Reviews
"Gonzalez paints with a boldness that gives life to the Brazilian setting, adding a little bounce to this
futebol-themed picture book. A lively celebration of futebol, culture, and ingenuity."
–School Library Journal (Read the entire review.)
"Poverty in Brazil probably isn't as spotless as Gonzalez's artwork implies, but the feeling of intimacy and decency is welcome. Crespo's text has a mildly subversive touch--but in the service of the greater good, and it's clear by the end that the whole neighborhood believes in that greater good."
–Kirkus Reviews (Read the entire review.)
"Provide a tub of thrift-store socks for an easy storytime program."
–Bulletin of he Center for Children's Books
Accolades & Etc.
HONORS
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2016 International Latino Book Award, Winner
LISTED or FEATURED IN
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Austin Public Library Hispanic Heritage Month, 2016
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Politics & Prose 2015 Children and Teens Department Summer Favorites
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Teacher Dance: Monday Reading—Kind Deeds
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Nashua, NH: Mayor's Winter Read Challenge 2019
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Mary E. Cronin: Alegria: Celebrating and Elevating Portuguese-speaking Brazilian Students with an Author's Visit
The Story
Felipe doesn’t have a soccer ball. So, when it’s his turn to take one to school, he must use a lot of creativity (and a few socks) to solve his problem. But finding socks is not that easy and the neighborhood pets make it even harder. “Au, au, au!” a dog barks in Portuguese. Along the way, Felipe leaves delicious mangoes in exchange for the socks he steals. After he swipes each pair, he twists and turns them into an ever-growing soccer ball. It was her dad's and uncle's childhood stories that inspired Ana to write THE SOCK THIEF: A SOCCER STORY.
Illustrated by Nana Gonzalez | Albert Whitman & Co., Park Ridge, IL (March, 2015) | ISBN: 9780807574874 (PB)