Mary Pope Osborne - Soccer: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #52: Soccer on Sunday

When I write Magic Tree House adventures, I love including facts about the times and places Jack and Annie visit. But when readers finish these adventures, I want them to learn even more. So thats why we write a series of nonfiction books that are companions to the fiction titles in the Magic Tree House series. We call these books Fact Trackers because we love to track the facts! Whether were researching dinosaurs, pyramids, Pilgrims, sea monsters, or cobras, were always amazed at how wondrous and surprising the real world is. We want you to experience the same wonder we doso get out your pencils and notebooks and hit the trail with us. You can be a Magic Tree House Fact Tracker, too!

Heres what kids, parents, and teachers have to say about the Magic Tree House Fact Trackers:

They are so good. I cant wait for the next one. All I can say for now is prepare to be amazed! Alexander N.

I have read every Magic Tree House book there is. The [Fact Trackers] are a thrilling way to get more information about the special events in the story. John R.

These are fascinating nonfiction books that enhance the magical time-traveling adventures of Jack and Annie. I love these books, especially American Revolution. I was learning so much, and I didnt even know it! Tori Beth S.

[They] are an excellent behind-the-scenes look at what the [Magic Tree House fiction] has started in your imagination! You cant buy one without the other; they are such a complement to one another. Erika N., mom

Magic Tree House [Fact Trackers] took my children on a journey from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, to so many significant historical events! The detailed manuals are a remarkable addition to the classic fiction Magic Tree House books we adore! Jenny S., mom

[They] are very useful tools in my classroom, as they allow for students to be part of the planning process. Together, we find facts in the [Fact Trackers] to extend the learning introduced in the fictional companions. Researching and planning classroom activities, such as our class Olympics based on facts found in Ancient Greece and the Olympics, help create a genuine love for learning! Paula H., teacher

Text copyright 2014 by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce

Illustrations copyright 2014 by Sal Murdocca

Cover photograph copyright by Jens Nieth/CORBIS

All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Random House Childrens Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York.

Random House and the colophon are registered trademarks and A Stepping Stone Book and the colophon are trademarks of Penguin Random House LLC.

Magic Tree House is a registered trademark of Mary Pope Osborne; used under license.

The Magic Tree House Fact Tracker series was formerly known as the Magic Tree House Research Guide series. Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #24 was formerly known as Magic Tree House #52.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Osborne, Mary Pope.

Soccer / Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce ; illustrated by Sal Murdocca.

p. cm. (Magic tree house fact tracker)

Summary: A nonfiction companion to Magic Tree House #52: Soccer on Sunday. Provided by publisher.

ISBN 978-0-385-38629-6 (trade) ISBN 978-0-385-38630-2 (lib. bdg.) ISBN 978-0-385-38631-9 (ebook)

1. Soccer Juvenile literature. I. Title.

GV943.25.O74 2014 796.334dc23 2013043648

Ebook ISBN9780385386319

This book has been officially leveled by using the F&P Text Level Gradient Leveling System.

Random House Childrens Books supports the First Amendment and celebrates the right to read.

v4.1_r1

a

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For Owen Landolf, a really great kid

Soccer Consultant:

JESSIE McMANMON COONEY, soccer player for College of the Holy Cross and coach and board member of the Great Barrington, Massachusetts, soccer league

Education Consultant:

HEIDI JOHNSON, language acquisition and science education specialist, Bisbee, Arizona

Special thanks to Peter Boyce, and the wonderful folks at Random House: Mallory Loehr, Paula Sadler, Jenna Lettice, Heather Palisi, and of course, the intrepid Diane Landolf, who goes where few dare to tread

Dear Readers,

In Soccer on Sunday , we had an adventure in Mexico City during the 1970 World Cup. We learned what a thrill it is to watch soccer stars like Pel. We also discovered why soccer is the most popular sport in the world: its a great game!

In the World Cup, teams from all over the planet compete to see which team is the best. The games are an amazing way for people from different cultures to get to know one another. The World Cup games are so exciting that billions of people watch and cheer on their favorite teams.