Young Pele: Soccer's First Star

by Lesa Cline-Ransome, James E. Ransome (Illustrator)

HOW DID A POOR BOY named Edson--who kicked rocks down roads and dribbled balls made from rags--go on to become Pele, the greatest soccer player of all time? While other kids memorized letters, Edson memorized the scores of soccer matches. And when Edson finally played in a youth soccer tournament in the town of Bauru, Brazil, he focused on only one thing from the moment the whistle blew: the goal.

Here is the picture book biography of the boy who overcame tremendous odds to become the world champion soccer star Pele.

Genres: Biography, Sports, Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Brazil

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 2007

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will happily read and share any of the wonderful picture book biographies produced by this wife and husband author/illustrator team. This book introduces us to Pelé as a young boy just getting started with a soccer team. His ball is made of sock and string. His team plays without shoes. Yet Pelé continues to follow his dream to become a professional soccer player. In 1958 he was the youngest (17) player to compete in a World Cup Championship. No wonder his name is synonymous with excellence, speed, and grace on the soccer field.

[Thomas Andrikus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pelé is one of the best sportsperson ever lived...on par with Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, et al. His story of rags to riches is not uncommon among Brazilian football players, but there is a lot to admire in his sole lifelong dedication to football.

The only thing this book is lacking is the fact that his father (who was a footballer himself) played a major part in showing Pelé the right techniques. Pelé was never a lazy player, but he lacked technique, and it was his father who showed him how to play properly.

Overall, this is a must read for people of all ages. It takes around 20 minutes to finish (as it is more of an illustrated children's book), but it is more entertaining to read about Pelé's life from this book than from any Wikipedia page about him.

[Hanna Mammo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the childhood of famous soccer player Pele. This book focuses on Pele's young life as a soccer player in the fields of Brazil and how he dreamed of one day becoming the best Soccer player in Brazil. This is another book that I would use as a reading motivator for those kids that struggle with reading for what every reason but may have a huge interest in soccer. I would also use this book to incorporate different culture in the class because some of the words are written in Spanish. I could also use this book a a way to teaching my students how to use context clues for a better understanding of unknown words or of words that are written in a different language.

[Katie Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about Edson do Nascimento's, a poor Brazilian boy who only dreamt about soccer. It was on his mind regardless of where he was or what he was doing. This well-done picture book is about the journey of how soccer changed his childhood and how he adopted his nickname, Pele. I personally learned a lot about Pele through this book. It was an easy to read step-by-step event book that I think all young children especially who love soccer, would enjoy this story. Oil paints are magnificently used, giving a real life feeling of how Pele actually grew up.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very touching picture book about the Young Pele. Pele lived a life in poverty in Brazil and he was the type of kid who loved sports, not book learning. His schooling amounted to a type of torture in which he suffered constant punishments for not paying attention before finally fleeing school and refusing to come back. Luckily, he was great in soccer and eventually became the first international soccer star. A very well written book with a lot to think about. I really liked this book and found it enlightening.

[Valerie Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a young boy,that eat,sleep and practice kicking a soccer ball all day long. He and his friends finally forms a team but they couldn't afford to buy any shoes. It took three of the teammate's dad to take over the team and managed them. He was able to get them some hand me down shoes. When they did get to play in the soccer tournament they won and Pele was the crowd favorite. He grew up to be a famous soccer player.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shares Edson do Nascimento's soccer filled childhood, from age 8 to about 12. Talks about how he took on the nickname Pele, was consumed with soccer, and how his first soccer team played without shoes. Author's note fills in the remaining details. Oil paint illustrations are wonderfully done, giving readers a glimpse into what Pele's hometown may have looked like.

[Arcy Sr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never knew that Pele was a poor kid, i thought he was rick when he was a kid.He was a poor kid and he was the best soccer player in the world and he invented the soccer trick the bicycle kick i think he might of tough us something never give up on your self.

[Margarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was amazing not just because it's Pele (the greatest man ever) but because it shows you how he used to be in poverty and how he has grown from that and that he became the greatest soccer player ever!

[Christi · Rating 3 out of 5]

learned a lot about pele---interesting.

[Ald · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's about loyalty and perseverance. Good for ages 5-7.I whould use it.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

great for kids who love soccer

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about Pele's younger life and the mystery behind the name.

[Alex Wakeham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a biography of Edson do Nascimento, who is known as the world's first soccer star. I think this book would be an informational and interesting read for young soccer players, as it might teach them a little bit of the history of soccer. Its also an amazing story of a boy from extremely poor conditions, who overcame his challenges to fulfill his dreams.

[Genevieve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast quick story for children about the soccer star Pele when he was a child. It was well written and would be inspirational for kids who want to follow a dream but think they are too poor or not smart enough.

A great little story.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography of Pele not only had good information and lovely pictures, it was written with heart. Highly recommended!

[Amy]

1940-
note in back
covers his childhood
Brazil
spoke Portuguese
poverty
soccer

[Ms. Tongate, TLC Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great secondary read aloud for Spanish classes.