Starred review from July 26, 2021
Twelve-year-old Golden Maroni, the “smallest boy in the eighth grade. BY FAR,” dreams of emulating his hero, Argentine soccer champion Lionel Messi, and captaining Mudbury Middle School’s team despite his short stature. Golden’s world revolves around soccer, as it does for his parents, former soccer stars turned Mudbury K–8 coed team coaches: his mother, who is currently coaching his team, and his father, who is slowly dying from ALS after getting diagnosed a year and a half ago. Golden, cued as white, believes if he achieves 10,000 hours of training à la Gladwell, he’ll become a soccer master. But, deeper, he believes—and bargains with God—that if he perseveres, his father’s illness will not worsen. As plotlines parallel, Golden faces stinging triumphs and devastating setbacks in his quest to lead his team to the championships, just as he navigates his relationships with his father and best friends, Chinese American golden boy Benny Ho, and white neighbor Lucy Littlehouse, who might be moving to Maine. Makechnie (The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair) breathes life into both soccer scenes and contemporary struggles in this emotional tour de force centering family, love, grief, and death. Ages 8–12.
Starred review from June 1, 2021
Grades 4-8 *Starred Review* Golden Maroni is an eighth grader who dreams of being a great soccer player like his idol, Lionel Messi. When his dad, who is also a soccer player and local hero, is diagnosed with ALS, Golden refuses to acknowledge his dad's mortality. To make matters worse, Golden's best friend, with whom he shares a birthday, is moving to another state. Being a fervent believer that 10,000 hours of practice is what it takes to master something, Golden plans to put in many hours of work to achieve three goals: become the captain of his middle school soccer team, prevent his friend from moving away, and help his dad beat ALS. Despite his madcap attempts to maintain the status quo, Golden is forced to realize that even his best efforts may not be enough to prevent his life from changing. Under the surface of this sports story is a touching tale about family, love, and grief. The strength of this novel lies in Makechnie's (The Unforgettable Guinevere St. Clair, 2018) ability to create a compelling protagonist who strives to persevere despite great odds. Whether or not they are a fan of soccer, this title is sure to make readers laugh and cry. An excellent read-alike for Gary D. Schmidt's Pay Attention, Carter Jones, 2019.
COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Starred review from June 1, 2021
Eighth grader Golden Maroni diligently practices for soccer greatness while worrying about his father's degenerative illness. Golden is the smallest boy on his coed soccer team, but he's fast and determined. He believes that after spending 10,000 hours practicing and playing soccer, he'll eventually achieve mastery of the game, like his legendary idol, Lionel Messi. Soccer is his entire family's favorite sport--his father is a former soccer pro, and his parents are popular and successful local school coaches. But this year is different: Not only is it Golden's final shot at captain and leading his team to the championship, but it's 18 months since his beloved father was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. An optimist, Golden believes that with hard work and positive thinking his dad can beat ALS. When Golden and his best friend, Benny Ho, discover their mutual bestie, Lucy Littlehouse, might be moving to Maine, Golden refuses to accept that fact either. The author poignantly explores Golden's conflicting emotions as he learns to care for his dad, help his mom and three sisters, and come to terms with the prospect of loss. Most characters are cued as White; Benny is Chinese American and experiences racist abuse from rival teams. A heart-tugging and uplifting story about never giving up--on the soccer field, on loved ones, and on life. (Fiction. 9-13)
COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.