September 1, 2020
Grades K-2 The King of Soccer comes to life in this vibrant addition to the Little People, Big Dreams series of picture-book biographies. Beginning with Pel�'s life in one of the poorest neighborhoods near Rio in Brazil, the authors introduce Pel� as he uses creativity to make his own soccer ball with which to practice. It's his love and dedication for the game, as well as his talents, that take him to the city of Santos by age 15 and to the World Cup by 16. Not only does Pel� help his team win multiple championships but he teaches young children soccer and helps in areas as poor as the one he grew up in, becoming an equally important hero off the field. Clear, smoothly flowing text in concise paragraphs provides excellent detail about Pel�'s life, while striking, colorful illustrations match the joy he expresses throughout his life. A brief time line of Pel� through the years follows the narrative, along with additional information about the soccer legend and his accomplishments.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)