About This Book
Set in 1986 Malaysia, 'Ten: A Soccer Story' introduces Maya, an 11-year-old girl with a deep love for soccer, a sport deemed inappropriate for girls. As her parents' marriage crumbles, leading to their eventual divorce and her father's return to England, Maya finds solace and purpose in her dream of playing soccer. She faces skepticism and resistance from schoolmates and teachers but ultimately inspires a group of girls to form a team. This chapter book explores themes of gender equality, cultural identity, family upheaval, and the power of perseverance, offering a poignant yet uplifting narrative for middle-grade readers.
In 1986 Malaysia, as she worries about her parents' constant fighting, ardent soccer fan Maya, age eleven, trains herself and pulls together a team at her girls' school, despite soccer being a "boys' game."
Concepts
Self-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceLove & FamilySadness & GriefFriendship & LoyaltyJustice & FairnessTeamwork & CollaborationLoneliness & BelongingFear & BraveryAnger & FrustrationCuriosity & WonderParents DivorcingBeing DifferentMaking FriendsCultural IdentityGrowing UpPeer PressureSibling RivalrySportsFamily & SiblingsSchool LifeFriendship & Social
family_conflict
separation_from_parent
discrimination
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Maya show bravery and resilience throughout the story, especially when facing disapproval or sadness?
2
What challenges did Maya face because she was a girl who wanted to play soccer? How do gender roles in sports compare today?
3
How did Maya's parents' fighting and divorce affect her? How did she cope with these big changes?
4
Discuss the importance of teamwork and friendship in Maya's journey to form a soccer team.
5
What did you learn about Malaysian culture and life in 1986 from Maya's story?
6
How did Maya's passion for soccer help her deal with difficult emotions and situations?
External Reviews
If Your Family Enjoyed This
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how this book landed with your family.