The Football Trials: Game Changer

Description

This exciting coming of age story follows a boy from a tower block as he joins a premier league football academy. Jackson is surprised when he gets a call-up to play with United's under-eighteen team, and when everyone starts raving about his playing. But he's in for an even bigger shock when his dad turns up on his doorstep for the first time in years. Can they repair their relationship? Or is his dad out for what he can get? Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language. Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font and illustrations, The Football Trials is aimed at readers aged 12+ and has a manageable length (80 pages) and reading age (9+). Produced in association with reading experts at Catch Up, a charity which aims to address underachievement caused by literacy and numeracy difficulties.

John Hickman grew up on a council estate in Wolverhampton. He studied animation at university before moving to Newcastle upon Tyne and training as a social worker. After gaining a distinction in his creative writing MA at Newcastle University, John now writes page-turning fiction for children as well as projects for the stage and screen. His first novel, Freaks United has been shortlisted for the Hull Book Award. John likes to spend time with his family and friends, play old video games, watch bad movies and read good books. He is an avid football fan and supports Manchester United.

If you are working with KS3 students who are reluctant readers - but have a clear enthusiasm towards football - then this series of books should engage, dealing with issues that are very important to young lives. -- UKEdChat The concise style will appeal to children as I often find that reluctant readers are put off by weightier tones. The yellow tint and careful font choice are also thoughtful touches. There is a glossary at the back and a bonus section with questions to aid comprehension. All in all, a great choice for those reluctant readers in the classroom. -- K and O: Bonkers About Books Hickman's portrait of a young man being let down by his dad is authentic, exciting and sensitive. Neil Evans' accompanying charcoal illustrations are similarly evocative and mature. -- iNews The Essential Daily Briefing