Kicking & Screaming

by Steve Moore

In the third book of this highly illustrated middle grade series from the nationally syndicated cartoonist of “In the Bleachers,” Steve takes one for the benchwarmers to play his least favorite sport.

Perfect for fans of Timmy Failure and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, King of the Bench is an ode to teammates, underdogs, and benchwarmers everywhere.

Steve is King of the Bench. No brag. It’s just a fact. But this season, his soccer-loving pals Joey and Carlos—plus soccer superstar Becky O’Callahan—are dragging him off the bench to play for the Spiro T. Agnew JV soccer team, even though soccer doesn’t exactly fry his burger.

Will Steve’s epic and hilarious weekend at an away tournament leave him hating soccer more than ever? Or will he finally discover what all the kicking and screaming is about?

Genres: Sports, Fiction, Middle Grade, Humor, Childrens

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2018

About the author

STEVE MOORE

Moore is a writer, syndicated cartoonist, film creator/producer and former news executive. He created the comic "In the Bleachers," distributed to hundreds of newspapers and websites. At the The Los Angeles Times, Moore served as Exec. News Editor.

Moore co-created and wrote the original story for “Open Season” (Sony Pictures Animation.) He served as Exec. Producer. The film grossed nearly $200 million. The franchise has generated four DVD sequels.

He also created the animated film "Alpha & Omega" (Lionsgate Films.) Moore wrote the original story, screenplay and served as Producer. The franchise has generated seven DVD sequels.

Moore grew up in La Canada Flintridge, California. He graduated from Oregon State University and completed his masters degree at the University of Oregon.

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiro T. Agnew Middle School student Steve loves most sports, but mainly sits on the bench at games. Although he does have some good eye-hand skills, he suffers from what he calls eye-foot dweebitis. Which is probably why, one day while watching a soccer game, he blurts out the fact that he hates soccer. This offends his best friend, Becky, so badly that in order to make it up to her, he goes out for the soccer team and, naturally, ends up on the bench. But then, an unlikely series of events puts him in charge of defending the goal at a big game, bringing out unexpected qualities in the hero kids.

It's a hilarious, heavily illustrated kids' book, featuring the activities bus driver from aitch-ee-double-hockey-sticks, an obnoxious sports dad, an always-cheerful Brazilian junior soccer star and an unfortunate encounter with a skunk. It's the kind of underdog-team, put-upon kids comedy with scratchy that should appeal to fans of Wimpy Kids.

Despite his books being widely available, I haven't been able to find out much about this author. I guess he used to draw a cartoon column called "In the Bleachers." He's not to be confused with Steve Moore, a comic book writer who died in 2014, or the Steven Moore who writes fantasy novels, or another Stephen Moore who also writes fantasy novels; but who knows? Steve Moore might not even be the author's (or authors') real name. I'm just here to review the book, not solve the mysteries of the ages. What I do know is that this is the third "King of the Bench" title, blending chapter books with graphic novels. The other titles in the series are No Fear, Control Freak and Comeback Kid.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why aren't more people reading these hilarious sports books? I can't imagine a kid on the planet who wouldn't be entertained by this series. I'm not even a kid and believe me, I'm entertained as heck. The main character is none other than the author, Steve Moore. Steve is king of the bench...and proud of it. No brag. It's just a fact. He loves being able to say he's on the team without the pressure to prove anything.

Soccer doesn't exactly fry Steve's burger. He makes the mistake of saying that within earshot of Becky, the best girl athlete at his school. To redeem himself, he joins the JV soccer team. He can't bench this one because the team doesn't have enough players. That's unfortunate, because he is one sad case on the field. He actually improves the odds of the other team winning when he's out there. Finally, his coach puts him in as goalie, since he can't keep his hands off the ball. He's not bad, especially when he gets skunked...by a skunk...and avoidance of the goal is preferable to the stink.

Buy this series for your library. I guarantee it will be a hit.

[Laura Harpham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous story of a middle school student who tries out for the school soccer team because of a girl.

[Tracy Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series for my students who are really into sports but not reading.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading to Tito and G

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

While watching a soccer match with is friends, Steve says the three most unpopular words that he could have possible uttered. "I hate soccer." In order to make it up and regain their friendship, Steve joins the JV soccer team, but there's only one thing wrong, Steve suffers from Foot-Eye Dweeb-itis. Steve's coach finds the perfect position for him, and he wins back his friends in this laugh filled story.