By Dan Freedman (author)
"A gritty, gorgeously life-affirming tale of twins fighting epic odds, anxieties and tragedy to flourish in their respective sports and as young adults."
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February 2020 Book of the Month
This gripping must-read for sports fans fizzes with a powerful message about picking yourself up and self-belief, and a poignant portrayal of gang culture coercion. I cannot praise Dan Freeman’s compassion-rich writing enough.
Life’s not easy for twin fourteen-year-olds Kaine and Roxy growing up on their London estate. Their dad’s lost his job and mum works all hours. But Roxy and Kaine aren’t your average teenagers. He’s a super-talented footballer with Premier League potential, and she’s an outstanding tennis player, tipped for the top.
Oh, and they can’t stand each other. After being close as kids, they’ve grown apart, with Roxy loathing the fact that Kaine’s always in trouble, and Kaine hating the way Roxy gets all the attention and support, overlooked even when a scout for a Premier League club comes to watch him.
Both a bundle of frustration, Kaine is tempted into dangerous territory. If only Mamma, their Barbados-born grandmother, was around to keep Kaine on the right track. Mamma’s warm, wise presence is felt throughout the novel. She was the person Kaine turned to in times of need. She’d feed him soul food, remind him that he’s special, urge him to “do the extraordinary.” Sage advice comes from Kaine’s supportive PE teacher too, who counsels “There are paths in life, there are choices. And you are at one of those crossroads now”.
When tragedy strikes as Kaine loses his way it takes a whole lot of soul-searching for him to turns things round and become the extraordinary young man he is. And Roxy tackles her profoundly life-changing situation with heartrending courage too. With overriding messages of hope, compassion, doing the right thing and staying true to yourself, this is an absolute galáctico, Grand Slam winner of a novel.
“I’m gonna do something with my life, be someone. People gonna know my name.”
Read the full description
Fourteen-year-old twins, Roxy and Kaine, have only one thing in common. They HATE each other. Kaine is loud, brash and brilliant at football. Roxy is heading for tennis superstardom. When tragedy strikes, their worlds are ripped apart. Can they come together before it's too late?
'A thrilling page-turner about the causes of knife crime while offering solutions and hope.' The Times' Children's Book of the Week
'This highly charged story of complex family relationships, misplaced loyalty and finding strength to overcome devastating disappointment will appeal especially to sports fans but is also a cracking read for anyone who likes a well-told, engaging narrative.' Book Trust
'It's very, very good.' Alan Shearer
'Brilliant. If you know a boy or girl aged 10-14ish, they will laugh. Cry. And more importantly...think.' Alex Stone, FIFA
'An excellent read which deals with the subject of knife crime in a sensitive and realistic manner.' Patrick Green, CEO The Ben Kinsella Trust
'Unstoppable touches every aspect of a teenager's journey within elite sport. It's a must-read for all Academy managers, coaches and scouts. I would also highly recommend it to young players hoping to make it in the professional game, as well as their parents.' Les Reed, Technical Director, The Football Association
'This book feels very authentic. I would be particularly recommending this to those who have fallen away a bit from reading because they don't identify with characters in other books. I think so many will identify with these...a very strong book and one that is a blast of the voice of youth.' Dawn Finch, Children's Writers and Illustrators Group
'A must-read story for all sporty kids in Year 6 and above. I'd also recommend it to coaches, teachers and parents interested in the mindset, challenges and development of top young athletes.' Sarah Cecil, sports psychologist at the English Institute of Sport
'My 13-year-old daughter and I loved your book, Dan. Couldn't put it down. Gripping and thought-provoking.' Tanya Motie, BBC Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group
'Compelling reading.' Armadillo Magazine
Dan Freedman is best known for his hugely popular series of Jamie Johnson football novels (Scholastic UK) which have been adapted for TV by the BBC and have sold more than 700,000 copies worldwide. Before becoming an author, Dan worked with the England football team, travelling with them to two World Cups. Dan has made over 2000 school visits during the last ten years and it was those experiences that inspired him to write Unstoppable.
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Unstoppable by Dan Freedman is an awesome book! I really liked the idea and storyline however at first, thought it to be cliché but soon realised it was not but in return, had loads of positive messages through these twins' experiences sprinkled throughout, all packed into one book!
I enjoyed the two twins' relationship and reading about them coming back together, despite their broken relationship. It is all about a family and how important it is to communicate with each other.
I also really liked the style it was written in as it came across to me as a very simple and engaging style that is easy to read, quite relaxing and absorbs you into another world. I read this book in one sitting as it really spoke to me and sucked me into another story.... Read Full Review
Librarian Reviewer: Unstoppable is an emotive and very powerful story that needs to have pride of place in every school library...
Unstoppable is an emotive and very powerful story that needs to have pride of place in every school library...
Unstoppable contains 310 pages that would be suitable for the confident/reluctant reader of 11+. It would also be great for a classroom read for this age group as it has so many discussion and learning points that are relevant in the world today. The book would also be useful for PSHE days, due to content of: gang culture, knife crime, abuse, bullying and family issues. However, even though as much as I like the story and the powerful messages it contains, It does have a few negatives (in my opinion): The ending almost feels like a fairytale, as everything is neatly wrapped up, life is not like that. There are going to be disappointments, and it’s how we cope with them that defines us.... Read Full Review
One of the best books I have ever read. I couldn't put down, it was gripping it was UNSTOPPABLE to read!
One of the best books I have ever read.... Read Full Review
“I’m gonna do something with my life, be someone. People gonna know my name.” Fourteen-year-old twins, Roxy and Kaine, have only one thing in common.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Unstoppable and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old
Unstoppable features in the following genres: Crime & Mystery, Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Stories about Family and Friends, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Gritty Reads, Star Books, Thrillers, Featured Books for 13+ readers
Paperback, Ebook, Hardback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
Unstoppable was written by Dan Freedman and published by David Fickling Books
Unstoppable has 307 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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