The Penalty (novel) facts for kids
First edition cover
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| Author | Mal Peet |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Series | Paul Faustino |
| Genre | Young adult sports novel |
| Publisher | Walker Books |
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Publication date
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2 October 2006 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover & paperback) |
| Pages | 264 pp (first edition) |
| ISBN | 1-84428-099-3 |
| OCLC | 70672530 |
| LC Class | PZ7.P3564 Pen 2007 |
| Preceded by | Keeper |
| Followed by | Exposure |
The Penalty is an exciting sports novel for young adults, written by Mal Peet. It was published by Walker Books in 2006. This book is the second in a series of three stories about football (soccer) that feature a South American sports journalist named Paul Faustino.
In this story, a talented teenage football player, known as El Brujito ("The Little Magician"), suddenly disappears. Paul Faustino, the journalist, gets involved in solving this mystery. He works to uncover the truth behind the young player's vanishing act.
Walker Books' North American branch, Candlewick Press, released the first U.S. edition of the book in 2005. A German version was also published in 2008, allowing more readers to enjoy the story.
Discovering "The Penalty" by Mal Peet
The Penalty is a thrilling book that combines the excitement of football with a captivating mystery. It's designed for readers aged 12 to 15 who enjoy sports and detective stories. The novel takes you into the world of South American football through the eyes of a curious journalist.
The Story of "The Penalty"
The main character, Paul Faustino, is a sports journalist who finds himself investigating a strange event. A young football star, nicknamed El Brujito, vanishes without a trace. This disappearance creates a big puzzle that Faustino must solve. As he digs deeper, he uncovers secrets and the real reasons behind what happened to the "Little Magician."
The book explores themes of fame, pressure, and the hidden sides of professional sports. It keeps readers guessing as Faustino follows clues and interviews different people to piece together the truth.
Awards and Recognition
The Penalty was recognized for its quality and storytelling. In 2007, the book was chosen for the shortlist of the Booktrust Teenage Prize. This means it was one of six finalists for a major award given to books for young adults.
Mal Peet's next book in the Paul Faustino series, Exposure, won the prestigious Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in 2009. Peet, who was 62 at the time, shared his thoughts on writing football books. He felt that many existing football books for children were "pretty much hey," meaning they weren't very exciting or deep.
He also explained his personal connection to the sport, saying, "I used to play all the time. I would play football when it was light and read when it was dark. Now I get to play football vicariously." This means he enjoyed writing about football and experiencing the game through his characters.
