Inspirational Soccer Stories for Young Readers

Do you think the game of soccer is powerful enough to stop a war? Indeed it is-it's happened several times in the history of the world's most popular sport-first, with the world's best player ever, Pelé from Brazil, in the late 1960s in Nigeria, and more recently with "Les Elephants" from Côte d'Ivoire in 2006. These legendary soccer stories are both here for your reading pleasure. And the best player to ever win the highly coveted World Cup? Now that Pelé has gone to a better place, maybe it's Lionel Messi (who overcame a severe growth deficiency as a kid) or perhaps his teammate Ángel di Maria (who bagged dirty coal with his dad before finally making it big). They're both here. In addition, you'll find inspiring soccer stories about: ¿ Michelle Akers who rose above discrimination, injury, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, to lead the U.S. women to World Cup glory¿ Maybe the greatest longshot in the history of the European Championship, Greece, beating all odds in 2004¿ The Japanese women winning the 2011 World Cup, soon after their homeland was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami ¿ Maradona's rise from poverty to score "The Hand of God" goal and "The Goal of The Century" in the same 1986 game¿ Famous players who make a difference on the field, and in society, helping others All 12 inspiring stories are suitable for kids and teens, told in a fast-paced, informative style. You'll enjoy reading all about what makes certain soccer players and wheelchair-bound coaches truly unique.