Kick Paperback – 1 Sept. 2017

Kick is a superb read for children aged 9-12. Although football features heavily in the book, the main story is about Budi trying to rise up from the slums of the Philippines to reach a better life for him and his family. It's a story of courage and friendship that has you on the edge of your seat throughout. As a primary school teacher, this has been a hit with everyone in my class, from children who love football to those who don't. Don't overlook this book if you are not a massive football fan - it's super!

I read this book with my year 5 students. Some loved it because they enjoy football however, the book brings a great comparison of their joy at owning the best boots and what goes on behind sweat shops. The children were able to understand how these children lived in squalid circumstances. Their existencecompared to their own lives was a useful reminder of how fortunate we are to go to school. Great book and educational tool.

Great book tons of action and bits that want to make you cry all over the sofa and read the rest on the wettest seat ever and have someone think you peed yourself cuz ur too into it. I like how tou get to see the perspective of people living there. *SPOILER ALERT* However, the Barcelona fans are the bad guys and it pisses me off how bad life is for 'Wakefields biddest fan' and how he didnt go ti the academy (although it was the right thing).

Just read this as our class text this term (with a mixed years 5/6 group). We all loved it. The children took Budi and Rochy into their hearts. The tension among the pupils was palpable as we drew closer to the end. Such a wonderful book which I will definitely come back to. The children are desperate for a sequel 😊😊

I bought this for my 10 year old daughter who read it within a day. I then bought if for our primary school library so that others can have the pleasure. I love the way that the author slowly takes us into the world of his characters. He doesn't spend pages describing the city they live in through his own eyes, he lets the conversation between the children take us there. We are right there with them, through the horrors they face, but there is humour, and warmth, and a wonderful relationship between the main two children. Heart breaking and life affirming at the same time. Can't wait to read the next one.

Gritty book for older children with difficult themes.

My 11 year old son really enjoyed this book. He is used to reading Harry Potter and other make believe stories this was a new genre for him. There were some parts where he was really engrossed in the storyline and i am not sure if he believed to be a real life story. He was often concerned about the main character and had a lot of questions about child labour and other themes which feature. It is a serious book but one which introduces the reader to important issues in 3rd world countries whilst always keeping hope alive.

First, although a good novel for football fans, which also gives a honest insight into child labour, I wouldn't recommend this book for under 10 year old. As it contains lots of violence and crime (killing, shooting, blood fights, smuggling, robbery, blackmailing etc) and it doesn't really have the kind of happy ending, which readers below 12 year old usually expects. That's why I would recommend this book from 12 onwards, especially the last third of it.Otherwise a brilliant book especially for football fans.