Read The Kicks Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

In the world of children’s literature, few series capture the thrill, challenges, and camaraderie of youth sports quite like The Kicks by soccer enthusiast and author Alex Morgan. More than just a story about kicking a ball, the series delves into themes of friendship, perseverance, self-discovery, and the highs and lows of teamwork. At its heart, The Kicks is a story about growing up, learning to face obstacles, and finding your place both on and off the soccer field. For young readers, it’s a gateway into the excitement of soccer, while also offering relatable life lessons that extend far beyond the game. The series blends humor, tension, and heartfelt moments with the fast-paced energy of sports storytelling, making it an enduring favorite for children and preteens.

List Of The Kicks Books In Order

More On The Kicks Books In Chronological Order

1. The Kicks: Saving the Team (2013)

Okay, so this is where it all begins! *Saving the Team* introduces us to the main character, Devin, a soccer-obsessed girl who’s all about kicking goals. She’s on her school soccer team, but things aren’t looking great for the squad. They’ve got no real chemistry, and everyone is more focused on drama than playing the game. Devin’s about to step in and try to pull things together, but she’s also got her own problems to deal with, including balancing soccer with her social life. It’s a fun mix of sports and girl-power energy as she goes from an underdog to a leader.

2. The Kicks: Best Foot Forward (2014)

In *Best Foot Forward*, Devin and her team are working hard to get their act together, but there’s still drama, drama, and more drama. The girls have a chance to turn things around after a huge setback, and Devin’s facing some tough decisions. Should she stick with what’s been working or try to shake things up? And what’s the deal with her rival, who keeps trying to steal the spotlight? This one is all about stepping up your game, both on and off the field. It really dives into what it takes to lead a team while juggling friendships and rivalries.

3. The Kicks: Playing It Cool (2015)

*Playing It Cool* shows Devin at a crossroads-she’s improving as a player and a person, but she’s starting to realize it’s not just about the game. Her friendships, family life, and her place on the team are all on the line. The stakes are higher now, and it’s not all just about soccer anymore. Devin has to deal with pressures from all sides, but she’s determined to find a balance and lead her team. It’s one of those books where you really see the character growing up and realizing that sometimes, playing it cool isn’t the best move when things get real.

4. The Kicks: Soccer Fever (2016)

Now, this one is all about passion! In *Soccer Fever*, the team is finally starting to find its rhythm, and Devin is really in the groove of things-except for one little thing. Her love for soccer is getting stronger than ever, but so is her obsession with proving herself. As the pressure to win and perform increases, she finds herself wondering if maybe she’s overdoing it. Is it really worth losing her friendships for soccer glory? This book dives deep into what happens when your love for a sport starts to affect everything else in your life.

5. The Kicks: On the Line (2017)

In *On the Line*, Devin’s hitting the most intense part of her journey yet. With the championship in sight, the team is facing some serious pressure. Not just from opponents, but from personal issues and team dynamics that threaten to derail everything they’ve worked for. Devin has to confront her doubts and fears, not only about soccer but also about who she’s become along the way. Can she keep her head in the game, or will she lose everything she’s been fighting for? It’s a climactic moment for the series, and you’ll feel all the tension!

6. The Kicks: New Girl (2018)

*New Girl* is a bit of a breath of fresh air, but also a challenge for Devin. A new player joins the team, and she’s got serious skills-skills that threaten to take Devin’s spot. There’s a new sense of rivalry in the air, and Devin has to come to terms with the fact that her place on the team might not be as secure as she thought. It’s a huge moment for her to prove that it’s not just about being the best player, but about being a good teammate and leader, too. Plus, it’s all about growing up, learning from mistakes, and accepting that change can be a good thing.

7. The Kicks: No Time to Lose (2019)

In *No Time to Lose*, Devin has reached a critical point in her soccer career. Her future’s on the line, and so are the future of the team and her friendships. With some big decisions coming up, Devin’s going to have to decide where her priorities lie. It’s one of those moments where everything seems to be changing, and it’s up to her to decide what she really wants. Between the pressure of the game, her relationships, and the idea of leaving everything behind, this one’s got all the feels and tons of action. Talk about emotional growth!

Background On The Kicks Books

The Kicks series was created by Alex Morgan, a professional soccer player whose passion for the sport translates into each book’s authentic depiction of soccer culture and athletic life. The series follows the adventures of Devin Burke, a young soccer player navigating the challenges of middle school, a new team, and the pressures of striving to succeed in a sport she loves. Each book explores both on-field action and off-field dynamics, addressing themes such as leadership, resilience, and self-confidence. The series is noted for its accessibility to young readers, combining short chapters, engaging dialogue, and relatable character struggles with the thrill of competitive sports. Beyond sports, Morgan incorporates lessons about teamwork, dealing with failure, and the importance of friendship, making the books appealing not just to soccer fans but to any child interested in stories of growth and determination.

Reading Order Explained

Understanding the reading order of The Kicks series is crucial for following Devin’s journey in a coherent and meaningful way. The series is primarily sequential, with each book building on the events of the previous one, though each story can stand alone to some degree. The recommended reading order is:

1. Saving the Team – Introduces Devin, her move to a new town, and the struggles of joining a new soccer team.
2. Making the Team – Explores Devin’s efforts to solidify her place on the team while balancing school and friendships.
3. Kicking It – Focuses on developing team dynamics, overcoming personal doubts, and facing tougher competition.
4. Going for the Goal – Highlights high-stakes matches and personal growth, testing Devin’s perseverance.
5. Game On – Concludes key storylines, emphasizing teamwork, leadership, and the culmination of Devin’s journey in the series.

Following this order ensures that readers experience Devin’s character development, team relationships, and personal growth in the way Morgan intended, providing a richer emotional connection to the story.

What I Like About The Series?

There are countless aspects of The Kicks series that make it stand out, but several elements deserve special attention. First, the authenticity of the soccer scenes is remarkable; Morgan’s experience as a professional athlete shines through in her detailed depictions of drills, gameplay, and team strategy. Beyond the sport, the characters feel real and multidimensional. Devin, in particular, is relatable-she struggles with self-doubt, friendship drama, and the pressures of school and sports, which mirror challenges that many young readers face. The books are also structured in a way that encourages reluctant readers to stay engaged: chapters are short, dialogue is lively, and the pacing keeps tension high. Humor is sprinkled throughout, balancing serious moments with lighthearted fun, making the reading experience both entertaining and meaningful. Ultimately, the series excels in combining the exhilaration of sports with valuable lessons in resilience, leadership, and empathy.

Should You Read The Kicks Books In Order?

Yes, reading The Kicks series in order is highly recommended, though it’s not strictly necessary for enjoyment. The chronological progression allows readers to witness Devin’s growth, both as an athlete and as an individual navigating middle school life. Skipping books could mean missing important character development, evolving friendships, and overarching storylines that make the series more impactful. Each book builds on past events, reinforcing lessons and recurring themes. That said, Morgan’s writing is accessible enough that a reader could pick up any book and still enjoy the immediate story, though the emotional depth and continuity are best appreciated when read sequentially. For parents, educators, or young readers seeking the fullest experience, following the recommended order ensures the narrative’s integrity and the most satisfying reading journey.