Number 9: The Beginning | Soccer Books for Kids 8-12 (No.9 Series)
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FROM TEXAS DREAMER TO LONDON LEGEND
Jack has never played for a real team—until now.
When a surprise trial lands him at England’s top soccer academy, Jack trades his small Texas town for the cutthroat world of elite football in London. But it’s nothing like he imagined.
Every mistake is punished. Every pass is judged. Rival players want him gone. Alone, out of his depth, and miles behind the others, Jack starts to question everything.
Then he finds The Bandits—an underground crew of street soccer players. No whistles. No coaches. No limits. The kind of football that doesn’t follow rules—it makes its own.
As Jack slips between two worlds—the rigid demands of the academy and the raw freedom of street soccer—he learns that greatness isn’t about being perfect… It’s about something much deeper.
When homesickness threatens to break him, bullies target his every weakness, and betrayal hits from the one place he thought was safe, Jack faces his ultimate test.
With his dream hanging by a thread—and the legendary Number 9 shirt within reach—he must dig deeper than ever before.
Does he have what it takes to survive—and prove he truly belongs among the best?
Ideal book series for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.
For fans of soccer, adventure, sports, and fast-paced underdog stories.
Check out the other books in The Number 9 series:
Number 9 II: The ClubNumber 9 III: The BattleNumber 9 IV: The Fight
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Customer Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars 27
4.7 out of 5 stars 189
4.6 out of 5 stars 184
4.7 out of 5 stars 425
Price
$13.99$13.99 $13.99$13.99 $13.99$13.99 $13.99$13.99
Ages
8-12 8-12 8-12 8-12
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ASIN : B0DLSFN3VR
Publisher : Independently published
Publication date : November 1, 2024
Language : English
Print length : 240 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8345194898
Item Weight : 12.5 ounces
Reading age : 8 – 10 years, from customers
Dimensions : 6 x 0.55 x 9 inches
Book 1 of 4 : Number 9
Best Sellers Rank: #17,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #11 in Children’s Soccer Books (Books) #228 in Children’s Chapter Books (Books) #805 in Children’s Action & Adventure Books (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (425) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Emily Sage –
A Soccer Book That Scored Big With My Daughter!
As a mother of a daughter who loves soccer, reading Number 9: The Beginning with her was a true pleasure! My daughter was captivated from the first chapter, The Golden Ticket. She really related strongly to the tale of Jack Scorer, a young guy from a tiny village with lofty aspirations. In addition to being inspirational, Jack’s journey from the streets of Texas to the top football academy in England served as a fantastic reminder of how perseverance and faith can lead to amazing chances.We really enjoyed talking about the different chapters together, particularly First Day Fumbles and Welcome to Football Heaven. My daughter was constantly discussing Jack’s journey. It felt so real, from the excitement of stepping onto the academy grounds to the nerves of trying to prove himself among such fierce competition. She especially loved Kiera, whose speed and confidence on the field were a constant challenge for Jack. Every time Kiera raced away with the ball, my daughter would cheer, saying, “That’s how I want to play!” Kiera became her instant favorite, and she admired how she pushed Jack to be better.Coach Wilkinson was another highlight for us. My daughter loved how pumped he would get before games, his fiery speeches igniting the team’s spirit. She said it reminded her of her own coach, who always knows how to rally the team before a big match. The chapter The Comeback Kings was especially exciting for both of us. It was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and we found ourselves rooting for Jack and his teammates every step of the way.What really stood out for us was the mix of fun and learning. The terms definitions section at the end was a huge hit! My daughter was fascinated to learn that the uniform players wear is called a “kit,” and she couldn’t wait to share it with her teammates at practice. She even taught them about “nutmeg” and a few other terms from the book, which led to so many laughs and a lot of excitement among her friends. It turned out to be an unexpected conversation starter for her entire team!The holiday-themed chapter, A Different Kind of Holiday, was such a heartwarming addition. It showcased Jack’s personal growth and how he balanced his passion for soccer with understanding the importance of family and friendships. My daughter and I had a lovely conversation about the sacrifices athletes make and the support systems that help them along the way.As a mom, I was thrilled that this book provided us with not just an entertaining story but also opportunities to connect on a deeper level. It’s not often that a book sparks this much conversation and excitement between us. We both walked away inspired by Jack’s determination, resilience, and growth throughout his journey.If you’re looking for a book that will captivate young soccer enthusiasts while teaching valuable life lessons, Number 9: The Beginning is a must-read. My daughter and I are already hoping for the next book in the series because Jack Scorer’s story has us hooked! This isn’t just a soccer story—it’s about friendship, overcoming challenges, and chasing dreams, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on kids and parents alike.Thank you, Jack Scorer, for creating a book that brought so much joy, inspiration, and quality time to our home. Five stars all the way!