Book Title: Goal! by Mina JavaherbinShort Description of the Book: In this story, Javaherbin tells the story of a game of soccer played by a group of friends in a South African village, despite dangers. FOCUS: Narrative Features I would Use in a Mini-Lesson:• Establish a plot, point of view, setting and conflict: Javaherbin using the point of view of one of the characters to develop the plot and conflict of the soccer game. • Show, rather than tell, the events of the story: Javaherbin uses specific language to describe the soccer game, including swift kicks and the fleet-footedness of the players.TEACH: CCSS Connection: W.5.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.1. Orient the reader by establishing a situation and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.2. Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, description, and pacing, to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations.3. Use a variety of transitional words, phrases, and clauses to manage the sequence of events.4. Use concrete words and phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely.5. Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events. I found the illustrations to be extremely vivid and they really helped bring the emotions of the boys to life. Although there was an underlying theme of bullying here, I didn't find that it sent a clear message to children on how to deal with the issue. I did find it helpful in teaching children about other cultures and how something, like football (or to Americans, soccer) can unify a group of children and make them feel protected. This could be utilized in the classroom to generate a discussion on how, despite cultural difference, what are some things that can unify a group of children.
What do You think about Goal! (2010)?
Great picture book! Lots to discuss. Beautiful pictures
—Kanji
Can't wait to read this to my students in the library.
—kashika
