A Junior Library Guild Selection

Winner of the Sonia Lynn Sadler Award

"Irresistible fun."-- Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"A wonderful depiction of a joyful pastime . . . and a reminder of some of the ways we are more alike than different."--Booklist, Starred Review

Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2018

School Library Journal Best Book of 2018

The Horn Book Fanfare 2018

Shelf Awareness Best Children's Book of the Year

Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year

"Vini! Come! The field calls!" cries a girl as she and her younger brother rouse their community--family, friends, and the local fruit vendor--for a pick-up soccer (futbol) game. Boys and girls, young and old, players and spectators come running--bringing balls, shoes, goals, and a love of the sport.

"Friends versus friends" teams are formed, the field is cleared of cows, and the game begins! But will a tropical rainstorm threaten their plans?

The world's most popular and inclusive sport has found its spirited and authentic voice in Baptiste Paul's debut picture book-- highlighting the joys of the game along with its universal themes: teamwork, leadership, diversity, and acceptance. Creole words (as spoken in Saint Lucia, the author's birthplace island in the Caribbean) add spice to the story and are a strong reminder of the sport's world fame. Bright and brilliant illustrations by debut children's book illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara-- winner of the We Need Diverse Books Illustration Mentorship award-- capture the grit and glory of the game and the beauty of the island setting that inspired this particular field.