Bookverdict.com

Gr 9 Up—When the South American soccer team, Rialto, signs Otello, a black northerner, racism rears its ugly head in this compelling novel (Candlewick, 2009) by Mal Peet. Making matters worse, Otello quickly falls in love with Desmerelda, the white pop-star daughter of Senor Brabanta, a right-wing politician and Rialto's powerful board director. Allusions to Shakepeare's tragedy, Othello, include character names and places, acts and scenes, stage directions, and themes. However, the story is fresh and modern, taking on sports stars as commodities, the paparazzi's dog...Log In or Sign Up to Read More