Strike

Owen is a talented young footballer, with a chance of achieving his dream of becoming a professional player. When he and his best friend, Teddy, are taken on by an academy, Owen is focused on on one thing - football. But when he finds a note asking for help hidden inside his new boots, he discovers that there are ugly secrets connected to the game which he knows cannot stay hidden if he is to make a change.

Mitch Johnson's earlier book, Kick, is an exceptional book and Strike is every bit as outstanding. Although there is a link between the two stories, 'Strike' can easily be read as a stand-alone. Perfectly pitched for football lovers, Strike may well offer the 'hook' needed to tempt that hard-to-catch end of Y6 into Y7 group of (often!) boys who have decided that reading is no longer the cool thing to do.

There is an immediacy in the writing which is completely compelling, with each chapter skilfully paced to ensure constant engagement with the story. Football is obviously at the heart of the story, but (as in my case!) you do not have to be a football fan to thoroughly enjoy it. Owen is a lovely lad. He has an excellent relationship with his supportive, understanding dad, but although the two readily discuss most things, when Owen finds a note in his new boots, he feels unable to raise this with his father.

Owen admires Budi, a new star on the pitch (and the hero of Kick), who has been speaking out about things which need to be 'fixed' in the beautiful game and so Owen realises that he has to make a choice - keep quiet and follow his dreams or stand up for what he believes in and risk everything. His courage and determination in the face of being stripped of his dreams is admirable - and leaves readers questioning what they themselves might do in a similar situation.

Exploitation of workers, their conditions and the unfair distribution of wealth / profits is exposed in Kick and this is continued in Strike, which also looks at how coercion and intimidation are used to keep these things secret, opening readers' eyes to the abuses committed by huge brands and companies - and perhaps making them think about where they are shopping or what they are buying.

These things are raised in the story through Budi and Owen's experiences, making them all the more hard-hitting. Another excellent novel from Mitch Johnson! For ages 10+.

304 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+