Magic Tree House: Soccer on Sunday "Soccer on Sunday" is the 52nd book in the popular Magic Tree House series written by Mary Pope Osborne. This book follows the adventures of siblings Jack and Annie as they travel through time and explore different places. In this particular installment, they are transported to medieval England to discover the origins of soccer. The story begins with Jack and Annie finding themselves inside a mysterious and magical treehouse. They find a note from Morgan le Fay, the enchantress who owns the treehouse, instructing them to find the answer to a question: "Where did soccer start?" As they wish themselves to the past, they arrive in a village in medieval England on a Sunday. They soon come across a group of villagers playing a game that resembles modern-day soccer.
Magic Tree House: Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books
Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader
Super Edition: A longer and more dangerous adventure
Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures
Magic Tree House Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books Merlin Missions More challenging adventures for the experienced reader Super Edition A longer and more dangerous adventure Fact Trackers Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures. Magic Tree House Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books Merlin Missions More challenging adventures for the experienced reader Super Edition A longer and more dangerous adventure Fact Trackers Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures.
They soon come across a group of villagers playing a game that resembles modern-day soccer. The game has very different rules compared to the soccer they are familiar with, and the boys and girls play against each other. Jack and Annie join the game, and they quickly discover that soccer is more than just kicking a ball around.
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With the note they find two tickets to the final World Cup game in Mexico in 1970, along with the tiny bottle of the magic Mist of Avalon that can grant them one hour of great skill at whatever they choose, and the Ring of Truth. Jack makes the wish and they spin back through years to the final match in Mexico City.
Jack and Annie are surprised to find that they emerge in their same shorts and tees. It seems those haven't changed much since 1970. They also find that their pockets are full of pesos and they set out to navigate the subways and trams of the huge Mexican capital to Aztec Stadium where the final game between Brazil and Italy is to be played. The crowds are overwhelming for the two kids from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, but they meet up with a big city boy named Roberto, also on his way to the match, with his birthday ticket and with his own mission--to remember everything and hurry home to tell his eight brothers and sisters everything that Pele' does. With Roberto steering them from subway to subway to trolley, they arrive with only a few minutes to spare before the game. Jack and Annie have great seats in the second row, but Roberto's seat is near to top of the stadium, barely visible. As he bids them farewell, Jack and Annie have an idea.
"Everybody says it's the game of a lifetime," Jack said.
"Roberto! We have to trade seats," said Annie. "Because it's your birthday. If you have a good seat, you can tell our brothers and sisters and your parents all about it."
It is an amazing game, but in the huge crowd of fans around the victorious Pele' and his team, Jack and Annie can find no way to speak to the great player and learn his secret of greatness. Disappointed, they let Roberto show them the way to a bus stop near his aunt's house to catch a less-crowded ride back downtown. The three meet up with a group of Roberto's friends playing "futbol" who invite them to join the game. When Jack and Annie and Roberto admit to each other that they are enthusiastic, but not very good players, Jack decides that they might as well use the Mist of Avalon to make them great players for a little while. And there, as they celebrate on that muddy field in the warm drizzle of Mexico City, Annie and Jack discover the last secret of greatness, when Roberto exults "Enthusiasm is everything!" and sets the Ring of Truth to glowing brightly.
Mary Pope Osborne's latest Magic Tree House book, Magic Tree House #52: Soccer on Sunday (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)) (Random House, 2014), completes Annie and Jack's Merlin Mission to discover the secrets of greatness--humility, hard work, purpose, and enthusiasm. Author Osborne obviously has shown those qualities in accomplishing fifty-two installments in this best-selling series of beginning chapter books which so successfully combine history, biography, and geography with fantasy adventure.
Veteran artist Sal Murdocca has been along for the whole ride, bringing Pope's adventuring brother and sister to life in his trademark illustrations for the many, many readers who have transitioned to independent reading through this blockbuster series. Pair this one with its nonfiction companion book, Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #29: Soccer: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #52: Soccer on Sunday (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)) (Random House, 2014).
posted by GTC at 12:30 AM
Goal! Jack and Annie have tickets to one of the most exciting soccer games ever—the 1970 World Cup! They are sure the famous soccer player Pelé will tell them a “secret of greatness.” The game is nonstop action and the stands are packed. But how will they find Pelé in a crowd of 100,000 soccer fans? Have they failed their mission? Or will the answer come when they least expect it?
It has social, cultural, and political significance in the village. The siblings learn about different traditions and customs associated with the game, including local superstitions and rituals. During their adventure, they meet a wise old woman named Lizzy, who tells them the story of a boy named Edmund who played soccer and helped create the game. According to the legend, Edmund and his friends played soccer to bring their divided village together during a time of conflict. As Jack and Annie continue their journey, they witness an intense match between two rival villages. Despite their differences, the game of soccer unites them, creating a sense of camaraderie and friendship. The siblings also realize the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and fair play. In the end, Jack and Annie return to the present with a newfound appreciation for soccer and its rich history. They report back to Morgan le Fay with their answer, concluding another successful adventure. "Soccer on Sunday" offers young readers a captivating blend of fantasy and historical fiction. Mary Pope Osborne's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling bring the world of medieval England to life. The book not only entertains but also educates readers about the origins and cultural significance of soccer. With each Magic Tree House book, children are encouraged to embrace their curiosity, learn about the past, and develop a love for reading and history. "Soccer on Sunday" is a delightful addition to the series, capturing the essence of adventure, friendship, and the thrill of the game..
Reviews for "Immerse Yourself in Magic: Tree House Soccer on Sundays"
1. Lisa - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic Tree House: Soccer on Sunday". The plot felt rushed and underdeveloped, with little suspense or excitement. The characters also lacked depth and I found it hard to connect with them. Overall, I felt like the story fell short in delivering a satisfying and engaging read.
2. Mark - 2 out of 5 stars - I found "Magic Tree House: Soccer on Sunday" to be quite predictable and uninspiring. The storyline didn't offer any unique or memorable elements, and the writing style felt repetitive and lacked creativity. The soccer theme could have been interesting, but it was poorly executed. I expected more from this book in terms of imagination and entertainment.
3. Sarah - 3 out of 5 stars - While "Magic Tree House: Soccer on Sunday" had its moments, I couldn't fully enjoy it due to the shallow character development. The main characters lacked depth and complexity, which made it difficult for me to truly invest in their journey. Additionally, the pacing of the story felt uneven and rushed at times, leaving me wanting more substance and substance.
4. Mike - 2 out of 5 stars - "Magic Tree House: Soccer on Sunday" failed to capture and hold my interest. The plot felt shallow, and the dialogue lacked depth. I found the whole soccer theme to be uninspiring and predictable. Overall, I was left wanting more from this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
5. Emma - 2 out of 5 stars - I was hoping for a captivating adventure in "Magic Tree House: Soccer on Sunday" but was left disappointed. The storyline felt formulaic and lacked originality. The writing style was also repetitive and didn't engage me as a reader. I had high expectations for this book and unfortunately, it fell flat.