
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels overshadowed or overprotected, especially due to a sibling's health issues. "Alive and Kicking" tells the story of Claude, a clumsy kid who unexpectedly discovers he's a phenomenal soccer goalie. His biggest obstacle isn't the opposing team, but his own older brother, Stephen, a former soccer star sidelined by a serious heart condition. Stephen's fear for Claude's safety leads him to actively sabotage Claude's efforts. The book masterfully explores the complex emotions of sibling dynamics, resilience, and the courage to define your own identity outside of your family's fears. With humor and fast-paced sports action, it's a great choice for kids 8-12, especially reluctant readers, who are navigating feelings of being misunderstood.
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Sign in to write a reviewA character has a brief, non-fatal medical emergency related to his pre-existing condition.
The book deals directly and secularly with a main character's chronic illness (Stephen's heart condition). The focus is not on the medical details but on the emotional impact on the family, especially the sibling dynamic of fear-based overprotection. The resolution is hopeful and realistic, as the family begins to communicate more openly about their anxieties, rather than acting on them.
A 9 to 12-year-old who feels defined or limited by their family's perception of them. It's particularly potent for a child who has a sibling with a chronic illness or disability and feels the impact of that on their own freedom, or any child whose passion is being discouraged by overprotective caregivers.
The book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared for conversations about why people (like Stephen) might try to control others when they are scared. A scene near the end where Stephen collapses could be briefly alarming for sensitive readers, but it is handled well and resolves quickly. A parent hears their child say, "You always worry about me too much!" or "Why can't I just try?" Or they witness one sibling constantly trying to limit the other's activities, citing safety concerns that seem excessive.
A younger reader (8-9) will connect with the humor of Claude's klutziness, the excitement of the soccer games, and the clear injustice of his brother's actions. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the nuance of Stephen's motivations, understanding that his actions come from a place of fear and trauma, not just meanness. They will also connect more deeply with Claude's struggle for autonomy.
While many books cover sibling rivalry or sports, this one's unique angle is framing the conflict through the lens of a sibling's chronic illness. It expertly captures the specific dynamic of overprotection born from fear. The blend of genuine emotional weight with laugh-out-loud humor and exciting sports action makes it exceptionally accessible, especially for middle-grade boys.
Claude, a clumsy middle-schooler, discovers a surprising and singular talent for being a soccer goalie. This newfound passion and skill puts him in direct conflict with his older brother, Stephen. Stephen is a former soccer prodigy who had to quit the sport due to a serious heart condition. Out of a mixture of fear, jealousy, and misguided love, Stephen becomes intensely overprotective, actively trying to prevent Claude from playing and getting hurt. Claude must learn to stand up to his brother and his anxious parents to claim his own identity on the field.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.