An inspiring story of a Brazilian boy who dreams of being a soccer star – and the sister who steps in to help his team win a game. When Paulo Marcelo Feliciano becomes a soccer star, crowds will cheer his famous name! Then his mother won’t have to work long hours, and he won’t have to work all day on a fishing boat. For now, Paulo takes care of his little sister Maria (she teaches him reading, he teaches her soccer moves) and walks her to school, stopping to give his teammates cheese buns as they set out to shine people’s shoes or perform for the tourist crowd. At day’s end, it’s time to plan the game, where Givo will bounce, Carlos will kick, and Jose will fly! But when Jose falls on his wrist, will the team finally break the rules and let a girl show her stuff? Set in a country whose resilient soccer stars are often shaped by poverty, this uplifting tale of transcending the expected scores a big win for all.
I had a hard time figuring out what this book was about...a little about poverty, a little about children having to work and the myriad ways they earn money, a lot about soccer and dreams of stardom, and a little about empowering girls and expanding what they're allowed to do... but I did like it. the illustrations are great as well.
Mina Javaherbin is the author of many picture books including Goal! and Soccer Star. Born in Iran, she now lives in Southern California with her husband and two children, who are avid soccer players and fans of the sport. m
Nothing yet! Let Mina Javaherbin know that you want to hear from them about their book.
Nothing yet! Let Renato Alarcao know that you want to hear from them about their book.
This page is starting to look fantastic!
Just the barebones.
Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.