Paolo and his friends love playing soccer when they aren’t working. Carlos shines shoes. Jose dives for the tourists. Givo helps with the carnival floats. Pedro harvests coconuts. And Paolo works for Señor da Silva, their coach, on his fishing boat. His little sister, Maria, would like to play soccer too, and she’s good! Paolo’s been teaching her soccer moves, just like she’s been teaching him math, since she goes to school. But the boys have a rule: Girls can’t play on their team. When Jose hurts his wrist during a big match on the beach, the team puts it to a vote, and Maria gets her chance to shine. “I am Paulo Marcelo Feliciano, the captain of this team. No storm, fall, or useless old rule can keep us from a win. Our fans will one day call us the stars. We will light every home in Brazil.” In the context of a lively story offering a glimpse of life for children in Brazil who must work to help their families, Mina Javaherbin underscores how playing and dreaming are universal. (Ages 6–9)