Wonder Goal!
by Michael Foreman
Farrar, Straus & Giroux (BYR) 2003
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- self-confidence
- imagination and dreams
- teamwork
- sportsmanship
- bullying and teasing
- belonging
About this book
A young soccer fan dreams of the perfect strike and what it would feel like to make the winning goal. As he imagines playing from local fields to roaring stadiums around the world, his confidence grows. Michael Foreman’s luminous watercolors and simple, stirring text capture the speed, grace, and joy of the game. A great pick for young sports lovers and any child building self-belief.
Setting: a neighborhood soccer pitch and an imagined world-stage stadium
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wonder Goal! right for my child?
Yes — Wonder Goal! is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.9, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, self-confidence, imagination and dreams.
How long does it take to read Wonder Goal!?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Wonder Goal! takes around 6m to finish. The book has 700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Wonder Goal! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Wonder Goal! has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Wonder Goal!?
Wonder Goal! has an AR reading level of 2.9, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.