José and Feliz Play Fútbol (José and El Perro)

In this bilingual chapter book, a Latine boy realizes his dog has a hidden talent.

José has been picked for the soccer team! When his family surprises him with new equipment, he rushes out to practice with his dog, Feliz. Everyone knows Feliz is intelligent—he even recognizes commands in both

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English and Spanish—but no one knew he was also a natural jugador de fútbol! At practice, Feliz watches the action from the bleachers until the time comes to practice kicking. As José dribbles the ball toward the goal, Feliz rushes the field, embarrassing the boy. Fortunately, everyone on the team is amazed by the dog’s skills, even the coach, who appoints Feliz the team mascot. When José scores the winning goal of their first game, he calls Feliz onto the field to celebrate; the two best friends are brought even closer through their shared love of the game. Early in the book, readers learn that everyone in José’s house speaks both English and Spanish, and the book is likewise bilingual. The text is written mostly in English but weaves in Spanish words and phrases on most pages, imitating the natural code-switching of many bilingual people. Colorful cartoon illustrations provide effective visual support for developing readers. José and his family are dark-haired and have varying shades of brown skin; his community is a diverse one.

Sure to have newly independent readers—especially soccer fans—cheering. (glossary) (Early chapter book. 5-8)

-Kirkus Review

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