Goalkeeper

Paul Fisher is eager to leave his rich-kid private school and get back to Tangerine Middle, where he’d found acceptance as the goalkeeper of the War Eagles, the toughest soccer team in the county. First, though, he must survive the summer at home, where lightning strikes spark underground fires that never go out and a tropical storm provides cover for criminals—including his own brother.

Then a new crisis unfolds, and Paul must testify against one of the War Eagles in a criminal case. Suddenly, the lessons about Truth vs. Loyalty and Justice vs. Mercy that Sister Catherine taught at Saint Anthony’s Prep don’t seem so theoretical anymore. In fact, they might be just what Paul needs to figure out how to fight an unjust legal system and stay true to himself and his teammates.

What happens when the right thing to do is also the hardest?

• A Gripping Sports Story: Paul Fisher isn’t just a soccer player; he’s the goalkeeper for the War Eagles, and his choices on and off the field will determine the fate of his team.
• A Story About Brothers: While Paul tries to do what’s right, his dangerous older brother, Erik, brings trouble and criminality right to their family’s door.
• Truth vs. Loyalty: A criminal case forces Paul to choose between protecting a teammate and telling the truth, with consequences that could change everything for the War Eagles.
• Social Justice for Kids: A compelling and thought-provoking read for kids who love stories about standing up for your friends, facing down bullies, and fighting an unfair system.