Arcady's Goal

by Eugene Yelchin

From Newbery Honor–winning author Eugene Yelchin comes another glimpse into Soviet Russia. For twelve-year-old Arcady, soccer is more than just a game. Sent to live in a children's home after his parents are declared enemies of the state, it is a means of survival, securing extra rations, respect, and protection. Ultimately, it proves to be his chance to leave. But in Soviet Russia, second chances are few and far between. Will Arcady seize his opportunity and achieve his goal? Or will he miss his shot?

This title has Common Core connections.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Sports, Russia, Childrens, Fiction, Historical

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2014

Reviews

[Katie Hanna]

I honestly don't know what to rate this, in terms of reading enjoyment.

The story itself was beautiful, the characters were wonderful, but the large-print format KILLED ME. I cannot stand large print. It leaves too much blank space between the lines of the letters and it fills my brain with white emptiness and it makes me cringe constantly and just aaggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

So I couldn't really enjoy reading it, despite how well-written it was, because letters on the page LOOKED WRONG. I'm sorry if that sounds like a dumb reason not to enjoy something, but that's the truth. To paraphrase Winnie the Pooh, I'm a very visual person. And visual things Bother Me.

I really, really, really hope that someday this story is made available in some other format, so I can read it and actually have fun with it.

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great boy's book. Great read aloud story for any family looking for stories of other times and cultures.
Arcady is a kid in a Soviet prison camp because his parents allegedly were enemies of the state. He has no future. Except...
No spoilers.
Really well done, gently addressing trauma kids, life in a communist regime, and soccer.
I will be looking for other books by this author.

[Allison Tebo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read more than one book set in a Communist country, but this one is perhaps one of the most poignant of them all. The tighter the focus of the story and the stronger the normalcy of our characters actions the more chilling the backdrop of horror becomes. This book revolves around Arcady’s consuming love of soccer, and, because of that deliberate focus, we feel the things Arcady is ignoring even more intensely – the fear, the hunger, the uncertainty . . . and the gradual sense of belonging.

Written in a spare, brutally understated style that makes every bit of Arcady’s pain hit the reader even harder, it also creates a kind of beautiful, lyrical sound to a distressing story. Though this story shines a light on the true nature of the evils of Socialism and Communism, it is also a touching father son story that is sure to move you deeply.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read and reviewed for School Library Journal (issue 2014-07-01):

After his parents are accused of being enemies of the state, 12-year-old Arcady grew up being carted from orphanage to orphanage in Soviet Russia. Although Arcady hasn't had a great childhood, he is great at soccer. In fact, his soccer skills are his ticket out of the orphanage when soft-hearted schoolteacher-turned-orphanage-inspector, Ivan Ivanych, sees Arcady play on an inspection and decides to adopt him. Believing the inspector is actually recruiting youth players for the Soviet's greatest team —the Red Army—in disguise, Arcady calls his new benefactor Coach, and treats him like one, always trying to impress Coach with his skills. Ivan lives up to his new title, creating a youth soccer team just for Arcady to play on. Through this team, Arcady finds that he and Coach are more alike than he originally thought, he learns the true colors of the communist attitude, and he finds his and Ivan's next ticket out of exile: a tryout for the real Red Army soccer team. In tune with his Newbery Honor book, Breaking Stalin's Nose (Holt, 2011), Yelchin's latest features quick and easy chapters, stimulating, true-to-life characters, and beautiful, mood-setting illustrations. Although a rough knowledge of Soviet Russia would help readers understand Arcady's world from the get-go, a foreword and author's note orient readers outright. Kids can also infer context from Arcady's own growing understanding of his country's situation. This title is a great suggestion for those who enjoy the soccer stories by Matt Christopher, historical fiction, and war stories.In tune with his Newbery Honor book, Breaking Stalin’s Nose, Yelchin is back with quick and easy chapters, stimulating, true-to-life characters, and beautiful, mood-setting illustrations. Although a rough knowledge of Soviet Russia would help readers understand Arcady’s world from the get-go, a forward and author’s note orient readers outright, while readers can also infer from Arcady’s own growing understanding of his country’s situation. This title is a great suggestion for those who enjoy the soccer stories of Matt Christopher, historical fiction, and war stories, who are between 5th and 9th grade.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a book so quickly in a while, nor have I read a book that I didn't want to end in a long time. This, Arcady's Goal, is such a book. I can't imagine any student not loving the story of Arcady, a young boy, in a children's camp for children of the Soviet Union's enemies. He has only one dream, to play soccer for the communist red team. It's more broadly a story of all the children who were taken from their parents mostly on whim of others, and it's also a story of a kind man who had suffered this outrageous and cruel act because his young wife too was taken because she taught German. The scene when the man frees Arcady and walks him home is breathtakingly poignant, showing Arcady noticing things, "Music from someplace, a woman singing in a pretty voice. A cat is licking its paw. A potted plant. Behind a big glass window, all kinds of bread I've never seen before, sprinkled with salt, with sugar, twisted and rolled and studded with dark shiny things." Remember, this boy Arcady has been in prison since he was in diapers. He's never seen any of this.
Much later in a conversation with his new adoptive father, Arcady ask why so many have been taken away. The answer given is that if everything is taken, those fighting will have nothing to lose. (This is in preparation for the war with Germany.) Arcady thinks, "Everyone knows it's easy to fight when you have nothing to lose, but you fight harder when you have something to keep." I also didn't know remember that Eugene Yelchin is an illustrator, and he has added some beautiful black and white sketches to this story. It's a wise book, telling a story that stands by itself as a protest. I loved every bit, and really am sorry it's already finished.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his second book that takes place during the Stalinist-era Soviet Union, Yelchin once again creates a story that really speaks to me. The aftereffects and consequences of what happens to families of "enemies" of the people are briefly discussed at the end of the book. The part that really seemed to stick with me was that "the Communist Party ensured that this trauma would live on even after the demise of Communism. It did so by shattering the families of the enemies of the people." As someone who grew up in Soviet Ukraine and was a Refusenik (and therefore an enemy of the state), I can completely relate to this. The Communist Party tried to destroy my own family. Arcady's Goal is a great and important book for Middle Graders and above, and it explains a piece of not often discussed history in a well-rounded story. It centers around an orphan named Arcady who's parents were enemies of the Communist state, his love of soccer, and what happens when everything Arcady knows so far in his life is flipped on its head.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

