The Kicks Books In Order (2026): Full Collection Guide
Note: This page contains affiliate links.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.
Soccer, friendship, and coming-of-age experiences intersect beautifully in The Kicks series, a collection of novels that have captivated young readers for over a decade. Authored by Lucy, this series combines the thrill of the game with relatable life lessons, creating a world where sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth take center stage. While at first glance, these books may seem like straightforward sports stories, they carry layers of emotion, humor, and authenticity that make them resonate deeply with readers navigating their own adolescent experiences. In a genre often dominated by male-centric narratives, The Kicks stands out by presenting a compelling, female protagonist who balances her athletic ambitions with everyday challenges, offering inspiration and a sense of belonging to young readers of all genders.
The Kicks Books In Chronological Order
| The Kicks: Saving the Team (2014) | Details |
| The Kicks: Revenge of the Flower Girls (2015) | Details |
| The Kicks: All Star Adventure (2016) | Details |
| The Kicks: Soccer Disaster (2017) | Details |
| The Kicks: Soccer Team Switch (2018) | Details |
| The Kicks: World Cup Dreams (2019) | Details |
List Of The Kicks Books In Order
1. The Kicks: Saving the Team (2014)
Okay, so this is where it all starts! In Saving the Team, we meet the main character, Devin, who’s moving to a new school and is trying to fit in while also navigating her passion for soccer. She quickly realizes the school’s soccer team is, well, not the best, and she’s determined to make a difference. With her love for the sport, Devin is bound and determined to turn things around. But it’s not just about kicking the ball around-it’s also about fitting in, making friends, and dealing with all those middle school challenges that seem so huge at the time.
2. The Kicks: Revenge of the Flower Girls (2015)
Okay, so Devin’s back, and this time, there’s drama-big time! In Revenge of the Flower Girls, the stakes get higher as she deals with the pressure of team performance while trying to juggle personal stuff, too. The soccer team is now a bit better, but there’s a new issue-her best friend isn’t happy about Devin’s increased focus on soccer. This book is packed with friendship drama, personal growth, and of course, some great soccer moments. Devin’s journey shows that even when you’re trying to win on the field, winning in friendships is just as important.
3. The Kicks: All Star Adventure (2016)
In All Star Adventure, Devin’s skills are really starting to shine, and guess what? She’s going to an all-star soccer camp! But here’s the catch: it’s not just all about soccer. There are new people, new challenges, and of course, a whole new level of competition. Devin has to learn how to balance her dreams with reality, and figure out what kind of teammate and friend she really wants to be. It’s a whole adventure, and you’re rooting for her every step of the way. The tension and excitement really ramp up in this one.
4. The Kicks: Soccer Disaster (2017)
Things get a little crazy in Soccer Disaster. Devin faces a real-life soccer dilemma when she and her team are caught up in some seriously tricky situations both on and off the field. Whether it’s team conflicts, personal struggles, or dealing with all the expectations, it’s clear that Devin needs to pull things together. But she can’t do it alone. This book is all about finding your way through the mess of it all and learning that sometimes things have to get a little messy before they can get better.
5. The Kicks: Soccer Team Switch (2018)
And just when you think things are calming down, Soccer Team Switch comes in and flips the script! The team’s dynamic changes completely when Devin’s coach decides to shake things up by switching players around. It’s tough for everyone, and Devin has to learn how to adapt to a totally new role on the field. But, through all the challenges, she starts to realize that change, while hard, can lead to growth and unexpected opportunities. It’s a book all about teamwork, flexibility, and finding your place even when it’s not where you thought you’d be.
6. The Kicks: World Cup Dreams (2019)
Finally, we reach World Cup Dreams. Devin and her teammates have come a long way from where they started. They’re older, more experienced, and the stakes are higher than ever. In this book, Devin gets the chance to pursue her ultimate dream-making it to a prestigious soccer tournament. But it’s not all smooth sailing. Devin has to work harder than ever to prove herself and support her friends along the way. The lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and never giving up are all front and center in this one, and it’s the perfect climax to the series’ journey!
Overview Of The Kicks Books
The Kicks is a series centered on Devin Burke, a young soccer enthusiast navigating the highs and lows of middle school and competitive sports. The books follow her journey through personal growth, friendships, and athletic triumphs, capturing the excitement of youth sports with honesty and humor. Each installment highlights a particular phase in Devin’s life, whether she’s tackling her fears on the soccer field, building confidence in her leadership skills, or learning how to handle setbacks gracefully.
Beyond just soccer, the series emphasizes themes like resilience, integrity, and empathy. Lucy’s writing style is approachable yet layered, striking a delicate balance between entertaining action-packed sequences on the field and introspective moments that reveal the inner world of a young athlete. Supporting characters-teammates, family, and rivals-are richly developed, providing a vivid, multidimensional backdrop that enhances the narrative. The combination of sports action, relatable struggles, and heartfelt victories makes The Kicks a series that is not only fun to read but also meaningful for young readers learning to navigate their own challenges.
Understanding The Recommended Reading Sequence
While each book in The Kicks series can technically be enjoyed on its own, there is a recommended reading sequence that allows readers to fully appreciate Devin’s journey. The series is carefully structured so that characters, relationships, and story arcs develop progressively. Jumping in mid-series may still provide an entertaining story, but some emotional nuances and character growth may be less impactful if earlier experiences and lessons are skipped.
Following the recommended order ensures that readers witness Devin’s growth organically-from her initial insecurities and small victories to her more confident and strategic decisions later on. Key moments, such as her developing leadership skills, evolving friendships, and nuanced rivalries, build on experiences established in earlier books. This structure creates a satisfying continuity, turning each book into both a standalone adventure and a part of a larger, cohesive narrative arc.
What I Enjoy About The Series
One of the most compelling aspects of The Kicks series is its ability to weave authenticity into every aspect of Devin’s life. Lucy captures the emotional realities of adolescence-navigating friendships, dealing with disappointment, and learning self-confidence-with a lightness and humor that never feels forced. On the soccer field, the pacing of the matches and the tension of competitions are exhilarating, but they are balanced with quiet moments of reflection that allow readers to connect with Devin on a deeper level.
I particularly enjoy the way the series handles the theme of perseverance. Devin’s journey isn’t about being the perfect player or never making mistakes; it’s about learning, adapting, and growing from challenges. The series also excels at showcasing team dynamics and the importance of collaboration, illustrating that success is often as much about character and effort as it is about talent. The humor sprinkled throughout the books, along with relatable middle-school scenarios, adds charm and accessibility, making these stories memorable and engaging for young readers and adults alike.
Is It Important To Read The Kicks Books In Order?
While each Kicks book offers a self-contained narrative, reading them in order significantly enhances the overall experience. The series builds on character development, relationship dynamics, and story continuity in ways that can be missed if one skips around. Key friendships, rivalries, and emotional milestones unfold gradually, and encountering them out of sequence may reduce the impact of Devin’s growth and the lessons she learns along the way.
That said, Lucy’s writing ensures that newcomers are never completely lost. Each book provides enough context to enjoy the story independently. However, for readers seeking a richer understanding of Devin’s journey, her evolving team, and the intricacies of her personal challenges, following the series in its intended order is highly recommended.
