SOCCER LOVERS BOOK REVIEW: TEN – A Soccer Story by
TEN — A Soccer Story by Shamini Flint for young preteen readers is a tale of a young girl’s passion and courage — and her desire to follow her dreams, even if it leads her into a boy’s world of sport.
Maya is a passionate soccer fan eager to start playing soccer herself — but this is more challenging because soccer is considered a “boys’ game” in Malaysia back in 1986.
Maya does not have a team or a coach but has to teach herself the basics and then gradually rallies enough girls to create a team — all the while dealing with issues on the home front, trying to keep her bi-racial family together.
“I got my soccer ball. Its the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
This book is an easy read and speaks clearly to the reader — As the reader turns the page, they discover that everyone faces challenges and that soccer is a great game that unifies people from different backgrounds.
TEN is autobiographical — with much of the story rooted in Shamini Flint’s own obsession for the game.
Flint grew up in Malaysia and loved playing soccer — and it was still a man’s sport when she was young.
While this may be a bit more of a life story than just a soccer tale, the love of the beautiful game chimes through every chapter. The first-person narrative lets readers feel that they are on the field with Maya — and helps put into perspective the joys of winning and the sense that losing doesn’t have to mean defeat.
Available at Amazon.
