Keeper

I read this book for the schools summer reading program. I am a teacher and a former soccer player and coach. Even though the story as elements of fantasy and the supernatural, and is a sports story, it is, at its core, a story of family, of struggle, of growing up, and of giving back.The story is told as an interview between the world's best goalkeeper and a reporter. Through a long night of questions and answers, of fantastic stories and life growing up in the rain forest, the man who just helped his country win the biggest game in soccer, the World Cup final, tells the reporter, and US, the readers, what is truly important.A must read for soccer fans and sports fan. But also a great read for anyone who enjoys a story with a message.

This is not just for young adults as the back of the book implies. My son is a 16 year old select soccer player on a top ten team in the state of Washington and he loved it. So my wife read it and she liked it as well. So I read it and was surprised at how entertaining the story was. The mystical, or fantasy element wound around a very realistic story made for a great read. For those who actually play keeper (also called goalie or goalkeeper), the detailed scenes explaining how the keeper "reads" the leaning tendencies of the kicker as he shoots are incredible and actually taught my son, a midfielder, some things about shooting so as not to give away the direction of the shot. Keepers would get the same insights about shooters. And for those not into the esoterics of soccer you will surely enjoy the wonderful storyline of the underdog fighting through adversity.

This was an assigned book for my son’s summer reading. He ended up not liking it, so he switched assignments after starting this book. He said no matter how hard he tried, this book just couldn’t keep his interest and bored him. He’s 13.

The author shares his love and knowledge of this sport in a fantasy about a poor boy who is groomed to be the best Keeper in the world. The writing is so well done that even if you don't know soccer, you can picture the action and cheer for the saves! Imbedded in the story is a political cry to save the Rainforest. That message is effectively delivered but never gets in the way of an exciting story.

so I had to read this book for school and when I first saw it I was like oh no it's gonna be those stupid school books that you don't get anything from its. I was completely wrong. The first page got me going and I would finish meals early just so I could go read it. It got you on the edge of your seat like what's gonna happen next? It was s intense but interesting. I got totally recommend this book!

Loved this book! Would be great for middle school kids. It has a great story with a sweet twist at the end.

I am a fan of fantasy, not sports stories. And yet, from the opening lines, I was hooked. At its heart, it's the story of finding yourself and of honoring those who come before. Passing this along to my daughter to read!

Love this book, it is magical and beautifully written...so worth the read!!

I’ve just bought this book again as a present for a little boy I know. I read it to my son years ago and it’s the only book from his childhood which he remembers well and speaks about (occasionally). It’s a mix of football,Amazonian environmentalism,& ghost story. He found it engrossing. What more could you ask for in a book?!

I think this book is suitable for ages 7 and up. It is especially good for people interested in football and has surprises around every corner; I loved the surprises.This book is really interesting, helpful, and exciting. When the main character was being taught by the Keeper, I was also learning about football.The Author explains the settings so well that you can picture them in your brain, just like a movie. The characters come alive as they are explained wonderfully. This book reminds me of the movie Goal and Manchester United. I loved it!Patrick (12)

I've always felt that football, whatever its often ugly aspects, is a superb metaphor for life itself. It's easy to scoff at the notion that it can be a source of fine literature - and many do. They are unwise and they only have to read this book to see why. It's an epic of trial, honour, achievement and trust: it epitomises great human qualities and is written with an instinctive involvement in and understanding of a stern professional discipline. Wonderful, moving,gripping stuff.

I really loved this book. It was my first by this author and I was vey impressed. A great read for football mad children who need more than the basic Rob Child books. I have suggested it to many of my pupils already.

A joyous woven fabric of the most unexpected and eccentric threads. A genuine delight.I read this as my son was studying it at school. What I thought was the subject didn't interest me,but Mal Peets style of writing is magical.