Book Information
- Series: Lorimer Sports Stories
- Imprint: James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers
- Publication Date: 21 March 2012
- Copyright Year: 2012
- ISBN: 9781459400665
- Page Count: 128
- Dimensions: 5" x 7.75"
- Interest ages: 10-13
- Reading level: Grade 3
Purchasing Information
Playing for Keeps
by Steven Sandor
A soccer player in a hockey town struggles to fit into his small-town Alberta community
Hockey rules in Branko Stimac's new hometown, where its star players get the royal treatment. Any other sport -- like soccer, where Branko excels -- is considered second-rate. This means the sacrifices Branko's Croatian immigrant father made so he can play in Canada go unnoticed, as does Branko's stellar goalkeeping.
When Branko makes it onto the Edmonton Select team as the second-string keeper, he keeps the accomplishment to himself, sure that no one in his home town will care. But then a video of one of his spectacular saves gets posted on a sports blog and goes viral. Suddenly Branko has more attention than he dreamed of.
About the Author

Reviews
"Author Sandor deals with these issues in an appealingly realistic manner"
Lesley Little, Resource Links
"An authentic portrayal of hockey versus soccer along with a convincing immigrant story mark Playing For Keeps as truly Canadian."
Yahong Chi, CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"a short, lively novel... This is a book about an Edmontonian soccer player and it provides an accurate reflection of that community"
Benjamin Massey, www.maple-leaf-forever.com
Awards
One of the Year's Best for 2012 -- Resource Links
2012
Subjects (BISAC)
Subjects
Juvenile Fiction, Juvenile Fiction: Immigrant, Juvenile Fiction: Sports, Juvenile Fiction: Sports: Soccer
Similar Titles
-
Camp All-Star
Red-hot, pumped-up, on-court action. That's what summer basketball camp promises to deliver, and that's what Jeff Lang is determined to get.$9.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 4Lexile Reading Level: 840LGallop for Gold
Another summer with Remington Wickers? Kiff Kokatow will go crazy. Remington spoiled his summer two years ago.$6.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Rink Rivals
When the Selkirk family moves from their remote Cree community to Calgary, life is turned upside down for twin brothers Evan and Bryn. When the boys start lying to new friends to win approval, they have to rely on each other to gain the courage to set things right.$9.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 4Lexile Reading Level: 750LRink Rivals
Rink Rivals deals with sibling rivalry and peer pressure in a fast-paced novel aimed at boys eight to thirteen.$8.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 4Lexile Reading Level: 750L
Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top