Jackson, Gig, Isaac, and Diego share a strong interest in sports. In the spring, they were all members of the same baseball team. Now about to enter sixth grade, the friends head off to a week at summer soccer camp. Of the four, only Diego has a background in soccer, and he’s placed in a group with other skilled players their age. Despite his lack of experience, Gig’s natural athleticism puts him in the same section, but both Jackson and Isaac are embarrassed to be slotted with players a year younger. Jackson is frustrated that he seems to have little talent for the sport—it’s so hard not to use his hands. He’s also interested in Diego’s cousin—another soccer star—and must cope with his first crush as well as an unsettling nighttime encounter with a possible ghost. As the week passes, Jackson is challenged to improve his game and remain good friends with his buddies, despite flaring tempers and bruised egos. The four boys introduced in Top of the Order (Feiwel and Friends, 2009) emerge from soccer camp with their friendship intact, ready for middle school and, presumably, a fall sport, as the “4 for 4” series continues. (Ages 9–12)

Here is a story about how life, like sports, can be unpredictable, frustrating, and exhilarating. Eyes on the Goal by John Coy is part of the 4 for 4 series, an action-packed middle grade series for young readers about four boys from diverse backgrounds who deal with family, friendship, and school situations.

Just before they're due to start middle school, Diego, Gig, Jackson, and Isaac, four sports-loving friends, all attend the same weeklong soccer camp. Diego is an experienced soccer player, and Gig has a natural ability for the sport he never realized. But Jackson and Isaac are split into another group of players—a group with younger, smaller kids. For the first time, both boys aren't the stars of their team. In fact, they can't seem to get a handle on soccer. At the same time, Jackson is having a hard time getting a handle on his mom's deepening relationship with her boyfriend, and her suggestion that they move in with him. And Gig is worried about his father's deployment to Afghanistan.

"Light, enjoyable reading for those downtimes between sports seasons." —Booklist

"Coy has created a story of just the right length to keep his fans engaged. It is not necessary to have read Top of the Order to appreciate this one. Hints of fall football in middle school indicate that a third book is to follow." —School Library Journal