About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the pressure of a natural talent or questioning if their success is due to luck or hard work. It is a sophisticated choice for readers who feel out of place in their family or community traditions, particularly those who find solace in the outdoors. The story follows El Gato, a world-class goalkeeper, as he recounts his humble beginnings in a South American logging town and his training with a mysterious, supernatural mentor in the rainforest. Through a frame story structure, the novel explores deep themes of integrity, the weight of secrets, and the courage to redefine one's identity. While it is a sports novel on the surface, its psychological depth and atmospheric setting make it appropriate for mature middle schoolers and high school students. It offers a unique blend of realistic hardship and magical realism, ultimately celebrating a young person's journey toward self-honesty and a return to their true passions.
