Soccer Star

Soccer Star

book

2019, Children's Books, Growing Up & Facts of Life

WISE
81%

WISE Score

4.6

Amazon

Brazilian boy dreams of soccer stardom while his sister proves girls can play too—a sweet window into resilience and breaking rules.

Amazon4.6
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a solid, warm-hearted picture book that does what it sets out to do: show kids a slice of Brazilian life, model sibling cooperation, and sneak in a gender-inclusion win. The illustrations (not described in detail here, but Renato Alarcão's art is vibrant) bring the favela to life without romanticizing poverty.

It's not groundbreaking—the 'girl proves herself' plot is familiar, and the 'sports as salvation' angle could be more complex—but for the target age, it works. Kids get empathy-building exposure to economic inequality without nightmares, see cooperation and rule-breaking for good reasons, and enjoy a story about soccer dreams.

The 4.6 Amazon rating suggests parents and kids genuinely like it. It's a good choice for families wanting diverse, internationally-set stories that aren't just 'poverty tourism' but actually show kids as capable, dreaming humans. Not a forever classic, but a keeper for the bookshelf.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-9. Young enough to appreciate the picture book format and sibling relationship, old enough to start understanding that kids around the world have very different lives. The poverty context is gentle but present, so it works for early elementary kids beginning to grasp economic differences.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Models sibling cooperation (Paulo teaches Maria soccer, she teaches him reading), community support (sharing cheese buns with teammates), and family responsibility. The story centers on children helping each other and working together, with Paulo caring for his sister and the team ultimately breaking gender barriers to include Maria. The tone is warm and uplifting without being saccharine.

Imaginative
72

The story uses vivid imagery of soccer moves and Brazilian life, with playful descriptions like 'Givo will bounce, Carlos will kick, and Jose will fly!' The setting in a Brazilian favela offers a window into a different culture and way of life. However, it's a fairly straightforward narrative without fantastical elements or particularly inventive storytelling techniques. It invites kids to imagine soccer dreams and different lives, but doesn't push creative boundaries.

Safe
92

This is a gentle picture book with no concerning content. The poverty context is handled sensitively—showing kids working (fishing boat, shining shoes, performing for tourists) but in an age-appropriate way that doesn't traumatize. No violence, scary elements, or inappropriate content. The only reason it's not higher is that some young kids might have questions about why Paulo and his friends have to work instead of just playing.

Enriching
83

Offers meaningful exposure to economic inequality and resilience, showing how poverty shapes children's lives in other countries. The gender inclusion angle—letting a girl play when the team needs her—is handled organically. Kids learn about Brazilian culture, the importance of soccer in some communities, and how dreams can motivate people through hardship. The sibling teaching dynamic (reading for soccer moves) shows mutual learning. Strong empathy-building potential, though the 'soccer as escape from poverty' narrative could be more nuanced.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Authentic glimpse into Brazilian favela life without being heavy-handed or depressing
  • Gender barrier-breaking handled naturally—Maria just shows her skills when the team needs her
  • Shows kids supporting each other across different kinds of work and dreams
  • The sibling dynamic is genuinely sweet: he teaches her soccer, she teaches him reading
  • Introduces the reality that not all kids have the same opportunities, building empathy without trauma
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What to Watch For

  • Shows children working (fishing, shining shoes, street performing) which might prompt questions about why they're not in school all day
  • The 'sports as only escape from poverty' narrative is a bit simplistic, though age-appropriate
  • Some kids might feel sad about Paulo's mother working long hours and the family's economic situation

Conversation Starters

  • "Why do you think Paulo and his friends have to work during the day? How is that different from your life?"
  • "Maria wasn't allowed to play at first because she's a girl. Have you ever been told you can't do something because of who you are?"
  • "Paulo takes care of his little sister and teaches her soccer. What could you teach a younger kid?"
  • "Why do you think soccer is so important to Paulo and his friends? What's your big dream?"

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