With small pages, a larger font, and many black and white illustrations, some encompassing a two-page spread, this historical fiction story is a fast read. The author wrote and illustrated the book, and his pictures show a wide range of emotions that can help children understand the character's feelings and experiences.

The reader is immediately immersed in the desperately world of a Soviet orphanage for children of criminals of the state who were executed. Life there is very difficult and the boys have little to eat. The only entertainment is playing one on one soccer under the watchful eyes of armed guards.

Arcady, one of the orphans, is the best soccer player in the facility and is put on display as form of entertainment for inspectors who visit the orphanage. He is subsequently adopted by one of them after displaying his fiery spirit and prowess on the soccer field. But despite having enough food, clothing, love, and attention, he is not able to relax and just be a child. His adoptive father, having lied about his name, his past relationships, and his qualifications, lives in constant fear, too.

The tragedies of the Great Purge were terrible, but have not been as publicized as other genocidal acts. Real and potential political rivals of Joseph Stalin were exiled, imprisoned, or executed. Some leaders were executed and erased from photographs in an attempt to remove them from history. Writers, artists, educators and even common citizens were arrested as 'enemies of the people.' Neighbors turned in other neighbors, and fear and distrust reigned.

I love that the author shares that the story is based in part on his father and he includes a photo of his father with his teammates on the Red Army Soccer Club in the fit's pages of the book. Despite the heartbreaking nature of the plot, it's a touching story and an age-appropriate way to introduce this part of Soviet history.

interesting quotes:

"But enemies of the birds would not be birds, most likely. Birds wouldn't do a thing like that to each other. Leave it to people." (p. 87)

"" (p.)

[Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose Eugene Yelchin's Arcady's Goal because I had read his previous novel Breaking Stalin's Nose and because I am interested in multicultural and international middle grades literature.

Arcady is the child of parents who have been labeled "enemies of the state." As such, he lives in a children's home that is little different from a prison camp. His goal? Escape. His means? Soccer. When Arcady is unexpectedly adopted by a single man, his goal comes into focus. It's more achievable and more difficult than he ever thought.

With his skillful illustrations and lyrical prose, Yelchin tells Arcady's story in a way that is appealing, wrenching and satisfying. According to a close friend whose family lived through the terrors of the USSR, Yelchin's descriptions of the fear and isolation that controlled people are spot on. His imagery, drawn in both words and pictures, is vivid and meaningful. He has a remarkable ability to weave a coherent story about sports, the politics of the USSR, family and friendship in the space of a single, short novel.

