Goal!

This beautiful book comes out just in time for the 2010 World Cup, but it will be treasured long after the games are over. The lyrical story is set in South Africa, amidst the kind of poverty that many American kids can hardly imagine. But the emotions of the book's young heroes are powerful, poignant, and universal - a reminder of our common humanity and the unifying power of sport. The courage and pluck these boys show in the face of the bullies they encounter will make you want to stand up and cheer.Bullying is a hot topic these days, and GOAL! will surely be a conversation-starter for both teachers and parents. When I read the book to my 5 1/2 year old, it sparked a great discussion about bullies and bullying, and about how different life can be in other parts of the world. But my son was quick to notice that these South African boys play and love soccer, just like he does. When I got to the end of the book, my son, who usually prefers nonfiction, said, "Read it again!"Javaherbin's poetic text and Ford's emotive oil paintings work beautifully together to create a story that is, in the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu's testimonial, "uplifting and inspiring." This is a story that stays with you. I would recommend it for anyone - child, adult, coach, fan - age 6 and up.

Bought this book for my class and I LOVE! It was bend badly when it arrived though.

I have a 3 yr old "book-worm." Eventhough he can't read yet, he expects 3 books to be read to him every night. I bought this book because 1)It's a typical boy storybook 2)it's different: ethically/geographically/socially. My son's very sharp, so he really felt for the boys in the story & he got angry @ the bullies; needless to say we had a little "how to defend yourself" lesson in the book. I like it. Archbishop Tutu, did a marvelous job!

My nephews adore this beautiful book! The story is educational and inspiring without feeling like it is trying to be. Really brilliant.

Beautiful book. Inspiring story. I first saw this book at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. i donated it to my granddaughter's school library.

With a romantic tone, the author tells a rather tough story drawn from what is probably happening right now somewhere in the world; and with the same romanticism, it tells of football succeeds to bring smiles and good times.

I just read this book to my 8 year old son and 5 year old daughter. We were all intrigued by it. The story is simple but touching. The illustrations were amazing and realistic. This is a story I can read over and over again.

This book was great. My son's name is in it so we all love it. Outside of that, we love the book because we love books about people from different cultures.

Such a disappointment for my grandson . There is very little text and it's not well written. Also, the text doesn't match the pictures very well. A poor story. My grandson adores his books but has never opened this one after its first reading.