![Booked](https://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0544570987.jpg?itok=hGbAbJZO)
![Booked](https://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0544570987.jpg?itok=hGbAbJZO)
In this follow-up to the Newbery-winning novel The Crossover, soccer, family, love, and friendship, take center stage as twelve-year-old Nick learns the power of words as he wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. Helping him along are his best friend and sometimes teammate Coby, and The Mac, a rapping librarian who gives Nick inspiring books to read. This electric and heartfelt novel-in-verse by poet Kwame Alexander bends and breaks as it captures all the thrills and setbacks, action, and emotion of a World Cup match!