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Soccer Star (2014)

by Mina Javaherbin(Favorite Author)

4.12 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0763660566 (ISBN13: 9780763660567)

languge

English

genre

Middle Grade & Children's

publisher

Candlewick Press

review 1: Through showing one Brazilian boy’s story of dreams of becoming a soccer star, the author gives a glimpse of children in Brazil who have risen out of poverty through soccer. Like basketball and football dreams in the U.S., children who love a sport, and play it every time possible to improve, some do escape their tough lives. Through the story, on his way to take his little sister to school and then to the fishing boat where he works, Paulo meets his other teammates at their jobs. Mina Javaherbin smoothly shows that all the boys are working, “not” going to school. One dives for tourists, another paints floats for parades, an still another shines shoes. The wording is so clever, sharing dreams even there, like in the visit with the boy who shines shoes, Paulo says �... more��I know that one day his fancy footwork will score us brilliant goals.” At the end of the day, the boys have a game, even though tired from a full day of work. The illustrations are beautiful realistic depictions of each part that is told. The book will be wonderful for children who are in similar situations (mother leaving for a long work day, taking care of younger siblings).
review 2: Having enjoyed GOAL by Mina Javaherbin, a Texas Bluebonnet nominee a couple of years ago, I was excited to receive an advance copy of SOCCER STAR. SOCCER STAR is set in Brazil, which is where this year's World Cup will take place. Readers are introduced to Paulo Marcelo Felciano and his goal to become a soccer star so that his mom won't have to work so much. As Paulo goes about his day, taking care of his sister Maria, and fishing to help his family, the reader meets his teammates, who are also working odd jobs to help their families. Along with this look into the poverty in this area, you also see how Paulo and Maria help each other. Maria teaches her brother things she learns in school, and Paulo helps her with soccer. Maria asks often to play on Paulo's soccer team, but some of the boys are determined to keep their team a "boys only" team, and so even though Maria is a very good soccer player, she is told no. When a player gets hurt, the team must decide whether to bring in Maria to help win the big game. This book provides many opportunities for discussions about overcoming poverty, working hard to achieve goals, and taking care of your family. Just as with GOAL, readers learn about a culture different from their own, which opens up their world just a bit. The vibrant illustrations by Renato Alarcao bring to life SOCCER STAR with beautiful colors and a sharpness on each page.I read this book to several different grade levels, including 6th grade, and all groups enjoyed the story as well as the illustrations! Score! less

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