What do you think?
Rate this book
Neymar: A Soccer Dream Come True
This narrative non-fiction picture book about the sensational rising soccer star Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior is perfect reading for the 2018 World Cup.
Born in Brazil, Neymar Jr. grew up imagining that he might one day become a famous soccer player. Now his dream has come true. Using playful, child-friendly language, deep knowledge of the sport, and passion for it author, Mina Javaherbin, brings to life Neymar's childhood and professional career for young soccer fans to enjoy. Her text is accompanied by Paul Hoppe's modern, colorful illustrations.
Born in Brazil, Neymar Jr. grew up imagining that he might one day become a famous soccer player. Now his dream has come true. Using playful, child-friendly language, deep knowledge of the sport, and passion for it author, Mina Javaherbin, brings to life Neymar's childhood and professional career for young soccer fans to enjoy. Her text is accompanied by Paul Hoppe's modern, colorful illustrations.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 29, 2018
About the author
Mina Javaherbin
8 books13 followersMina Javaherbin was born in Iran and immigrated to the United States, where she is now a practicing architect. She lives in Southern California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 5, 2018
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Neymar: A Soccer Dream Come True, written by Mina Javaherbin and illustrated by Paul Hoppe, the real-life story of Neymar Jr., one of the biggest soccer stars in the world.
Growing up in Brazil, Neymar Jr. lived and breathed soccer; he spent all the time he could playing and practicing. His father had once played, but had to quit his pro career after an accident, but he passed on his love of soccer to his son and encouraged Neymar Jr..’s passion for it. At a local amateur match, a coach sees potential in young Neymar Jr. and offers to coach him, which earns him a spot in the local club. Eventually Neymar is even accepted to a prestigious trial with Real Madrid in Spain, but he finds that he misses his home, and especially his family. His father agrees to take him back to Brazil, much to the shock of Neymar’s friends and fans. But as it turns out, a talent like Neymar’s, combined with his drive and the support of his family, is destined to grow no matter where it’s planted.
This one was great! We don’t read a lot of sports books because JJ’s not into sports yet, but this is one of those sports stories that transcends the fandom. The main focus is Neymar Jr.’s childhood and rise as a soccer star, but it’s interspersed with lessons that are applicable to fans and non-fans alike, such as responsibly, the importance of hard work and family, and knowing when to trust your instincts, even if the world calls you crazy. The first-person narrative helps the reader connect with Neymar Jr., and the warm, energetic illustrations are cozy yet exciting. The length is great, and JJ enjoyed it. A great story for fans of soccer or simply lovers of a great story. Baby Bookworm approved.
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
April 8, 2019
Most of us recognize Pele as a famous soccer player, but fans would also recognize the star of this book. Readers get a brief glimpse of Neymar’s rise to stardom from his childhood dream to the major steps in his career. This slight biography presents his life as the author and illustrator envision it. This first-person narrative reads as a simple story of a poor family with a big dream to inspire early elementary ages.
Fans would not need a timeline, but it would be helpful background information. More detail and facts could draw in older potential readers. It does include a glossary but a pronunciation guide would also be helpful.
Limited color illustrations, predominance of browns and sienna with subdued greens, reds, and ochre; fine patterns of black dots create the shadowing. Double page spreads present a variety of views which bring the readers into the action, such as just behind the goal post, with partial figures shown, making it appear players are running right off the page. The pages showing Neymar as a boy and then later as an adult are shown in color, with an image of an adult player done in dots, grayscale, and quick lines of full action behind him.
This could work well in one-on-one readings, but librarians might consider other books about Neymar for more facts and detailed information. In light of his recent tax fraud fines, it could be used for discussion about the downside of fame and fortune.
Fans would not need a timeline, but it would be helpful background information. More detail and facts could draw in older potential readers. It does include a glossary but a pronunciation guide would also be helpful.
Limited color illustrations, predominance of browns and sienna with subdued greens, reds, and ochre; fine patterns of black dots create the shadowing. Double page spreads present a variety of views which bring the readers into the action, such as just behind the goal post, with partial figures shown, making it appear players are running right off the page. The pages showing Neymar as a boy and then later as an adult are shown in color, with an image of an adult player done in dots, grayscale, and quick lines of full action behind him.
This could work well in one-on-one readings, but librarians might consider other books about Neymar for more facts and detailed information. In light of his recent tax fraud fines, it could be used for discussion about the downside of fame and fortune.
October 23, 2018
This picture book biography focuses on the young life of Brazilian soccer star Neymar da Silva Santos Junior. A first person narrative follows him from practicing in the house as a child until he makes his first adult professional team at the age of seventeen.
The text is accessible as either a read aloud in a group situation or by an independent reader and will definitely appeal to young soccer fans. The text focuses on how much hard work he put into becoming a soccer star, yet still found that his time with family and growing up was just as important. The graphically styled illustrations put the story in motion as they create a sense of movement and soccer action.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
The text is accessible as either a read aloud in a group situation or by an independent reader and will definitely appeal to young soccer fans. The text focuses on how much hard work he put into becoming a soccer star, yet still found that his time with family and growing up was just as important. The graphically styled illustrations put the story in motion as they create a sense of movement and soccer action.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
January 23, 2019
I think this book is most appropriate for first or second grade. The book is about a young boy who loves soccer and works hard to become a star. His family really supports him as he grows and ends up playing in the major leagues. In my class, this book could be used to encourage students to follow their passions and to not give up. It is focused on a boy and that could make the girls feel less included if I read this book around.
December 15, 2019
Of appeal primarily to soccer fans; childhood of Brazilian soccer player Neymar. I really didn't care for the illustrations, they have ugly brown dots used as shading. The drawings themselves are okay otherwise, I just wish they'd been executed with more pizzazz. No sources listed; author says she imagined how he would have acted as a child, based on research. So it's pretty much fictionalized, not a true biography.
June 4, 2018
More of a 4.5 as I would have liked to have seen more biographical information (at the end) but this story told as the author feels things would have gone is a nice touch. This makes it a story about a kid who loves soccer and happens to make it big one day. The "golden dream" of any kid who loves a sport.
July 23, 2022
I enjoyed reading about Neymar. I know that soccer is the real football. It was interesting to hear of his family life and a name I am familiar with, Pele. It is good to read and show children that passion and tenacity pays off. Stay focused and committed. When yo make mistakes, own them and you can bounce back from them.
November 1, 2023
This is a biography of soccer superstar Neymar da Silva. This would be an inspirational book for any child who likes to play soccer - it stresses how Neymar practiced harder and longer that other players so that he could become the best he could be. Very inspirational - hard work and adversity are overcome because of family support and hard work.
January 25, 2019
This pictorial biography displays the life of famous Brazilian soccer player Neymar Junior. It is a ravishingly story about the importance of family and not giving up on your lifelong dream! I would recommend this book to children of early childhood ages.
October 13, 2019
Worth having because young kids want a bio of Neymar but painfully light on specifics.
December 2, 2019
soccer story
neymar's childhood and journey
why family is important
neymar's childhood and journey
why family is important
Read
April 26, 2020This book follows the life of soccer super star Neymar and what he had to overcome to accomplish his dreams.
October 25, 2023
I like the way that the author creates the environment as like if we are in Brazil listening to Neymar’s family. Great book for beginners. 100% recommended🔝
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews