Golden Goal
by David Starr
At his new school, Dylan joins a soccer team of immigrant and refugee students. Getting to know his teammates provides Dylan with a lesson on teamwork and opens his eyes about real hardship.
When Dylan doesn't get off to a good start at his new school and gets in trouble for fighting, he has to join the soccer team with a group of immigrant and refugee students who play on a rough, gravel field. Mocked by his old team, Dylan becomes determined to bring his new team to the championship finals. Getting to know his teammates opens Dylans eyes about hardship, and shows him the value of a goal that wins in sudden-death play — a golden goal.
Golden Goal is one of four new books that offer readers insight into the experiences of refugee youth as they adjust to life in North America.
About the Author
Reviews
"The vocabulary is very suitable for the intended audience. Dialogue is extensive and realistic. The fast-paced plot adds to the enjoyment of the story ... The chapters end at a high point which would make this an excellent read-aloud choice ... Golden Goal would appeal to students who like soccer, team sports and realistic fiction. Highly Recommended."
Deborah Mervold, Educator,, CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"This is a fine book for reluctant readers or those wanting a good friends/sports book."
L Lee, Librarian,, NetGalley
"Rated G: Good, even great at times, generally useful!"
Lesley Little, Resource Links
"It was such a subtle and powerful look at class from a kid's perspective ... I have to applaud the author for tackling such a difficult subject with this book and doing it really well."
Isaiah Roby, NetGalley Reviewer
"Soccer United stands apart for discussing the modern refugee crisis and the difficulties of resettlement for middle school readers."
School Library Journal
Awards
Best Books for Kids & Teens Starred Selection - Canadian Children's Book Centre
2017
Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award
2019
Subjects (BISAC)
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Emigration & Immigration, JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Poverty & Homelessness, JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Values & Virtues, JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Soccer
Subjects
Juvenile Fiction, Juvenile Fiction: Kid Refugees, Juvenile Fiction: Sports, Juvenile Fiction: Sports: Soccer
Similar Titles
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Tournament Fugee
Unable to concentrate on his game because of the traumas he experienced in Syria, Victor, captain of a soccer team of refugee kids, discovers how to offer real leadership to his team during a national competition.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 660L
Golden Game
Abbas and his soccer team of fellow refugees are playing in a big tournament. When a traffic accident triggers crippling flashbacks to war-torn Syria, Abbas perseveres to support his teammates through the competition.$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 660L
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