Football Star by Mina Javaherbin (author)

Just in time for the World Cup, an inspiring story of a Brazilian boy who dreams of being a football star – and the sister who steps in to help his team win a game.

When Paulo Marcelo Feliciano becomes a football star, crowds will cheer his famous name! Then his mother won’t have to work long hours, and he won’t have to work all day on a fishing boat. For now, Paulo takes care of his little sister Maria (she teaches him reading, he teaches her football moves) and walks her to school, stopping to give his team-mates cheese buns as they set out to shine people’s shoes or perform for the tourist crowd. At the day’s end, it’s time to plan the game, where Givo will bounce, Carlos will kick – and Jose will fly! But when Jose falls on his wrist, will the team finally break the rules and let a girl show her stuff? Set in a country whose resilient football stars are often shaped by poverty, this uplifting tale of transcending the expected scores a big win for all.