DESCRIPTION
A heartfelt book featuring a neighborhood soccer team and its determined young star, who has a secret plan even more impressive than his bicycle kicks.
No one plays soccer like Madani. When the ball lands on his bare feet, the whole town stops to watch. Even Madani’s mother—still sewing the day’s work at home—can hear the crowds cheer when he scores. His teammates wonder what their best player could do, if he only had a proper pair of cleats. As Madani saves up money, bit by bit, his team’s rivalry match approaches. Maybe he’ll have new cleats in time for the big day! Or maybe Madani has a different goal in mind…
Told with gentle humor and lively illustrations,
Madani’s Best Game is a refreshing story about the joys of sports, teamwork, and family.
AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS
The Children’s Books Committee of Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year List - Family/School/Community (2023)
The Horn Book Magazine Fanfare Booklist (2022)
Junior Library Guild Selection
REVIEWS
Kirkus Reviews
“An unselfish gift given from the biggest heart.”
The Horn Book Magazine (starred review)
“A beautiful book centering on the beautiful game, but about so much more: immigrant life, family, friendship, love.”
Booklist
“An enthusiastic and altruistic heartwarmer.”
School Library Journal
“A good purchase to add to sports collections, books on family, or those on sportsmanship.”