Striker Boy [Paperback]

A satisfying wish-fulfilment epic. (Jewish Chronicle )

There’s brilliantly paced football excitement on and off the pitch in this fast moving adventure. (Julia Eccleshare Lovereading )

A gripping read for soccer fans. (Irish Examiner )

This is a real page turner valuable for reviving the reading experience of any jaded sports fans. They'll love it for the insight and info into Premier League footie alone, and, as the real hook, probably think… if only it were me. (Books for Keeps )

This tense wish-fulfilment adventure scores on every level, with attractive characters, fast-paced plot and a feel good finale. (Daily Mail )

A cracking read…everyone will be swept up in the action thriller. (School Librarian )

Every boy¹s dream. So, if they can live that dream on their PlayStations, why not in a book? (Literacy Trust )

A great read for boys. (Parents in Touch )

The fast-paced, multi stranded plot and engaging hero make it a brilliant read. (School Librarian )

Nat has grown up travelling around the world with his Dad. He's played football everywhere they've lived and honed his skills on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Now they are settling back at home in England. Then at a 'community' day at his favourite football team, Hatton Rangers, currently struggling at the bottom of the Premiership, Nat's talent is spotted by the club's scout. To his and his father's amazement, he finds himself talking to the manager about a place on the first team squad. There is just the little detail of his age - he's big for 13 but surely they can't get away with him posing as a 16-year-old, the minimum age for a professional player?

But the club's veteran striker takes an immediate dislike to Nat and warns him off trying to get a place on the team. Nat's suspicions are aroused and soon he begins to think there is something more to Hatton Rangers' poor performance, and a local reporter begins to have suspicions about Nat. What seems like every boy's dream is quickly confronted by the tough reality of the world of professional football in this superbly exciting thriller.

Jonny Zucker has worked in radio, played in several bands and has worked as a stand-up comedian and a teacher. He started writing full-time and has now written over thirty books for adults, teenagers and children. These include the Venus Spring books for Piccadilly Press and the Max Flash for Stripes. He also wrote the Festival Time! series, Dan and the Mudman, Striker Boy and Striker Boy Kicks Out for Frances Lincoln. He lives in Muswell Hill, London with his family.