Book Information
- Series: Lorimer Sports Stories
- Imprint: James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers
- Publication Date: 21 March 2012
- Copyright Year: 2012
- ISBN: 9781459400665
- Page Count: 128
- Dimensions: 5" x 7.75"
- Interest ages: 10-13
- Reading level: Grade 3
Purchasing Information
Available From
Playing for Keeps
by Steven Sandor
A soccer player in a hockey town struggles to fit into his small-town Alberta community
Hockey rules in Branko Stimac's new hometown, where its star players get the royal treatment. Any other sport -- like soccer, where Branko excels -- is considered second-rate. This means the sacrifices Branko's Croatian immigrant father made so he can play in Canada go unnoticed, as does Branko's stellar goalkeeping.
When Branko makes it onto the Edmonton Select team as the second-string keeper, he keeps the accomplishment to himself, sure that no one in his home town will care. But then a video of one of his spectacular saves gets posted on a sports blog and goes viral. Suddenly Branko has more attention than he dreamed of.
About the Author

Reviews
"Author Sandor deals with these issues in an appealingly realistic manner"
Lesley Little, Resource Links
"An authentic portrayal of hockey versus soccer along with a convincing immigrant story mark Playing For Keeps as truly Canadian."
Yahong Chi, CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"a short, lively novel... This is a book about an Edmontonian soccer player and it provides an accurate reflection of that community"
Benjamin Massey, www.maple-leaf-forever.com
Awards
One of the Year's Best for 2012 -- Resource Links
2012
Subjects (BISAC)
Subjects
Juvenile Fiction, Juvenile Fiction: Immigrant, Juvenile Fiction: Sports, Juvenile Fiction: Sports: Soccer
Similar Titles
-
Holding
Josh, Sam and Peter are together again for their last summer at hockey camp. Josh is certain that nothing could be better than playing with his friends and cousin Troy, until he discovers that his card shark cousin is gambling with the team's success.$8.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 2Power Play
Zach Thomas has just returned from a near season-ending injury, and to make matters worse, now a bully on an opposing team has decided they have unfinished business. Can Zach learn how to stand up to his fear of getting hurt and to the bully?$12.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 680LMiss Little's Losers
The Brunswick Valley School soccer team haven't won a game all season long. When their coach resigns, the only person who will coach them is Miss Little ... their former kindergarten teacher!$16.95, HardcoverInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 4Lexile Reading Level: 770LFoul Play
Remy and Alison play on rival soccer teams. When Remy finds out Alison has a special plan to beat Remy's team in the tournament, she becomes convinced that Alison will sabotage her team's players.$8.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 550L
Scroll to Top