The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their Own Soccer Field

by Scott Riley, Kim Lien (Illustrator), Nguyen Quang (Illustrator)

Overview

On the island of Koh Panyee, in a village built on stilts, there is no open space. How will a group of Thai boys play soccer?

After watching the World Cup on television, a group of Thai boys is inspired to form their own team. But on the island of Koh Panyee, in a village built on stilts, there is no open space. The boys can play only twice a month on a sandbar when the tide is low enough. Everything changes when the teens join together to build their very own floating soccer field.

This inspiring true story by debut author Scott Riley is gorgeously illustrated by Nguyen Quang and Kim Lien. Perfect for fans of stories about sports, beating seemingly impossible odds, and places and cultures not often shown in picture books.

"A compelling book for football [soccer] fans and readers seeking examples of ingenuity."—starred, Publishers Weekly

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781541579156
Publisher:	Lerner Publishing Group
Publication date:	03/02/2021
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	159,202
Product dimensions:	9.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	680L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 9 Years

About the Author

Scott Riley is a teacher and children's book author. Scott has spent nearly thirty years teaching in the US, Indonesia, Czech Republic, and Singapore. Scott draws inspiration from the people he meets and the places he explores while living overseas. His debut picture book The Floating Field was a Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List title, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books, and Freeman Book Award winner. He currently lives in Singapore with his wife, two daughters, and one very lively labradoodle.

Huynh Kim Lien and Phung Nguyen Quang are Vietnamese illustrators who have collaborated on books published in a number of countries, often under the pen name KAA. Their illustrations are influenced by the folk culture of Vietnam and Asia. Visit them at kaaillustration.com.

Phung Nguyen Quang and Huynh Kim Lien are Vietnamese illustrators who have collaborated on books published in a number of countries, often under the pen name KAA. Their illustrations are influenced by the folk culture of Vietnam and Asia. Visit them at kaaillustration.com.

Editorial Reviews

★ 01/11/2021

This real-life celebration of resourcefulness by debut author Riley follows Prasit Hemmin, a boy who, with his friends, found space for a soccer field on the Thai island of Koh Panyee and founded one of the most successful youth soccer clubs in Southern Thailand. Living “in a village on stilts,” Hemmin and pals use a sandbar to play when the tide is low. But watching the 1986 FIFA World Cup, they decide to construct a floating platform from scavenged materials to create a less ephemeral field. Working around the field’s limitations and forming a football club, they go on to play in a mainland tournament. Illustrations by Vietnamese team Quang and Lien emphasize light, movement, and perspective, making for a transportive read. A compelling book for football fans and readers seeking examples of ingenuity. Back matter includes an author’s note, a note from Hemmin, and a glossary of English and Thai soccer terms with pronunciations. Ages 8–9. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

"This is a story that presents kids as true problem solvers. . . . an excellent STEM resource."—starred, School Library Journal

From the Publisher

★ 05/01/2021

Gr 2–5—In the Thai fishing village of Koh Panyee, Prasit and his friends can play their favorite game only twice a month. They must rely on the phases of the moon to go out to a sandbar when the tides are in their favor. But their irrepressible passion for football (soccer) keeps them from giving up, especially when they huddle around the single island television to watch an underdog team win the World Cup. Ignoring naysayers and fueled with enthusiasm and ingenuity, the boys come up with a plan. Their floating field created with repurposed scrap materials enables them to begin a daily practice regimen, form the Panyee Football Club, qualify to compete in a tournament on the mainland, and earn the admiration of their whole village. Vibrant artwork in rich, concentrated color conveys energy and joy. References to local foods and adult women wearing hijabs depict the regional culture and predominant faith. A note by the real Prasit Hemmin enhances the authenticity of this illustrated account of his own story. Additional back matter includes a map, photos, and bilingual chart with soccer terminology. VERDICT This is a story that presents kids as true problem solvers. Its message will spark conversations at home and in the classroom, and its makerspace connection makes it an excellent STEM resource.—Gloria Koster, formerly at West Sch., New Canaan, CT

School Library Journal

2020-12-15
Enamored by sport, a group of Thai boys literally make a field of their own.

In Thailand in 1986, a young boy named Prasit lives in a village called Koh Panyee, built on stilts on the shore. As his father leaves on his boat with dreams of his daily catch, Prasit and the other neighborhood boys look elsewhere. Their eyes are on the village’s only TV, at Uncle’s coffee shop, broadcasting the World Cup. Their excitement spills over to a sandbar where they struggle to play in the sand. The straightforward text goes on at a steady pace to reveal how the boys build their own floating soccer field with ample ingenuity and resourcefulness. At first the community is skeptical of the boys’ goals, but they eventually cheer as the boys leave for a tournament. Illustrators Quang and Lien use vivid colors and contrast to bring plenty of depth and movement to every scene. At times the narration can be a touch flat, especially at the climax, where the boys kick off their shoes in their formal match to play in the rain, a moment rendered with little emotion. In the backmatter, the real Prasit provides insights on the actual events along with a detailed author’s note and a glossary. The village is largely Muslim, as shown by characters’ attire.

An intriguing true story elevated by striking illustrations. (maps, bibliography, reading guide) (Informational picture book. 7-11)

Kirkus Reviews