Striker Boy

by Jonny Zucker

An exciting read for older children or young teens, this fun story depicts the changing relationship between parents and children as they grow up and the effects of grief and loss for both sides.

Just a few days after Nat Levy’s thirteenth birthday, he and his dad Dave return to England for the first time in seven years. Since his mother died, the two of them have been traveling from country to country, wherever Dave can pick up work, and Nat has been playing street soccer with the local kids whenever he has a chance - even on Copa Cabana beach in Rio de Janeiro!

Now it’s a bit of a shock to come back to England, where the cottage Dave has bought turns out to be a wreck, and the prospect of going to school is looming for Nat. The only positive aspect is that they are close to Hatton Rangers, the soccer team they both follow, but even the team is struggling to avoid relegation and possible bankruptcy. Amazingly, Nat’s soccer skills are spotted and he is put forward for a tryout with the team, but there is something fishy going on that is looking increasingly dangerous…

In this soccer-centered thriller, Nat learns about being part of a team, when to take chances, when to accept criticism and when to stand up for himself. His independence and self-reliance help him through some tricky and risky situations.

Genres: Childrens

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Eleanor Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book in an intervention group with 3 Year 5 boys and it was an excellent and engaging story line that brought them all together. It subtly covers the topic of Mental Health considered in relation to a family death, which gave the opportunity for the boys to think deeper about the everyday life of a child and their passion for football. One of the most prominent things we considered was the "right" or "wrong" thing to do and what they thought was morally correct. This was extremely interesting to hear and really contributed to developing their understanding and opinions. A thoroughly enjoyable book! (even for those that are not a fan of football like myself!)

[Eve Lyons · Rating 2 out of 5]

So it’s a pretty good book, exciting plot development, but as a PJ Library book it feels like some editor just ret-conned the Jewish content into the book to sell it as a Jewish book. And all they did was call the protagonist Jewish and throw in a few Yiddish phrases. They didn’t even take opportunities that this provided to share the Jewish take on the ethical dilemmas or grief that were a part of the narrative. Or the Jewish emotional experience if changing one’s name. So that made it overall disappointing.

[Jilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like it this book I had trouble finding books that I wanted to read and really were and finish and this book was awesome

Daughter of jil

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book overall, however I did think that nat, the main character, was a bit of a jerk.

[Tabitha Munyaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

i finished this book and i loved it even though i don't like football. i would recommend it to everyone who likes football and it doesn't matter is you are boy/girl cause this book is exproding

[Simon Bonato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Can i find an e-book to this book? Plz help