
Written by Jonny Zucker
Price: £12.99 / $14.95
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781784385170
Highlights
A fast-paced football-centred thriller
An exciting read for older children or young teens
This fun story also depicts the changing relationship between parents and children as they grow up and the effects of grief and loss for both sides
Description
Just a few days after Nat Levy’s thirteenth birthday, he and his dad Dave return to England for the first time in seven years. Since his mother died, the two of them have been travelling from country to country, wherever Dave can pick up work, and Nat has been playing street football with the local kids whenever he has a chance – even on Copa Cabana beach in Rio de Janeiro!
Now it’s a bit of a shock to come back to England, where the cottage Dave has bought turns out to be a wreck, and the prospect of going to school is looming for Nat. The only positive aspect is that they are close to Hatton Rangers, the football club they both follow, but even the club is struggling to avoid relegation and possible bankruptcy. Amazingly, Nat’s football skills are spotted and he is put forward for a trial at the club, but there is something fishy going on at the club that is looking increasingly dangerous…
In this football-centred thriller, Nat learns about being part of a team, when to take chances, when to accept criticism and when to stand up for himself. His independence and self-reliance help him through some tricky and risky situations.
Author Details
As a child Jonny Zucker devoured any stories about football or footballers, and was especially influenced by a book called Goalkeepers are Different by Brian Glanville. On the path to becoming a writer Jonny worked as a primary school teacher, FA qualified football coach and stand-up comedian. Sadly, Jonny passed away in 2016. He was a loving husband and an adoring father.
Reviews
“This sports novel/thriller crossover is a great choice for middle-grade readers who love soccer or a good spy story.” – Sydney Taylor Shmooze