Keeper

by Mal Peet

Summary:
Paul Faustino, a famous journalist, gets the assignment to write about the World Cup soccer star, El Gato, who is at the height of his career. He gets a story that is surprising and captivating. El Gato recounts growing up in Brazil and how exactly he got to be so good at playing soccer. His tale of being a scrawny, clumsy boy growing up in the rain forest and a mentor from a different world becomes quite the article.

Evaluation: Very unique and interesting spin on soccer, with some supernatural elements thrown in there. Great for soccer-lovers!
Reading level: Grades 8-12
Cautions: Mild language
Published by: Candlewick, 2007
Pages: 240