Where to Start Reading Alex Morgan's Books
For young readers and sports fiction fans, the absolute best starting point is Saving the Team, the first book in The Kicks series. Because this middle-grade series follows a continuous timeline of Devin Burke and her teammates growing up, playing soccer, and navigating middle school, reading the books in chronological order is highly recommended. Reading them out of order will spoil team rosters, tournament outcomes, and major character milestones.
If you are looking for real-life inspiration, you can pick up her memoir, Breakaway: Beyond the Goal, at any point. While it is non-fiction, it shares the same themes of resilience, leadership, and determination that Morgan channels into her fictional characters.
The Kicks Series in Chronological Reading Order
Alex Morgan's fiction focuses entirely on the Kentville Kangaroos girls' soccer team, affectionately known as "The Kicks." The story begins when twelve-year-old Devin Burke moves from Connecticut to California, expecting a top-tier soccer program, only to find a struggling, disorganized squad. Across twelve books, the team grows from underdogs into champions. Below is the recommended reading order, which matches the publication order.
1. Saving the Team (2013)
Devin Burke moves to Kentville, California, and is shocked to find that her new school's soccer team, the Kicks, is in complete disarray. With a coach who doesn't seem to care and a long history of losing, Devin must step up to organize her new teammates—including Jessi, Zoe, and Emma—and prove that they have what it takes to win.
2. Sabotage Season (2013)
The Kicks are finally on a winning streak and have their sights set on the playoffs. However, their momentum is threatened when someone begins pulling pranks and sabotaging their practices. Devin and her friends must figure out who is trying to ruin their season before they get disqualified.
3. Win or Lose (2014)
Change comes to the Kicks when they get a new coach, Coach Flores. Unlike their previous relaxed coach, Coach Flores is incredibly strict and demanding. Devin and the team struggle to adapt to the rigorous new training regime, leading to tension on and off the field.
4. Hat Trick (2015)
Devin's talent on the field is noticed by a scout, and she is invited to try out for a prestigious select travel team. While this is a massive opportunity, it means Devin will have to balance two demanding schedules, leading her school teammates to wonder where her loyalties truly lie.
5. Shaken Up (2015)
Devin finds herself in a performance slump just as the Kicks face some of their toughest opponents yet. Dealing with self-doubt and the pressure to perform, she must learn how to rebuild her confidence and lean on her friends when things get tough.
6. Settle the Score (2016)
The rivalry between the Kicks and the Pinwood Panthers reaches a boiling point. After a controversial loss, Devin is determined to lead her team to victory in a high-stakes rematch that will decide who dominates the local league.
7. Under Pressure (2017)
Devin's life gets complicated as she enters a new school year. The academic workload increases significantly, and balancing soccer practice, games, homework, and family expectations starts to take a toll on her focus and health.
8. In the Zone (2018)
Disaster strikes when Jessi, one of the team's key players and Devin's close friend, suffers an injury that sidelines her for the season. The Kicks have to restructure their lineup and learn how to play without one of their strongest stars.
9. Choosing Sides (2018)
As the girls transition further into middle school, social dynamics shift. Devin and her friends face new cliques, shifting friendships, and peer pressure, testing whether their bond as soccer teammates is strong enough to survive off the field.
10. Switching Goals (2019)
Coach Flores decides to shake up the team strategy by swapping players into new positions. Devin is moved out of her comfort zone as a forward, forcing her to learn a new role and appreciate the effort it takes to support the team from different parts of the pitch.
11. Homecoming (2020)
Kentville Middle School's homecoming week brings school spirit, floats, and celebrations. Amid the distraction of the school festivities, the Kicks must stay focused on an upcoming tournament that could define their year.
12. Fans in the Stands (2021)
In the final installment of the series, the Kicks prepare for their biggest game yet. With the community rallying behind them, Devin and her teammates look back on how far they have come since their disorganized first practice and prepare to leave everything on the field.
Alex Morgan's Non-Fiction
Breakaway: Beyond the Goal (2015)
In her only non-fiction release, Alex Morgan shares her personal journey from a youth multi-sport athlete to an Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women's World Cup champion. Written specifically for young adult and middle-grade readers, the memoir focuses on the dedication, setbacks, and hard work required to achieve sports success at the highest level. It serves as an excellent companion piece to The Kicks, offering real-life context to the themes of leadership and perseverance found in her fiction.
The Kicks Television Adaptation
In 2015, Amazon Studios adapted Alex Morgan's book series into a live-action family comedy series titled The Kicks. The show premiered on Prime Video and ran for one season consisting of 10 episodes. The television series starred Sixx Orange as Devin Burke, alongside Isabella Acres, Emyri Crutchfield, and Gabe Eggerling. While the TV show closely follows the premise of the first book—Devin moving to California and revitalizing a struggling team—it introduces slight differences in character arcs and side plots, making it a fun companion watch for fans of the novels.