The Keeper Reflection

At some point in one’s life their eyes open to the different cultures of the world. This could come through a movie, a book, a life altering event, or even just saying hello to a new face. As humans we get so wrapped up in our own culture we don’t realize that their are others in other countries trying to make a name for themselves. While reading The Keeper by Mal Peet the reader learned how a young kid, El Gato, was able to become a superstar soccer player in a third will country. The writer was able to change the reader's perspective of the culture by taking the reader through the ups and downs of growing up in South Africa. As young teens in America we have pretty much no choice for what we do growing up, its going to school to get an education. While in South Africa it’s a little different. Education isn’t the highest priority for kids growing up. Once they turn fifteen years old they are turned upon to make money for the family. They go off to complete hard demanding jobs each and every day to help their own families survive. “I …show more content…
Throughout the book the writer explained to the reader how a magical keeper, in the middle of a South African jungle, groomed a young to become the greatest soccer goalie the world has ever seen. Now how does this change anyones perspective on this culture? It’s simple, this culture doesn’t need millions of dollars to strive. All they need to do is believe. Believe that everything will be ok and that they will have a successful life. “What were the first words I ever spoke to you?’ the keeper asked me. I hadn’t forgotten. Those words had blown me through my dreams for an entire night. You said, Your place. You belong there’ He nodded. ‘And do you believe in that now” (Peet 45). As long as El Gato believes in the magical keeper and he believes that he belongs on a soccer field nothing can stop him from being the greatest soccer player to set foot on a