Arcady's Goal

By: Eugene Yelchin

Narrated by: Ari Fliakos

From Newbery Honor–winning author Eugene Yelchin comes another glimpse into Soviet Russia. For twelve-year-old Arcady, soccer is more than just a game. Sent to live in a children's home after his parents are declared enemies of the state, it is a means of survival, securing extra rations, respect, and protection. Ultimately, it proves to be his chance to leave. But in Soviet Russia, second chances are few and far between. Will Arcady seize his opportunity and achieve his goal? Or will he miss his shot?

This title has Common Core connections.

Critic reviews

“As with Yelchin's Breaking Stalin's Nose, the subtext of this deceptively simple work challenges readers to look beyond the characters' situation and consider the historical implications of their dilemmas.” —BCCB

“Newbery Honor-winner Yelchin provides another glimpse into Soviet life, once again with a young boy as the main character . . . It is the emotional power of the tale that captures the reader's heart.” —The Horn Book

“Yelchin follows up his Newbery Honor Book, Breaking Stalin's Nose, with another novel set in Soviet Russia . . . this swiftly moving, lucid novel tells an affecting tale, illustrated with often chilling drawings of Soviet life.” —Booklist

“Yelchin's b&w drawings, interspersed throughout the text as both spots and spreads, add emotional depth and amplify the plot; ample soccer detail makes this a winner for fans of the sport.” —Publishers Weekly

“Two survivors of Stalinist oppression attempt to form a family in this companion to the 2012 Newbery Honor-winning Breaking Stalin's Nose . . . An uplifting, believable ending makes this companion lighter - but no less affecting - than its laurelled predecessor.” —Kirkus Reviews

Big Help for 4th Grader

My daughter struggled reading this book on her own, so I obtained the audible version. My daughter read along with her copy as she listened. She completed the book in a day and found that she really enjoyed the story.