Sports. In a perceptive tale of friendship and sports, this multicultural early reader shows how Sam's visiting Mexican cousin overcomes the language barrier by teaching soccer to his new friends.

Sam's cousin from Mexico comes or an extended visit and teaches Sam and all the second graders to play soccer.

Summary: 2nd Grader Sam welcomes his cousin Marco from Mexico, but is worried when he discovers he does not know English well. While browsing at the mall, Marco's face lights up at a display of soccer balls. This book contains several short sentences in Spanish and is relatable to those who have experienced being in a place without knowing the language.