Publisher's Synopsis
Sean is a young lad whom we meet while doing homework with his mother's guidance. Sean concentrates more on the soccer player Messi than his arithmetic. '"Mommy, I don't need math, I'm stupid. I'm going to be a soccer player." Sean smiles happily and sneaks a glance at the mirror on the back wall. He fixes his hair with his hand, picturing himself in a soccer stadium in front of the TV cameras. Mommy closes her eyes. She takes a long breath. "You are not stupid. Nobody is born with all the skills. They come with practice. Just like you practice soccer, you need to practice math."
And therein lies one of the many lessons contained in this fine book.
Sean signs up for soccer but is nervous and unable to leave the car when his mother takes him to the playing field. Sean argues with Aidan in math class as to who is the better soccer player - Messi or Ronaldo only to be cautioned by the teacher to use class time for study. At recess Sean and Aidan practice soccer only to be bullied by the older taller Hunter. At home Sean would rather watch soccer on TV than go to bed and that, too cases a conflict with his father and mother. Sean practices soccer with his Daddy who encourages to play soccer with kids his own age "Size is not what determines a good player. Good players think of ways to outsmart their opponents. They plan their attacks.'
At school Sean shies away form competition and the trainer passes on his joining until one of the players is injured and Sean is encouraged to replace him. And after the game Sean's mother tricks him into solving math problems that relate to soccer themes. Sean is a winner all around.
Let's see what happened to Sean throughout the story!
