Step onto the soccer field with *The Kicks*, a vibrant middle-grade series by Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan that captures the heart of teamwork, friendship, and chasing dreams! This empowering saga follows 12-year-old Devin Burke as she tackles the highs and lows of high school soccer, blending thrilling sports action with relatable coming-of-age moments that inspire young readers to kick their goals into high gear.
With its infectious energy and authentic portrayal of soccer life, *The Kicks* has won over fans with its mix of nail-biting matches, heartfelt friendships, and lessons in resilience. Whether you’re a soccer enthusiast or just love a good underdog story, this series is a must-read for tweens ready to score big in life.
How The Kicks Began
In 2013, Alex Morgan, a FIFA World Cup champion and soccer superstar, channeled her passion for the sport into writing. Inspired by her own journey from a young athlete to an Olympic hero, Morgan crafted *The Kicks* to inspire girls to embrace soccer and its values of teamwork and perseverance. Published by Simon & Schuster, the series quickly gained traction, with its debut novel hitting the New York Times bestseller list for middle-grade fiction, proving Morgan’s storytelling prowess rivals her skills on the field.
The Heart of The Kicks
The series kicks off with *Saving the Team* (2013), where Devin, newly arrived in Kentville, California, joins the struggling Kentville Kangaroos, aka The Kicks. Facing a disorganized team and a lackluster coach, Devin steps up to lead, learning the power of unity. In *Sabotage Season* (2013), the team battles mysterious mishaps threatening their championship hopes, blending soccer drama with a whodunit mystery. *Win or Lose* (2014) sees Devin navigating rivalry and jealousy, while *Hat Trick* (2015) explores new challenges like balancing friendships and competition.
At its core, *The Kicks* shines through its themes of sportsmanship, determination, and self-belief. Set in the vibrant world of middle school soccer, the books weave humor, heart, and high-stakes matches into a relatable narrative. Morgan’s insider perspective infuses authenticity, from the adrenaline of penalty kicks to the camaraderie of team huddles, making each story a love letter to soccer and growing up.
The series’ style is accessible yet engaging, with a vocabulary tailored for ages 10–12 but appealing to younger readers too. Each book tackles a unique challenge—be it leadership, rivalry, or overcoming setbacks—while celebrating the joy of playing for the love of the game.
Why The Kicks Resonates
*The Kicks* has left a lasting mark on young readers, particularly aspiring athletes, by showing that success comes from grit and teamwork, not just talent. Its strong female protagonist, Devin, serves as a role model, inspiring girls to break barriers in sports and beyond. The series’ blend of soccer action and life lessons has also sparked interest in women’s soccer, encouraging shy or introverted kids to try sports. Adapted into a 2016 Amazon Prime sitcom, *The Kicks* reached even wider audiences, cementing its cultural impact.
Fans praise the series for its relatability and Morgan’s authentic voice, with reviews highlighting its ability to balance sports drama with universal themes like friendship and resilience. For many, *The Kicks* is more than a story—it’s a call to chase dreams with heart and hustle.
- Publication Years: 2013–2022
- Number of Books: 12
- Awards: New York Times Bestseller (Middle Grade)
- Target Age: 10–12
Grab *Saving the Team* and dive into the action-packed, heartwarming world of *The Kicks*! Whether you’re dreaming of soccer stardom or just love a great story, Devin and her squad will have you cheering from the sidelines!