Books in Canada
Girls' self-esteem is the subject of a book for older children (eight to 13). In Lizzie's Soccer Showdown , by John Danakas, self-assertiveness helps transform a timid grade seven girl into a school leader. Lizzie is pail of a group of girls who want to join the boys' soccer team; but first they must face a tidal wave of resentment and antagonism. Danakas narrates this utterly absorbing story in the present tense, a technique that proves particularly effective for describing game action. He sets Lizzie's tale in a vibrant and multicultural Winnipeg, where we learn about Lizzie's Greek heritage and the East Indian culture of Lizzie's best friend, Neena. Lizzie's Soccer Showdown illustrates the importance of family support, and best of all, it depicts boys and girls joining physical and intellectual forces to find a solution to a tough situation.
Donna Nurse (Books in Canada)
Donna Nurse (Books in Canada)
Review
"This story combines friendship, family, peer pressure, and soccer skills in a finely structured tale.
Danakas develops the story's characters believably and captures the world of preadolescent peer pressure.
You do not have to be a soccer fan to enjoy this well-plotted story - but you may become one by its end.
Highly recommended." (W. Bruce Wrigley Canadian Book Review )
"...amusing... includes plenty of soccer action and strategy." (Helen Norrie Winnipeg Free Press )
"Refreshing to see girls in assertive athletic roles.
The strength of the book lies in its detailed game strategies and in the balanced way the gender isssue is handled. Danakas succeeds in creating interesting characters and fast action." (Phyllis Simon Quill & Quire )
"Self-assertiveness helps transform a timid grade seven girl into a school leader.
Illustrates the importance of family support, and best of all, it depicts boys and girls joining physical and intellectual forces to find a solution to a tough situation." (Donna Nurse Books in Canada )
Soccer Showdown addresses issues of cooperation and equality on the soccer field and in the family. The book will appeal to readers looking for a sports story that includes a touch of romance. Recommended. (Tanya Boudreau CM: Canadian Review of Materials )
Danakas develops the story's characters believably and captures the world of preadolescent peer pressure.
You do not have to be a soccer fan to enjoy this well-plotted story - but you may become one by its end.
Highly recommended." (W. Bruce Wrigley Canadian Book Review )
"...amusing... includes plenty of soccer action and strategy." (Helen Norrie Winnipeg Free Press )
"Refreshing to see girls in assertive athletic roles.
The strength of the book lies in its detailed game strategies and in the balanced way the gender isssue is handled. Danakas succeeds in creating interesting characters and fast action." (Phyllis Simon Quill & Quire )
"Self-assertiveness helps transform a timid grade seven girl into a school leader.
Illustrates the importance of family support, and best of all, it depicts boys and girls joining physical and intellectual forces to find a solution to a tough situation." (Donna Nurse Books in Canada )
Soccer Showdown addresses issues of cooperation and equality on the soccer field and in the family. The book will appeal to readers looking for a sports story that includes a touch of romance. Recommended. (Tanya Boudreau CM: Canadian Review of Materials )
Product Description
Lizzie's just been named captain of the soccer team -- the boys' soccer team -- but some of her teammates aren't playing nice. Will it be boys vs. girls forever, or can Lizzie think of a way to settle the score, once and for all?
Lizzie's Soccer Showdown is the story of a strong young woman who, when faced with prejudice, reacts with grace under pressure.
Lizzie's Soccer Showdown is the story of a strong young woman who, when faced with prejudice, reacts with grace under pressure.
About the Author
JOHN DANAKAS is the author of four children's novels, all published by Lorimer. Hockey Night in Transcona was an Ontario Silver Birch Award finalist. Curve Ball, Lizzie's Soccer Showdown, and Hockey Heroes are all Canadian Children's Book Centre "Our Choice" selections.John Danakas (20111118)
