From Kirkus Starred Review

This beautifully designed story of soccer's best athlete begins in the midst of a game with the star about to score. "Pelé! Pelé! O Rei! Pelé! The King!" shouts the roaring crowd. Brown's exuberant introduction transitions to a more sedate narrative that depicts the poor but hopeful upbringing of a boy in a small Brazilian town, playing soccer with nothing but a grapefruit or a newspaper-filled sock. When ten-year-old Pelé sees his father's disappointment after Brazil's World Cup loss, his promise to win one for his dad foreshadows his hard work and escalating talent. Gutiérrez's alluring multi-style gouache paintings swoop and swirl with energy and color. An abstract Pelé in a sweeping, action-filled kick appears against more realistic portraits of a boy and his father, all superimposed over backgrounds and borders that reflect indigenous patterns. The stunning images place Pelé's achievements within the context of his native country. Told in a dual English/Spanish text, this inspiring blend of art and story scores a winning goal. (Picture book/biography. 5-8)

From Críticas Review
Ann Welton, Grant Center for the Expressive Arts, Tacoma, WA -- Críticas, 12/15/2008

K-Gr 4 "-Nowadays, when someone says "Soccer superstar," the person most likely to come to mind is David Beckham. Forty years ago, however, the Brazilian player Pelé put the sport on the map internationally with his energy, amazing footwork, and engaging personality. This tour-de-force picture book from the award-winning author of My Name is Celia and My Name is Gabito (Luna Rising, both) presents the life of this remarkable man and covers in crisp, literate Spanish and English, Pelé's boyhood playing street soccer with his friends, his recruitment to an elite Brazilian team, and his role in Brazil's first World Cup victory. The artwork, in earth tones, green, and electric blue, is arresting and kinetic, full of zip and child appeal. This is a surefire winner for soccer-obsessed children, but will grab others as well for the inspiring content of the story and exciting pictures. An excellent choice for bookstores, this is an essential purchase for libraries." [Read Críticas' Q&A with Monica Brown.-Ed.]