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Jamie Johnson #1
The Kick Off
Jamie's heart seemed to be beating all through his body. Everything depended on him. He had to score. Jamie Johnson's desperate to become his school's star football player (and in his dreams, a top professional too). He's got so much to prove, and not just on the pitch - so why aren't his mum, teachers and best mate on his side? The pressure's on, but has Jamie got what it takes?
- GenresFictionSportsYoung Adult
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2007
35 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 19, 2016
i thought it was extremely funny and i loved it because its football. if you love football the book for you
March 5, 2019
The Kick Off by Dan Freedman was a very interesting book for me. As a football fan, it gave an in-depth scenario of a young child dreaming of becoming a footballer. A very well-written fiction book, it describes the beginning of Jamie Johnson's footballing career and I am looking forward to reading the other 5 books in the series. Would recommend it to a young person who aspires to become a footballer.
March 13, 2019
The genre of this book is a football story and i found it very good. It is the first book of its series. The story is about a boy named Jamie Johnson who has just left his old school to join kingsfield. His biggest idol is his grandad who is a ex hawks player (team Jamie supports) who had to retire young due to an injury. Jamie first trial fails Terribly but because of his grandad he keeps going to make it to the A-team. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves football as it has a good story and involves a lot of it.
November 11, 2017
This is the first book of the Jamie Johnson series. Jamie Johnson is a talented footballer – with a temper. He's desperate to become Kingfield's greatest left-winger. He's got so much to prove, and not just on the football pitch. So why aren't his teachers, mum and best friends supporting him? The pressure's on – can Jamie keep his temper long enough to score a goal when it's match-time?
I really liked this book because it was fast-paced and humorous. I liked how it was realistic football rather than something like a kick so hard it ripped the net. At some points in the story, I actually felt like I was in the crowd watching Jamie play. After finishing the book, I really did want to go outside and play football. I would rate this amazing, funny book five stars. Great start to an epic series.
I really liked this book because it was fast-paced and humorous. I liked how it was realistic football rather than something like a kick so hard it ripped the net. At some points in the story, I actually felt like I was in the crowd watching Jamie play. After finishing the book, I really did want to go outside and play football. I would rate this amazing, funny book five stars. Great start to an epic series.
February 20, 2021
A good little book of the trials and tribulations of a young boy dreaming of being a professional footballer and all of the stresses of being a teenage boy at the same time.
Can't say I seeked this book out or if I will try and read the rest of the series but if by chance I get to follow the rest of the Jamie Johnson story then will happily give it a go.
Only 3 out of 5 for me though as although an easy read it just didn't have enough to take it to the next level.
Can't say I seeked this book out or if I will try and read the rest of the series but if by chance I get to follow the rest of the Jamie Johnson story then will happily give it a go.
Only 3 out of 5 for me though as although an easy read it just didn't have enough to take it to the next level.
July 9, 2022
This book was amazing I’m the biggest football fan so perfect for me it could have maybe just had a bit of a twist or anything like that was quite a simple read but great book.
December 15, 2022
The beginning of such an underrated and incredible series mannn. Just Top Tier. JJ 🐐. not once Miss or even average book they all range from amazing to perfect.
April 12, 2025
Good footballl book .
September 2, 2020
it is very fun and interesting full of exciting and unexpected twists and cliffhangers
March 14, 2016
'Jamie's heart seemed to be beating all through his body. Everything depended on him. He had to score.'
Jamie Johnson is a talented footballer – with a temper. He's desperate to become Kingfield's greatest left-winger. He's got so much to prove, and not just on the football pitch. So why aren't his teachers, mum and best friends supporting him? The pressure's on – can Jamie keep his temper long enough to score a goal when it's match-time?
I really liked this book because it was fast-paced and humorous. I liked how it was realistic football rather than something like a kick so hard it ripped the net. At some points in the story, I actually felt like I was in the crowd watching Jamie play. After finishing the book, I really did want to go outside and play football. I would rate this amazing, funny book five stars.
Jamie Johnson is a talented footballer – with a temper. He's desperate to become Kingfield's greatest left-winger. He's got so much to prove, and not just on the football pitch. So why aren't his teachers, mum and best friends supporting him? The pressure's on – can Jamie keep his temper long enough to score a goal when it's match-time?
I really liked this book because it was fast-paced and humorous. I liked how it was realistic football rather than something like a kick so hard it ripped the net. At some points in the story, I actually felt like I was in the crowd watching Jamie play. After finishing the book, I really did want to go outside and play football. I would rate this amazing, funny book five stars.
May 6, 2021
After Jamie moves school, he is left trialing Out for the schools A Team. But that dies not go to planned as a scuffed penalty leaves him humiliated and embarrassed. As the half term starts Jamie is banned from football by his mum and is left with nothing to do. After convincing his mum to let him play again he gets handed down a book full of drills, by his legendary grandad Mike Johnson. He practises all over the summer and even gets a chance to play with some of the best players in his town.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2012
Just right for young sportsmen and women everywhere. It strikes the right balance between Jamie Johnson's personal life and his football ambitions. I enjoyed it just as much as my children. It made every evening a treat for week or so we read it together.
January 6, 2016
It is about boy called Jamie Johnson who wants to be a pro footballer. It is in a town called Hawkstone in England. But a boy called Dillon keep bullying him and making him lash out and get in trouble. Then his coach helps him to learn how to control his temper.
July 2, 2016
Jamie can't stand it to be the Highwood School's best player same as being the best player in Hawstone United. He messes up in his almost last trial . He puts the pressure on his self hardly to impress Mr Hansard on his last trial.
November 7, 2022
Jamie drømmer om å bli fotballproff. Han har både talent og vilje, men sliter med temperamentet. Enkel, men god og engasjerende historie om en ung gutt som står på for å nå målet sitt. Et ekstra pluss er de konkrete rådene forfatteren har for hvordan man kan bli en bedre spiller.
December 3, 2015
i like this book because it is about this boy who moved to a new school and he is doing a football trial. but he did bad. but later on the book he became really good and evryone liked him!
Want to read
December 15, 2015awesome
October 14, 2016
Easy and quick read. Good for the age group 9-12. Those who like football will enjoy this book.
November 21, 2016
The best book you don't know what will happen awesome.
June 19, 2015
Amazing book, read if you love football
June 22, 2017
An Astonishing book for football lovers
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews