Families who loved Who Was Pelé? by James Buckley Jr. often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.

Reach for this book when your child is facing a setback in their own activities or needs to understand that greatness is built on practice and perseverance rather than luck. It is the perfect tool for a child who feels discouraged by their current circumstances or who is beginning to explore their own cultural identity and heritage through the lens of global icons. The story follows Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known to the world as Pele, from his childhood in the slums of Bauru, Brazil, to his status as the greatest soccer player of all time. It emphasizes his humble beginnings, his deep bond with his father, and the relentless work ethic that took him to the World Cup stage at only seventeen. Parents will appreciate the way it introduces complex themes like poverty and racial pride in an accessible, inspiring manner for middle grade readers.