Paterson Loarn's Blog: Paterson Loarn on Goodreads - Posts Tagged "j-g-nolan"
Jump!
Jump! By JG Nolan is about a young boy with a passion for football. Passion is not always wise and it sometimes takes you to places which are not safe. It was neither wise nor safe for Robbie Blair to go on playing football for his team at Our Holy Redeemer's Primary School after breaking bones on three separate occasions, but he had so much passion for the game he overcame multiple setbacks to fight for his dream. Who can blame him? We all need passion in life.
The great thing about Jump! is that the story combines the vivid realism of school football pitches and hospital wards with a magical thread of fantasy. While his third leg fracture is healing, eleven year old Robbie is visited by famous Scottish footballers from the distant past. I hesitate to call them ghosts because because they are very practical and down to earth. They remind me of the ghosts in A Christmas Carol, except that instead of dealing with an old man's regrets about his past, Robbie's spirit visitors help a young boy to train in order to make his body stronger.
When someone believes in Robbie it motivates him to achieve more. It's not only the spirit visitors who encourage him to work hard and have faith in himself. A fascinating cast of characters back Robbie up while he bravely struggles to get back to match fitness. Jamie, a girl who is aiming to improve her football skills, helps Robbie to build up his strength. Robbie's school friend Hamish can be relied on for companionship and everyday support. When Robbie's class visits a care home he makes friends with WW2 veteran Fred, who has stories to tell of courage and endeavour. His class teacher Mr.McDougal looks out for him when he goes 'flying' with his spirit guides.
Jump! is a joyful and optimistic story, even though there is a down side to the experiences of some young footballers. Not everyone with dreams of reaching the top gets there, but with luck and a positive attitude they will find a satisfying alternative niche along the way. I felt for Robbie's mother, who has little or no support from his Dad and has to reorganise her entire life every time Robbie breaks a bone. However, you can't stop a dream or deny a talent, and in the end Mum is as proud of Robbie as everyone else.
The great thing about Jump! is that the story combines the vivid realism of school football pitches and hospital wards with a magical thread of fantasy. While his third leg fracture is healing, eleven year old Robbie is visited by famous Scottish footballers from the distant past. I hesitate to call them ghosts because because they are very practical and down to earth. They remind me of the ghosts in A Christmas Carol, except that instead of dealing with an old man's regrets about his past, Robbie's spirit visitors help a young boy to train in order to make his body stronger.
When someone believes in Robbie it motivates him to achieve more. It's not only the spirit visitors who encourage him to work hard and have faith in himself. A fascinating cast of characters back Robbie up while he bravely struggles to get back to match fitness. Jamie, a girl who is aiming to improve her football skills, helps Robbie to build up his strength. Robbie's school friend Hamish can be relied on for companionship and everyday support. When Robbie's class visits a care home he makes friends with WW2 veteran Fred, who has stories to tell of courage and endeavour. His class teacher Mr.McDougal looks out for him when he goes 'flying' with his spirit guides.
Jump! is a joyful and optimistic story, even though there is a down side to the experiences of some young footballers. Not everyone with dreams of reaching the top gets there, but with luck and a positive attitude they will find a satisfying alternative niche along the way. I felt for Robbie's mother, who has little or no support from his Dad and has to reorganise her entire life every time Robbie breaks a bone. However, you can't stop a dream or deny a talent, and in the end Mum is as proud of Robbie as everyone else.
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