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Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Red Devil (Heroes)

4.90
on Goodreads (41)

What’s inside...

Ibrahimovic's incredible career has taken him through the doors of the world's most famous clubs, including Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. His extraordinary talent and eye for the goal have created classic moments at all, and cemented his status as a modern soccer legend. Known for his eccentric personality, he is not only one of the greatest strikers of his generation, but equally one of soccer's most entertaining and popular characters. His story, beginning with his humble childhood in an industrial Swedish town, is a fascinating one.

Why read this book

  • Inspirational journey of soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
  • Highlights perseverance, determination, and hard work.
  • Engages children in sports and personal growth.
  • Ideal for young sports enthusiasts and dreamers.
Age

9-12

Length

160 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Discussion points

What qualities do you think make Zlatan Ibrahimovic a hero in this story?
How did Zlatan overcome challenges in his journey? Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and how you dealt with it?
What did you learn about teamwork and perseverance from Zlatan's story?
How do Zlatan’s decisions in the book inspire you in your everyday life?
What would you have done differently if you were in Zlatan's place in any of the scenarios presented in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story openly, ensuring they feel heard. Relate Zlatan's challenges and successes to personal experiences or aspirations your child might have. Highlight the importance of persistence, hard work, and believing in oneself, drawing parallels to real-life situations. Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance their creative thinking. Use the discussions as an opportunity to reinforce positive life lessons and values portrayed in the book.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book highlights Zlatan Ibrahimovic's journey from a tough childhood to becoming a professional footballer, emphasizing his determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain determined and keep striving towards their goals, regardless of the obstacles they might face.
Example Lesson: Importance of hard work
Explanation: Zlatan's rigorous training routine and dedication to improving his skills are showcased, teaching kids the value of hard work in achieving success.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by dedicating themselves to their studies or any other activities they are passionate about to see positive results.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story illustrates Zlatan's interactions with teammates and how collaboration led to greater success, underscoring the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to participate actively in team activities, learn to cooperate with others, and respect their peers' contributions.
Example Lesson: Handling criticism constructively
Explanation: Zlatan faces criticism from media and coaches, but uses it to fuel his improvement rather than letting it defeat him.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept constructive feedback and use it to enhance their skills, both academically and personally.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: The book touches on Zlatan’s multicultural background and the diversity in the teams he played for, promoting an understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace diversity, promoting inclusivity and respect among their peers from different backgrounds.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Red Devil (Heroes) by Matt Oldfield, Tom Oldfield