New German Soccer Series for Kids

In an age where girls are the biggest readers, children's book publisher Thienemann Verlag is making a push to get boys reading more with a new soccer series, the Z-Team. The series is written for boys - and girls - in two age groups: those 6 and up and those 8 and up. The first six books of the series were launched in early March - four for younger readers and two for older readers.

Set in the year 3002 - a World Cup year - when people live in tree houses and drive Z-Boards on solar streets, the books feature a whole new level of soccer game for young sports fans. Written by British-German author David Fermer, a former children's soccer coach, the series is also being released as audiobooks by Hörbuch Hamburg HHV, and there is a tie-in with sportswear featuring the Z-Team as well.

German Soccer star Gerald Asamoah has already purchased books for his Foundation for Cardiac Kids. "I would have liked the Z-Team books when I was a child!" says Asamoah.