By Mitch Johnson (author)
"A fast-paced football story that tackles modern-day slavery, grief and social justice. Perfect for fans of Matt Oldfield and Tom Palmer."
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A hopeful sports-based story that explores the dark side of football. Main character Owen learns that football is more than just a game when he discovers deep-rooted corruption and greed at the heart of the academy team he plays for. Perfect for football fans aged 9+, this is a powerful read about standing up for what you know is right. With all the tension of a penalty shoot-out, this is an empathy-building story with a hopeful call for a fairer world.
Strike is distinctive for its array of strong male role-models. From Owen’s loving dad to his principled footballing hero, Budi, readers will be inspired by these characters to be the best they can be. Owen’s mum died suddenly a few years ago and his lingering grief and slow acceptance is both realistic and sensitively-handled – this would be a strong choice for readers who have also lost a parent, particularly those who feel that their world will never again contain joy.
Strike continues the story started in Johnson’s award-winning novel Kick but is much more than a sequel and can comfortably be read as a stand-alone novel. Perfect for sharing, Strike is an excellent book to open classroom discussions about child labour, modern-day slavery and having a social conscious.
Strike is an action-packed football book about chasing your dreams and standing up for what you believe in.
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Place the ball. Pick your spot. Three steps back. Breathe.
Owen is closer than ever to achieving his dream: becoming a professional footballer. All he has to do is stay focused. No distractions. Just football.
But when a hidden note tucked inside his new boots reveals a cry for help from the factory workers who made them, Owen discovers the beautiful game might be hiding some ugly secrets. Suddenly, chasing his dream doesn't feel so important. It's time to decide which path he really wants to take.
A story about taking your shot and being brave enough to change the game, from the best-selling author of Kick . A fully standalone story, with a special Easter egg for fans of Kick as Budi makes a triumphant return.
‘Strike is so much more than just a book about footba l. It shows how monumental moments can change everything, whatever your age.’ - School Reading List
‘It's a winner for me!’ - Matt Oldfield, co-author of Ultimate Football Heroes
After graduating from the University of East Anglia with an award-winning first class degree in English Literature with Creative Writing, Mitch completed Kick, his debut novel for middle grade readers. He was inspired to write it while working in a sports shop where he discovered a discarded, crumpled drinks sachet left in a shoebox between a brand-new pair of football boots. Mitch now works as a bookseller at Waterstones, Norwich, and writes in his spare time.
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Strike is an action-packed football book about chasing your dreams and standing up for what you believe in. Place the ball.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Strike and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Strike features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Star Books, Sporting Stories, Football , Sports, PSHE: Bereavement and Grief, PSHE: Multiculturalism, Diversity and Inclusion, PSHE: Family Issues, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s / Teenage general interest: Sports teams and clubs, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Parents, Children’s / Teenage fiction: General, modern and contemporary fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Ball games and sports, Children’s / Teenage: General interest
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
Strike was written by Mitch Johnson and published by Usborne Publishing Ltd. an imprint of Usborne Publishing
Strike has 300 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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