Demonstrating how the world's most popular sport also serves as a common language across all cultures, communities, and ages, this unique handbook explores the diverse country of South Africa through the game of soccer. Documenting the experiences of real-life professional player Ethan Zohn, this guide follows Ethan and his soccer-playing friend Tawela through the home of the 2010 World Cup, as they study ancient cave art and wildlife preserves, observe the migration of whales, and view a professional soccer game at one of the biggest stadiums in the world. Generating engaging, culturally specific activities in math, science, language, geography, and art, this exciting overview includes mask making, hot air experiments, and even learning how to say "hello" in the 11 official languages of the country. Highlighting a beautiful corner of the planet, this reference also provides a chance to choose an actual help project in South Africa, encouraging kids to share their experiences at the Soccer World website.

Author Biography

Ethan Zohn is a professional soccer player, philanthropist, and lecturer. He was the season winner on Survivor: Africa. He is a cofounder of the African AIDS/HIV project Grassroot Soccer, and he has hosted the environmental travel series Earthtripping. He lives in New York City. David Rosenberg is an award-winning television and book author. He has written for the shows Rocket Power, Rugrats, and The Wild Thornberrys, and he has developed animated children's programming for Walt Disney and Klasky Csupo. He was a contributor to the anthology Male and Female Under 18. He lives in Toluca Lake, California. Shawn Braley is an award-winning illustrator who specializes in cartoon and editorial illustration. His previous work includes Discover the Seven Wonders of the World, Human Body: 25 Fantastic Projects Illuminate How the Body Works, and World Myths and Legends. He lives in White River Junction, Vermont.