Soccer Star
Paolo and his friends love playing soccer when they aren’t working. Carlos shines shoes. Jose dives for the tourists. Givo helps with the carnival floats. Pedro harvests coconuts. And Paolo works for Señor da Silva, their coach, on his fishing boat. His little sister, Maria, would like to play soccer too, and she’s good! Paolo’s been teaching her soccer moves, just like she’s been teaching him math, since she goes to school. But the boys have a rule: Girls can’t play on their team. When Jose hurts his wrist during a big match on the beach, the team puts it to a vote, and Maria gets her chance to shine. “I am Paulo Marcelo Feliciano, the captain of this team. No storm, fall, or useless old rule can keep us from a win. Our fans will one day call us the stars. We will light every home in Brazil.” In the context of a lively story offering a glimpse of life for children in Brazil who must work to help their families, Mina Javaherbin underscores how playing and dreaming are universal. ©2014 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by Renato Alarcao
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 6-9
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Brazilians and Brazilian Americans
Economic Hardship and Poverty
Friendship
Girls and Women
Siblings
Sports
Work and Labor
Diversity subject:
Latine
Publisher:
Candlewick
Publish Year: 2014
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780763660567
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Javaherbin