Strike

by Mitch Johnson, Luke R Francis (Narrator)

Place the ball. Pick your spot. Three steps back. Breathe.





Owen is closer than ever to achieving his becoming a professional footballer. All he has to do is stay focused. No distractions. Just football.





But when a hidden note tucked inside his new boots reveals a cry for help from the factory workers who made them, Owen discovers the beautiful game might be hiding some ugly secrets. Suddenly, chasing his dream doesn't feel so important. It's time to decide which path he really wants to take.

Genres: Childrens

Audible Audio

Expected publication January 1, 2027

Reviews

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A football story that's very well written! It engaged me from start to finish.

Two things struck me:
1. This is a book about football that raises issues, big issues. Well done!
2. The author actually includes a full range of exclamation marks, teachers know it can be a hoof model for children in Year 5 and 6. (Increasingly unusual)

Good stuff

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strike is a well written book about a young boy who has a talent for football and big dreams to go with his skills. But Owen's attention is suddenly captured when he receives a message from someone at the factory where the footballs are made with accusations of unfair practices.

Could there be more to the beautiful game than appears on the surface? And if that is even the case, is it Owen's responsibility to get involved?

This book is very relevant, especially for younger readers, given the impacts of globalisation and the widely prevalent unethical corporate practices in today's world. It sends the important message that changing things is a shared responsibility for all of us, and shows how one person can make a difference, while not being at all didactic in its approach. An enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review