MY TAKE ON THE BOOK: The game of soccer is known around the world as “the beautiful game.” As a huge fan of soccer, I can find countless reasons to call it beautiful. However I really like how the author, Mina Javaherbin, describes soccer in her note on the inside of the back cover: “Foo... more

MY TAKE ON THE BOOK: The game of soccer is known around the world as “the beautiful game.” As a huge fan of soccer, I can find countless reasons to call it beautiful. However I really like how the author, Mina Javaherbin, describes soccer in her note on the inside of the back cover: “Football is magic to me. Where there is a ball, there’s hope, laughter, and strength.” This story has all of those above elements. In the group of boys playing soccer, those elements of hope, laughter, and strength are present in their friendships with each other and in their strength in facing up to the bullies. Not only is this an enjoyable read, but it can also be a great book for discussing how sports can be used to unify a community and help them deal in difficult times. It can also be a good way to discuss how kids in other countries deal with adversity. The story is also beautifully illustrated by A.G. Ford. The pictures are large and colorful oil paintings. Many of them are full spread action shots expressing the tensions of the story. This book is appropriate for children ages 6-10. You can visit the Book Dads store to purchase this book.