Javaherbin, Mina. Soccer Star. Ill. by Renato Alarcão. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Books, 2014. ISBN 0763660566
Soccer Star is the story of Felino, a boy in Brazil who dreams of soccer fame. While his mother works and his sister Maria goes to school, he works for a fisherman to bring in money for his family. Felino introduces readers to his friends, all working in various capacities to bring in money, too (one friend dives for tourists, another shines shoes). Felino shows readers how he fishes, and narrates readers through his day until it is finally time to play soccer. His sister wants to play, too, and his teammates aren't at all happy about it. When a player injures his wrist, it is up to Felino to decide if Maria can fill in.
Javaherbin opens the book with Felino's declaration: "I am Paulo Marcelo Feliciano, and soon I will shine like a star". The quote sets an optimistic tone, yet readers still see a glimpse of the obstacles Felino must overcome. Felino's kindness (teaching his sister soccer, sharing his treats with others, admiring his friends for their talents) and his hard work ("Over and over, I cast the net") make him a character children will respect. Alarcão's illustrations (done in sepia ink with digitally added color) tell Brazil's story: small, glowing houses on hills, expansive blue fishing waters, and a proud people coming together to celebrate sport. The lines of cheering arms reaching for soccer balls and fishing lines, the movement of legs swiftly kicking in a game's frenzied excitement, and wispy smiles on earnest faces (young and old) lend vibrancy to the story.
As with Goal! (Javaherbin's 2006 picture book about boys who play soccer in South Africa), Soccer Star connects cultures through the love of game and a steadfast expression of hope.
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