Keeper

The extraordinary debut novel by Carnegie Medal-winning author Mal Peet about football, magic and self-discovery.

The award-winning first novel from Carnegie Medal-winning Mal Peet introduces legendary sports journalist Paul Faustino and the haunting tale of the world’s greatest goalkeeper: the man they call El Gato,”the Cat”. As Paul interviews El Gato, the World Cup stands on the table between them. In the hours that follow, El Gato tells his incredible story – how he, a poor logger’s son, learns to become a World Cup-winning goalkeeper so good he is almost unbeatable. And the most remarkable part of this story is the man who teaches him: the mysterious Keeper, who haunts a football pitch at the heart of the claustrophobic rainforest.

Reissue with a stunning new cover.
Winner of the Brandford Boase and a Nestle Children’s Book Prize.
First of Mal Peet’s three Paul Faustino novels, all critically acclaimed.