Striker

by David Skuy

Thirteen-year-old Cody is aching to get back onto the pitch. Last year he had a tumor removed from his leg. Though it's a struggle, Cody tries out for the Lions and makes the team as a "super sub" -- one of eleven players who jokingly named themselves that because they're never allowed to play. Secretly Cody is relieved, since he hasn't told anyone on the team that he had cancer. But then there's a shakeup in team management and suddenly Cody and the super subs are the only players left. Cody has no choice now but to play, even if his leg does begin to hurt. At an end-of-season tournament it becomes clear that he and another player, Paulo, are close to being the perfect scoring duo. Without being aware of it, Cody has been holding himself back, striking with his left leg instead of his right. When he finally comes clean to his teammates about his disease and injury from the year before, they encourage him to trust his leg and his skill.

Genres: Sports, Contemporary, Illness, Childrens

216 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2013

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a big sports fan, but the backstory for this book was interesting, so I gave it a try. In the book, Cody has been recovering from the removal of a tumor and the cancer treatment that followed the surgery. He has finally convinced his parents that he feels well enough to play soccer again. Before he became sick he loved to play, but it has been a year since he was on a team. Once he joins the new team, he has all sorts of issues to deal with besides his mother's concerns that he will get hurt. There are parents trying to run the team for the benefit of only their own children rather than for all the players. A few of these "special" kids are bullies and constantly pick on the others, especially Cody - because he is a striker and that is the position they want to keep for themselves.

Even though I have never played soccer and the terms for the various moves and positions were not familiar, I enjoyed the story. Maybe it's just that I have a thing for underdogs, but I think it's more likely that the story is well-written. The author, David Skuy, has written several other sports stories. This is his first soccer story; the others were about hockey.

I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC

This is a good quick read for sports readers ages 10 and up. The main character is very relatable- he struggles to find his place on a new soccer team while also reconditioning his body to the harsh demands of select soccer. The plot is rather predictable, featuring ever present sports themes such as overcoming physical limitations, dealing with bullies, and being a good sport in the face of loss.

I recommend this title to readers interested in soccer and other sports, and I think that it would be enjoyable to both boys and girls.

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young soccer fans will enjoy this story of a 13yo boy getting back to "normal life" after successful cancer treatments. Not only is he dealing with an overprotective mother and aloof father, but also the stress and strife of fitting in on a highly competitive soccer team. The soccer scenes are more descriptive and detailed than necessary, but true soccer fans will appreciate the play-by-plays. Not much depth to the characters, and problem resolutions tend to be too neat and quick, but the story flows well and moves fast. Good choice for reluctant readers. Age range (8-12yo) is just right.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book turned out to be a great book. If you love soccer and are familiar with the game there were very detailed plays throughout the whole book.
Cody has just survived cancer - a tumor had been removed from his leg. He tries out for a team and is thrilled when he makes it. Becoming a part of the team however is a harder hurdle. Cody has a lot to fight against but as the story moves forward you see a young 13-year-old boy grow and conquer the pain of comeback after cancer.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-warming and action-packed, this is the story of Cody, a 13 year old cancer survivor trying to get back on the soccer field following treatment. Soccer fans will especially enjoy the play-by-play descriptions of each soccer game. There are lots of good sub plots here as well: fighting parents, standing up to bullies, prejudice and more.
An easy read, appropriate for grades 6 and up.
This review is based on an ARC provided to me by the publisher

[Cheri Linton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sensitive glimpse of a 13 year old boy who is still living with the effects of cancer. His parents marriage has suffered and his mother treats him like a delicate ornament and even worse his father deals with his son's brush with cancer by working late at his office. The only respite for Cody is to get back in the game and play soccer. The author's characterization of Cody shows us how a true hero acts.

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a goodread win and my son loved tis book. He is 11yrs old and is an avid soccer player. I personally did not read this book but I can say that my son loved it. It kept his interest and he was asking me questions about cancer. Not many books keep his interest so it must of been well written. He said he wished he could find more stories about soccer, he loved it that much! Thanks.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good - all about soccer.

[Beyond Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book. Such a fantastic story, I just love it.

[Liam Rawling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Striker written by David Skuy is an incredible book with a great lesson and story line. This book is about a young boy named Cody who is extremely passionate about soccer but gets told he might not be able to play by a doctor due to a cancer. Striker teaches you to appreciate how fortunate you are to have the great life you have. He tries to make a comeback after successfully beating his cancer but this leads to bullying issues when he joins a new team. David Skuy writes in such a way that you feel attached to the character. With his incredible descriptions you feel like you're right next to Cody during his ups and downs. Cody meets many friends along the way with some coming from a more interesting background than him. The first few weeks of soccer are rough for Cody when the coaches only pick their sons but there is hope when one coach quits and a new coach soon enters the scene.


Striker is an emotionally led book that keeps you turning pages until the last page. During the beginning Cody gets judged due to his skinny leg and bald head but throughout the book people's opinions change of the incredible soccer player. This story will teach you many lessons that are valuable to learn for life.

I would recommend this book for 10-14 year olds interested in soccer. There is a lot of soccer terminology used so make sure you read this book prepared. I hope you enjoy the emotionally intriguing book, Striker written by David Skuy.

[Farhana Faruq · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! It's not a very long book and intended for YA readers (around ages 13 and up). This is about a boy who had cancer and is now trying to get back to his old life of making new friends and playing soccer.

Anyone who likes soccer would enjoy this. Those that have no interest in it, will dislike this book because it has a lot of play-by-play happening.

Look forward to reading more from Skuy. They aren't many books with soccer as a theme so I'm very happy to find this gem.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!!!!!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and easy read. Great book for male reluctant readers.

[Kasper Jelski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its been almost a year since thirteen year old Cody was diagnosed with cancer for a tumor in his leg. Now hes ready to start playing again, unless if his mom thinks hes not ready yet. Though its a struggle, Cody manages to make the team as a sub.But things aren't right on the team he finds himself with more playing time than he thinks he a can handle. Cody doesn't want to let his team down and telling his mom will upset her and take him of the team. Can Cody find the strength and courage to get his game back?

Striker is a intestine choice choosing book and it just lets you see how others can be prevented from what they love to do. So I recommend to that anyone who want to feel empathy for any one that is prevented from what they love doing the read Striker.

[Ishta Mercurio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Striker is a perfectly decent middle-grade novel about bullying, life after illness, friendship, and soccer. Although the voice wasn't my cup of tea, the issues it tackles (bullying between kids AND between adults; the effects of cancer on family dynamic) paired with well-narrated soccer matches make this a good choice for fans of sports books and contemporary novels for kids aged 9-12.

[Marisa M · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took a while to get into it but in the end it was fantastic!!