Edgar & Adolf

by Phil Earle, Michael Wagg

Super-Readable Rollercoasters: Super authors, super accessible, simply super-readable fiction

Adi is on a mission set by his late grandfather, Adolf Jager. He must track down Edgar Kail, and return to him the simplest yet most prized of possessions. His quest soon becomes a journey of discovery as he learns of a friendship that survived decades, a great sporting rivalry, and a war that shook the world.

Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2021

About the author

Phil was born in Hull in 1974, and he studied English and Drama at Hull University. He worked for a year as a carer in a children’s home, then after training as a drama therapist, he worked in a therapeutic community in London, which cared for multiply abused adolescents. Then, changing tack completely, he chose a marginally more sedate life as a children’s bookseller. It was here that he developed an obsession for kid’s literature, in particular, young adult fiction.

After three years at Ottakar’s, he became a sales rep, and then a key account manager for Transworld/Random House, and is now sales director at Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.

Phil lives in South East London with his wife and three young children.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book.
It's about friendship and keeping your promises.
I liked that it turned out to be a true story.

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read but at the same time quite deep and moving. I would probably give it 4 stars for myself, but I'm giving it 5 for the value this would have in a school library.

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short read at 120 pages and suitable for reading ages 11-16. It is about football, friendship and war. It is a beautiful book that made me tear up and trust me I dont tear up at books often. It's just such a beautiful, honest and raw story about a life long friendship and how that affects you even in your old age. Never forgotten. A deal that had to be sealed and completed even years and years after.
Highly recommend to everyone. It contains a lot of words of wisdom, hope and love. Its pure. From the heart. Based off a true story but adapted. Does include a section throughout the WW2. I'm not a huge football fan myself but for me the story was more than just football. It meant a lot more than that. A well deserved five stars from me. Loved it. One I won't be able to forget for a long time. Beautiful.

[Hannah Sycamore · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those looking for an uplifting story about the beautiful game, look no further than Adolf & Edgar by Phil Earle and Michael Wagg. Set in Scotland, this book perfectly encapsulates the power of the Football to bring people across countries, across cultural boundaries and across history, together. Adi is on a quest: to find Edgar Kail, and to return to him a possession exchanged between friends a long time ago. A super-readable book in partnership between Oxford University Press and Barrington Stoke, this is a gripping story that will have any reader hooked. At its heart, it is a story of friendship. A friendship across borders; a friendship withstanding change. Its core message of hope is a message we all need right now.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clever blend of Fiction and Non-Fiction in this dyslexia friendly novella about two respected footballers around the time of WW2, who played against each other for thier countries in an England v Germany World Cup.
Full of passion for the sport, understanding of human nature and empathy for those loved and lost in the war. This is a lovely novel.

[Alice Visser · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the new 'Super Readable' OUP series I have read. It is about football, friendship & loyalty interrupted by war. Flashbacks to past, letters & news articles add variety. Will appeal to football fans!

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story about friendship, war and intergenerational relationships.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read! Really really enjoyed this "super readable" book!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished in one sitting!