mom, a bit later: He has to stop all the balls from hitting the net.

Son: That's hard for him.

reading about Aiden's first game:
Mom: What if someone called "The Shark" were running at you? What kind of player do you think he is?

Son: He must be a fast player. I'd run away because I don't like The Shark...But Eugenie thinks they're beautiful!
(Eugenie Clark from Shark Lady.)

Mom: Would you want to go to one of Aiden's soccer games? What would you want to do?

Son: Yeah. [I'd want to] catch the ball. Aiden would kick the ball, throw the ball.

Mom: Who was Aiden going to give the game ball to? Why? What did his brother say to him at night to encourage him?

Son: His brother! So he can play. He'll sleep with him and, "You're the best."

Mom: Whom would you give it to?

Son: Cousin G. That's the best. G is the best. G is the best.

After reading:
Mom: What was the best part?

Son: The best part was that he won.

Mom: What could you learn from Aiden if you don't get a turn?

Son: I could learn that I should wait my turn.

Mom: When would it be a good time to read this book?

Son: When you're scared of something.

Mom: Was the boy nervous?

Son: Yeah. He was nervous about "The Shark." "The Shark" is a scary name for the player.