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In Chasing the King by Joshua Stein, Jason Skids,(who goes by his last name) Skids, is a great soccer player. Skids has everything going for him. Skids and his friends play for the Bay Side United Soccer Team. Skids thinks his life is great and that everything is going his way; however, his life takes a sudden twist. He has to move to Brazil! Little does Skids know, but the move will turn out to be an adventure of a lifetime. In addition, the move teaches him the lesson of perseverance.
Skids and his friends love to play soccer. When Skids reaches high school, him and his friends make the varsity soccer team. He is thrilled and can not believe that he made the varsity soccer team in his freshman year. Skids thinks he is one of the best soccer players around. However, once he gets to Brazil, he finds out that in comparison to others he is slow and not the great player he thought he was.
When Skids' dad first told him they were moving to Brazil he was so upset. They had to move because of his dad's job. Skids was crushed. He would never see his soccer team, friends, and school again. Skids was so worried about the move. Brazil was so far away and he did not even really know where it was. Also, he did not know how to speak Portuguese.
Skids dad said that it would be a good experience for Skids and that it would be fun. Skids did not see how it could be fun. Skids did not talk to his dad for a week. He was just so angry. Skids father left for Brazil first to look for a house for the family. Skids' dad promised him that they would not move until Skids finished he soccer season. After that though, it was off to Brazil.
Once he arrived in Brazil, Skids missed his home and was depressed. He could not stand having people talk around him and not be able to understand them. The one bright spot was that soccer appeared to be very popular in Brazil, which is called “football” instead of soccer. Skids first chance to make some friends was in a football pickup game. Skids immediately noticed that the Brazilian players were faster than him and had better moves than his. Neverthless, he had a great time playing the game he loved so much. Well, until near the end of the game when a player in a bright yellow jersey blocked his first opportunity to score. Skids was quickly learning he was not the best soccer player around. The goalie in the yellow jersey easily blocked Skids attempt to score. Once again, Skids became depressed.
As time goes by, Skids meets a lot of people and makes many new friends. He plays soccer almost every day and becomes amazing at it. He learns Brazil style tricks and is in the best shape of his life. Skids hopes that he can play soccer for a carrer. The thought makes him so happy. Skids starts to realize that maybe the move to Brazil was a good idea.
His dream eventually comes true and he gets to play for team U.S.A in the World Cup. He is so proud of himself. Life is great for Skids. The move taught Skids not to judge a place before you get to know it. What I will take away from this book is that as long as you keep trying and practicing you will get to your goal.

Posted by Mrs. Abrams