As a single adoptive father, I was pleased to read a story that shows this kind of family structure. The frustrations of both Arcady and his new father are well-conceived and portrayed. I also appreciated the effort to keep alive the stories of the USSR. With the rapid changes in the world since the late 1980s, it is too easy to forget the horror that communism unleashed during the late 20th century. As our focus turns to other global issues, civil and political rights must not be forgotten in the stories we tell our children.

Arcady's Goal was, in my view, a much more readable and relatable tale than Breaking Stalin's Nose. I would have found it more worth of a Newbery Honor than its predecessor, actually. The book is short enough to be enjoyed by the most reluctant readers but complex enough to satisfy an adult. Teachers who are seeking literatary experiences to expand their students' worldviews will not be disappointed if they turn here.

My only objection to the book is that the characters do not ripen as they might in a novel with fewer literary ambitions. This, however, did not spoil my enjoyment of the story and of the folks who people it.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is a young adult read. I don't recall how I encounter it but I am glad I did. A simple story that relates life under Stalin (and any totalitarian regime) and its continuing impact that carries over even until today.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick quiet read about a young boy adopted from an orphanage during the Stalin era. Based on the father's story of the author. I found it sad how people were labeled and killed as traitors and how their children were so punished. Sometimes sports can save you!!!!

[Thistle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick synopsis : Because his parents were "enemies of the state", Arcady has spent his whole life since he was a baby in a "children's home", where Soviet Russia keeps criminal children until they are old enough to be shot (12-13 years old).

Brief opinion : I had a harder time with this book than I did with Breaking Stalin's Nose. It was very realistic and believable, but that's what made it unenjoyable.

Plot : Arcady has lived in homes run by the secret police since he was a newborn baby. His parents were put to death as "enemies of the state", so newborn Arcady is just as guilty as them. He just isn't yet old enough to be shot.

One day an inspector (Ivan Ivanych) comes to check the conditions the kids are being kept in (which is never any kind of inspection at all, the director of these houses just give the inspectors meals and a drink). He decides to adopt Arcady.

Unsurprisingly Arcady is unable to trust Ivan Ivanych and they don't form any kind of connection, despite Ivan Ivanych doing everything he can for the boy. The story ends with Arcady opening up a bit and the two starting to form the very start of a bond.

Writing/editing : Both were good, though unlike Breaking Stalin's Nose, I spotted a couple editing issues in this one.

Turns out the artwork is by Yelchin himself. Unfortunately it didn't work for me in this book any more than it had in Nose.

What I Liked/What I Didn’t Like : This book wasn't very enjoyable to read because Arcady was a really unpleasant kid. That was completely understandable! He is a boy who never got a single minute of love his whole life, was never held by his parents even as a bay! He never brushed his teeth even once, he never learned to read, ate nothing but a bit of bread most days. So it makes complete sense how he acted... I just didn't enjoy spending my reading time with him.

Rating: 1-Hated / 2-Disliked / 3-Okay / 4-Liked / 5-Loved : ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ½ - 3.5 stars/okay. I wish the story had focused on Ivan Ivanych instead of on Arcady, the adult's story was so much more interesting to me (his wife was killed by the state, one of Ivan Ivanych's former co workers was the one who reported her, and the two men still saw each other sometimes).

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adult rating: 3 stars
Kid rating: 2 stars

Arcady has lived in an orphanage ever since his parents were accused of being enemies of the Soviet Union. Orphanage life is hard. There's never enough food. But Arcady has an advantage. He's highly skilled at soccer and uses it to win bets with the orphanage director. During a match, when the inspectors are visiting, Arcady notices one inspector paying close attention to him. He tells Arcady he is a soccer coach and he is going to get him on the highly regarded Red Army team. He adopts Arcady and reveals that he isn't really a soccer a coach. But like any good father, he is going to try everything he can to get Arcady on the team.

I did not like this book as much as Breaking Stalin's Nose. The harsh reality of the Stalin regime was not portrayed as well in this book. All we really know is that Arcady's parents and Ivan's wife were taken away, but we don't really understand why. I wasn't convinced by Ivan's reasons for adopting Arcady. It wasn't a book with good flow. That said, I did like Arcady's character. He's feisty and questions authority. His thoughts and actions seemed more like that of a modern kid, but it works. It makes him more relatable.

Note: I listened to the audio version which may have affected my interpretation of the story.

[Misti · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Soviet Union, 12-year-old Arcady has spent his life in orphanages where children of "Enemies of the People" are sent. The only thing Arcady has going for him is his skill at soccer -- in a one-on-one match, he can beat any other boy at the orphanage, even the oldest ones. When the director has him play for the inspectors on their routine visit, he catches the eye of one man, who adopts him and takes him home. Arcady is deeply suspicious of this development. Is this man a soccer coach who has scouted him out? Or does he have some other motive?

