What’s inside...
In a dusty township in South Africa, Ajani and his friends have earned a brand-new, federation-size soccer ball. They kick, dribble, run, and score, proving themselves as football champions. However, when a group of bullies tries to steal their ball, Ajani and his friends must use their wits to outplay the bullies at their own game. This beautifully written and illustrated book, endorsed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, highlights the joys of friendship and sport.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Ajani and his friends show teamwork in the story?
What challenges did the characters face and how did they overcome them?
Why do you think the soccer ball was so important to Ajani?
How did the story make you feel about playing sports or working together with friends?
Can you think of a time when you had to work together with others to achieve a goal? What was that like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on teamwork by relating it to their own experiences in sports or group activities.
Discuss the significance of the soccer ball in the story and ask your child about an item that is special to them and why.
Highlight the importance of perseverance shown by Ajani and his friends and ask your child about a time they persevered.
Use the challenges faced by the characters to discuss real-life issues and problem-solving strategies.
After reading, encourage physical play, like soccer, to embody the themes of teamwork and collaboration from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'Goal!' a group of friends work together during a soccer game to protect their new soccer ball from bullies. This act of teamwork is central to the storyline.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of working together with their peers in school projects or during sports, promoting a sense of unity and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The children in the book show resilience as they face and handle the challenge posed by the bullies without giving up on their game.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persist and find solutions in difficult situations, whether dealing with conflicts at school or overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Joy in simple pleasures
Explanation: The story celebrates the joy the children find in playing soccer with a simple ball, highlighting how happiness can come from simple, everyday activities.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and find joy in the small things in life, fostering an attitude of gratitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of sharing
Explanation: The main characters share their soccer ball and their game with each other, emphasizing the value of sharing in the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to share their own belongings and time with others, strengthening social bonds and empathy.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: The children collectively decide to face the bullies, showing courage and integrity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to bravely stand up against unfairness or bullying, whether it's in defending themselves or supporting others who are in trouble.