Soccer Star. (Yellow Bananas). Michael Hardcastle. Illustrated by Ken Cox. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2002. 48 pp., pbk. & cl., $7.16 (pbk.), $18.36 (cl.). ISBN 0-7787-0979-5 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0933-7 (cl.). Subject Headings: Soccer-Fiction. Grandfathers-Fiction. Grades 3-5 / Ages 8-10. Review by Denise Weir. **** /4

excerpt:

"Can we go and see Grandpa tonight?" Oscar asked his mom as she drove him to school on her way to work. "Look, you're not going to try and get around him so you can miss the anniversary lunch," she said firmly.

Oscar's excitement over being selected for the local soccer team, his new team jersey, and real cleats is short lived when he learns that his grandparents' thirtieth wedding anniversary celebration is on the same day as his first game.

     Breaking his mother's ultimateum, Oscar pleads with his grandfather to allow him to attend the game. Understanding the dynamics of the situation and Oscar's excitement, his grandfather finds a compromise. Oscar will attend the anniversary after the soccer game, and the family will watch a video of the game after the anniversary.

     While largely appealing to boys, this story may appeal to athletic children of either gender. Both girls and boys will be able to relate to Oscar's emotions, torn loyalties, and the intergenerational family dynamics. Although print heavy, the vocabulary of this chapter book will be easily handled by confident readers. Colourful pictures convey a sense of speed, power, skill, and emotions associated with athletic activities. Topics for discussion could include sportsmanship, soccer terms, and the art of compromise. In general, this is a well written book; however, the reviewer wondered how many children actually wear "cleats."

Highly Recommended.

Denise Weir, of Brandon, MB, is a consultant with Manitoba Culture Heritage and Tourism, Public Library Services.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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