Young Pele: Soccer's first star by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Title: Young Pele: Soccer's First Star
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Copyright: 2007, Schwartz & Wade Books
Grade: 2-5
Theme: Soccer, Winning, Fans.

Synopsis:
This is a story about a young boy whose mind was always on the field. When he was sitting in class or doing anything, he was thinking about playing soccer. Whenever he had a chance he was out on the field playing soccer with his friends. He started playing for a team, and in the end he scored a goal at the youth soccer tournament.

* Pele grew up to be the greatest player of soccer the world has ever known.

Pre-Reading Activity:
Have children talk about their favorite sport. Have them draw a picture of them playing some kind of a sport that they enjoy.

Post-Reading Activity:
Have children use computers to research about Pele. Teacher can always pick a few websites that the students can look at.

Reflection:
I really liked this book because I am a big soccer fan. It was nice to see how much this boy enjoyed playing soccer. It seemed that all that mattered to him was being out there on the field, and trying his hardest. it's nice to see his dedication and love for this sport. This is definitely a book for soccer fans! I enjoyed all the pictures too; they were full of color. Also, Pele is from Brazil, so it's a good way to talk about Brazil in classroom : )  ... it's always been a dream of mine to go and visit there : ) : ) : )

About the Author:
Lesa grew up in Malden, MA. She is a daughter of two nurses, and she is the youngest daughter of three. her mother used to take her to the library all the time and read to her. She enjoyed reading books and decided to start writing children's books herself one day. She began writing stories one day when her mother gave her a diary as a present. After getting married and after the birth of their child, James E. Ransome encouraged Lesa to start writing children's books.











"The foot of the poor man doesn't have a size"
* this is an amazing quote from the book. I think it is so true, because when you're poor and you can't afford shoes you don't really have a choice to pick and choose. You take what you can get and you appreciate it.