This is a quick read, with lots of illustrations by the author. Despite that, I think its best audience might be adults who enjoy reading books for children, who might have a greater understanding of the context and the complicated emotions Arcady is going through as he struggles to comprehend kindness and empathy. Not to say that kids can't or won't enjoy this, and Yelchin includes a very helpful author's note for those wishing to learn more.

[Max Remaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting to me as I already knew much about the Soviet Union before the outbreak of World War 2. However, I was hit with how well this book tells the story of a boy that is thrown to the waysides and forgotten about, except his skill with a soccer ball. This book does a great job of telling the story of Arcady, an orphan boy who cannot catch a break until a mysterious man comes along and adopts him. I would use this book in my classroom as a way to show the children that you can accomplish your dreams if your work hard enough at it. I think my favorite theme in this book is how Arcady becomes more and more open to living with his adopted father, and near the end of the book he opens up, lets down his guard, and finally calls him "Father."

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Arcady's Goal I think about how much Arcady had to go through at such a young age. In this book Arcady's main goal is to be on the Red Cross soccer team but he doesn't realize that his parents have made his goal impossible. Arcady is an orphan and his parents died while he was very little making his future dark and making it impossible to follow his dreams. He grows up in a orphanage for "enemy of the peoples" children. A man named Ivan comes to pick him up and we watch Arcady and Ivan's story intertwine and we see how Arcady deals with the loss of his parents and whats happening in the world around him. This book shows how 2 lost people may make it through a hard time together.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second of Mr. Yelchin's books that I've read in the last week or so (they're very short and fast paced). One of the reasons I read so much children's and YA books is because they often are set in situations that adult books never touch on. This author writes books based on his and others' experiences in Soviet Russia. This book and the last I read (Breaking Stalin's Nose) both focused on children whose parents were "enemies of the people". The experiences of children are usually not covered in adult literature, so I really enjoy getting to learn a little about what happened to the youth of the USSR. I thought this was a solid and heartwarming story for any audience.

[Ryan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about the mental manipulation and intimidation perpetrated by autocratic regimes. Reading about Arcady’s destroyed life and his slim chances for redemption made me think about society’s need for enemies. When certain people or groups are labeled as enemies of the people, not only do they become scapegoats for all that may go wrong, but they help control those who remain by serving as a reminder of the power of “right.” Here, all Arcady wants to do is play soccer, but his designation, given to him as an infant, makes him untouchable. Can love and grace counteract his condition?

[Maximilian Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book because I learned that orphanages were really bad in whatever the year was. I also liked this book because I liked the ending because I liked that Arcady finally got to go to the soccer tryout.

[Leanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yelchin is deft at inhabiting his characters and adopting their voices, as well as nimbly portraying the environment. This plot seemed a lot harder a needle to thread than in Breaking Stalin's Nose but, in the end, Yelchin provided the best ending he could I believe.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book about a month ago. Don't remember too much about it except that I really didn't like Arcady. He didn't seem to change or learn after his experiences.

With historical fiction, I also like being able to learn a little something, but for me, that didn't happen either.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poignant story, a quick read with many beautiful illustrations. It’s about a boy who loves soccer in Russia on the eve of WWII. Not a huge fan of the present tense in literature, but I enjoyed this spare simple writing that revealed deep emotion in subtle ways.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5++
This is a heartwarming story. Written well and shows the love that can form with those that were once strangers. I loved the story which I was not expecting. It is a great book for all but especially for boys who are searching for something, maybe they will find love in it.

[Lori Gibbany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great glimpse as soviet Russia. The perfect amount for kids to get an idea how bad life was and how good theirs are.

[Kal · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational story about a young boy with no parents depending on soccer to get him through life.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book about Russia and orphan children of the state. Archady gets a blessing and a way out from a tender, smart man who has lost his wife.

[Jill Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging story that helps readers learn about life in the Soviet Union.

[Marc Dji · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it!

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this one & enjoy yet another book from an author that knows what it was like to live in the Soviet Union during Stalin’s rein. The story tugged at my heart strings.

[Wilson Swak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read. Thank you Mr. Eugene Yelchin for giving my family a book that we enjoyed together. After reading it, we want to read it again. This Historical Fiction book should win an award.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happens to children born of parents who are named "Enemy of the State?" This book shows what happened during the Stalin Years. What happens now?