Goalkeeper

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

In this page-turning follow-up to the modern-day classic Tangerine, an underdog kid from a troubled home navigates a tumultuous summer while finding friendship and confidence on the soccer field.

Paul Fisher is eager to leave his rich-kid private school and get back to Tangerine Middle School, where he found confidence and friendship as the goalkeeper of the War Eagles, the toughest soccer team in the county. First, though, he must survive the summer at home, enduring storms, lightning strikes, and underground fires that never go out—and navigating the presence of his sociopathic older brother who is confined upstairs under house arrest.But when a family of con artists latch hold of Paul’s father, a new crisis unfolds, and Paul must testify against one of the War Eagles in a criminal case. Suddenly, the lessons about Truth vs. Loyalty and Justice vs. Mercy that Sister Catherine taught at Saint Anthony’s Prep don’t seem so theoretical anymore. In fact, they might be just what Paul needs to figure out how to fight an unjust legal system and stay true to himself and his teammates.Themes of family and friendship, mental health and accountability, disability, race, class, privilege, and justice are all deftly woven into this gripping coming-of-age story.

About the Author

Edward Bloor is the author of many acclaimed novels, including the modern-day classic Tangerine, which was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, an ABA Pick of the Lists, and an IRA Young Adults’ Choice, among many other honors. A former soccer player and high school teacher, he lives near Orlando, Florida.