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by Craig Wells (Author)
Tobias used to dream in soccer.
The field, the ball, the rush of the game, and the greatness of Lionel Messi once filled his world with purpose. But after the loss of his little brother, everything changes. The game he loved now feels impossible, his family feels broken, and the guilt he carries is heavier than anything he can say out loud.
Then Diego appears.
Wild, unpredictable, and full of life, Diego the coyote slowly pulls Tobias out of his silence. Through their unusual bond, Tobias begins to laugh again, feel again, and remember the courage he thought he had lost. But healing is never simple, and Tobias must learn that love is not always about holding on. Sometimes, it is about finding the strength to let go.
SOCCERWILD is a moving and inspiring choice for readers looking for soccer books for kids 8-12, middle-grade books about soccer, and middle-grade sports fiction with emotional depth. Blending the energy of the game with themes of grief, family, friendship, resilience, and hope, this story speaks to young soccer fans as well as parents, teachers, and librarians searching for meaningful fiction for middle-grade readers.
Perfect for readers who enjoy soccer books for boys, kids' books about soccer, children's books about soccer, and emotional stories about courage after loss, SOCCERWILD offers more than a sports adventure. It is a powerful story about a boy learning how to live with grief, reconnect with family, and rediscover the game that once made him feel alive.
For anyone searching for a story about soccer for kids, middle-grade books about grief, or kids' books about loss that still carry hope, heart, and inspiration, SOCCERWILD is a memorable journey of healing, courage, and the wild path back to joy.
