One Ball, One World: Emilio's Dream of the World Cup [Large Print]

By Claude Louis

One Ball, One World: Emilio's Dream of the World Cup

A powerful children's book about football, hope, and global unity

What if one simple ball could remind the world who we really are?

Emilio is a joyful and courageous boy from Haiti who plays football barefoot with a ball made of rags-on dusty ground, under an open sky. He does not have a stadium, expensive cleats, or a real uniform. But what he does have is something far more powerful: imagination, determination, and a dream that reaches far beyond the place he calls home.

As the world counts down to the greatest tournament on earth, the FIFA World Cup, Emilio begins to wonder about something bigger than football itself. He has seen how the game can bring people together. He has watched children laugh, celebrate, and forget their struggles the moment the ball begins to roll. But he also wonders why that same spirit of unity so often disappears after the final whistle.

Why can people from different countries cheer together during the World Cup, yet struggle to see one another as equals afterward?

Through courage, kindness, and imagination, Emilio discovers that football (soccer) is more than a sport. It is a universal language that connects children across countries, cultures, and circumstances. Whether played in crowded cities, quiet villages, dusty streets, or open fields, the game carries the same joy everywhere. In Emilio's world, the ball does not care about borders, wealth, language, or flags. It simply invites children to play together.

Appropriate for readers ages 7-11, One Ball, One World is an inspiring and educational children's book that encourages young readers to think beyond themselves and see the humanity in others. This heartfelt story introduces children to:

The power of resilience and perseveranceDiversity and global awarenessEmpathy for children around the worldCompassion, kindness, and inclusionThe unifying joy of footballHope in the face of hardshipThe importance of dignity, belonging, and shared humanity

Beautifully written and emotionally uplifting, this story is ideal for:

Parents searching for meaningful bedtime storiesTeachers exploring multicultural and social-emotional learningYoung football and soccer fansFamilies inspired to raise empathetic and compassionate childrenClassrooms discussing diversity, unity, and global citizenshipReaders who enjoy inspirational sports stories with heart and purpose

More than a children's story, One Ball, One World is a reminder that every child-regardless of where they are born-deserves the opportunity to dream, to learn, to play, and to feel valued.

At a time when the world can often feel divided, Emilio's journey offers a message of hope that children and adults alike will carry long after the final page.

If your child loves inspirational stories, football adventures, and books about making a difference, this unforgettable journey will spark meaningful conversations and lasting inspiration.

Because the greatest goal isn't scored in a stadium...

It happens when a child realizes they matter.

• Format: Paperback
• Large Print: Yes
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1962879038
• ISBN13: 9781962879033
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Words in Action
• Length: 54 Pages
• Weight: 0.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.0" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 7 to 11 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 6