August Book Recommendations: Kick
Kick by Mitch Johnson
Euro 2024 has been and gone. And while England may have reached the final to be beaten by a superior Spain, let’s not pretend England deserved to be there. They had a very easy group and a really favourable route to the final. And yet, in typical English fashion, they had a wonderful ability to make things hard for each other. A lack of goals, drive, creativity, and being generally hard to watch, in the end, it’s fair to say this talented England team was a bit of a letdown. So what better way to turn disappointment into excitement than a terrific little tale all about football, and a young lad who believes he has the talent and drive to make it as a football star? Can he use his quick feet to escape his life of poverty? As in all good stories, things aren’t so simple as.
Aiming For Rags To Riches
In Kick, Budi works in a footwear factory in Indonesia, making the football boots he longs to wear but is unlikely to ever afford. His ambition is to be a famous football player for a team like Real Madrid, but Budi’s reality is rather different.
The conditions in the sweatshop are appalling, and instead of the luxurious life enjoyed by his idols, Budi has to go without food to manage on his tiny salary and live under constant threat of abuse and intimidation from the factory foreman. It is quite the set of problems to have—especially for a twelve-year-old. And when he attracts the notice of the dangerous Dragon, it seems less and less likely that he will ever achieve his dream.
Commentary
The harsh divide between rich and poor is examined sensitively in this moving book about one child’s struggles that are, unfortunately, a fact of life for many. It’s also an intelligent look at the shadowy side of capitalism that holds the role of professional footballer (with its accompanying wealth) up as an aspiration for children around the world, despite their circumstances. Budi may not ever achieve what so few manage, but is that the only dream available to him?
It’s the perfect low-pressure read for the summer as well. Johnson’s writing style is straightforward and accessible. He uses vivid descriptions and dynamic dialogue to bring the story to life, making it easy to follow and enjoy. You won’t get tangled up in the net of complex language that might deter reluctant readers.
Moreover, Kick provides an eye-opening look into the lives of children in different parts of the world. The problems Budi has are very real for children in his part of the world, and you can’t help but root for the lad to do well. Its combination of sports, adventure, and social issues creates a rich, immersive experience that can captivate even the most hesitant readers, encouraging them to develop a love for reading.
This story is easy-to-read and genuinely uplifting. The perfect thing for a Euros comedown.
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Dan Grabowski is an Amazon best-selling author and has taught in the classroom at primary level previously.