Keeper

Mal Peet's "Keeper" is an extraordinary young adult novel that weaves together sports, magical realism, and a profound coming-of-age narrative. Told through an interview between a renowned sports journalist, Paul Faustino, and the enigmatic World Cup-winning goalkeeper, El Gato, the story delves into El Gato's humble beginnings as a logger's son in the South American rainforest. He recounts his secret training with a mysterious, ghostly figure known only as "the Keeper," who teaches him the secrets of the game. The book explores themes of identity, integrity, the pursuit of greatness, and the choices we make on our path to success, culminating in a surprising revelation about El Gato's World Cup victory. It's suitable for ages 12-18, offering rich discussion points beyond just soccer.

An extraordinary novel, winner of the Branford Boase Award and the Bronze Nestle Children's Book Prize.Paul Faustino, South America's top sports writer, sits opposite the man they call El Gato – the Cat – the world's greatest goalkeeper. On the table between them stands the World Cup... In the hours that follow, El Gato tells his incredible story – how he, a poor logger's son, learns to become a World Cup-winning goalkeeper so good he is almost unbeatable. And the most remarkable part of this story is the man who teaches him – the mysterious Keeper, who haunts a football pitch at the heart of the claustrophobic forest...