Goal! by Mina Javaherbin

Javaherbin, M. (2010). Goal! Somerville,Ma: Candlewick Press.  ISBN  978076364571

Author:  Mina Javaherbin

Author Website:  minajavaherbin.com/

Illustrator:  A. G. Ford

Illustrator Website:  www.agfordillustration.com/

Media Used: Oil painting

Publisher:  Candlewick Press

Year of Publication:  2010

ISBN:  978076364571

Annotation:  This poetic tale of South African boys and their love of soccer is relatable to young readers.  They are proud and happy to have a real soccer ball but wary of bullies.  The friends outsmart the gang and continue playing.

Personal Reaction: Even though this story is simply written it has lessons for all school age children like how to outsmart intimidators, the power of groups and watching out for your own safety.  Young athletes will relate to the sheet joy of the game and being able to play with your friends. This is a good book for young athletes and for social interaction instruction.

Illustration:  The colorful paintings show the joy and energy in the boys at play and the tense standoff with the bullies.  The poetic narrative is enhanced by the simple pictures of the landscape of a South African town.  I especially liked the page where the bullies are taking the old plastic ball away and the young soccer friends all feign sadness and disappoint with losing their old ball.

Use of Media: With full page color illustrations the story’s myriad of emotions brings the narrative to life.

Use of Literary Device:  Rhyme and repetition are used throughout the text.