Building a Dream

A Thai soccer team creates their own place to play — a floating field — in this unforgettable tale of persistence and problem-solving. Based on a true story. 

In Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay, atop a network of stilts, floats the village of Koh Panyee—where a group of boys loved soccer but had nowhere to practice. Where could they find space to dribble, juggle, shoot, and score? The boys looked out at the water and started gathering tools. 

Even while their neighbors laughed, they sawed wood, hammered nails, and tied barrels together. The team worked for weeks to build Koh Panyee’s first floating field—a place to practice, and a place to transform their community. 

With engaging soccer scenes and atmospheric images of southern Thailand, this inspiring book from author Darshana Khiani and illustrator Dow Phumiruk follows a group of boys who became a team long before they had jerseys or even a field. Plank by plank, they built their dream. Author’s and illustrator’s notes offer additional background.

Part of Eerdmans’ Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series.

Awards

The Missouri Association of School Librarians (MASL) Show Me Award Final Nominee (2025-2026)

Diamond State Reading Association (DSRA) Delaware Diamonds Award Grades K-2 (2024-2025)

Children’s Book Committee of Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year List - Family/School/Community & Outstanding Merit 
Children’s Book Council (CBC) Children's Favorites List 3rd-5th Grade 
Children’s Book Council (CBC) Teacher Favorites List 
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the Children’s Book Council (CBC) Best STEM Books Award List 
Colorado Humanities Colorado Book Award in Children's Literature Finalist 
Missouri Association of School Librarians Dogwood Readers Award in Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Finalist