Striker

by David Skuy

Overview

Thirteen-year-old Cody is aching to get back onto the field. Last year he had a tumor removed from his leg. Though it’s a struggle, Cody tries out for the Lions and makes the team as a “super sub”—one of eleven players who jokingly named themselves that because they’re never allowed to play. Secretly, Cody is relieved, since he hasn’t told anyone on the team that he had cancer. But then there’s a shakeup in team management, and suddenly Cody and the super subs are the only players left. Cody has no choice now but to play, even if his leg does begin to hurt. At an end-of-season tournament it becomes clear that he and another player, Paulo, are close to being the perfect scoring duo. Without being aware of it, Cody has been holding himself back, striking with his left leg instead of his right. When he finally comes clean to his teammates about his disease and injury from the year before, they encourage him to trust his leg and his skill.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459411852
Publisher:	Lorimer
Publication date:	01/28/2017
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

David Skuy was the winner of the 2012 Silver Birch Award, and his young-adult novel Striker was shortlisted for the Silver Birch and named a VOYA Top Shelf Honoree. He is also the author of the Game Time! hockey series.

Editorial Reviews

"Striker is a thoroughly enjoyable, sporty novel. Cody is a genuine character who you really root for throughout his struggles. Striker is certainly a book for your middle school or younger high school readers with strong messages about friendship, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles."

Resource Links

"A fast paced novel about soccer that touches on sensitive issues such as cancer, bullying and racism...A good read and a fun novel for reluctant readers."

CM Magazine

2014-01-22
Thirteen-year-old soccer player and cancer survivor Cody is determined to get back on the field. Having completed treatment, Cody longs to regain his equilibrium, both at home and on the soccer field. While an opportunity to try out for the Lions—a team just moving up to the division he played in before he got sick—seems ideal, Cody encounters several obstacles. His goal to play soccer is challenged by his mother's apprehensions, his own qualms about his post-recovery soccer abilities and several relentless bullies on his new team. Skuy subtly explores the emotional aspects of Cody's recovery, portraying family dynamics in the wake of a child's critical illness and addressing Cody's struggles to establish new friendships after his illness. He also presents the issue of domineering sports parents, whose enthusiasm for their child's success sometimes eclipses good sportsmanship. The tension builds as several star players clash with Cody and his fellow substitutes on the team. Despite the taunts of the bullies, Cody quietly perseveres with the support of several new allies. A key soccer tournament gives Cody and his friends the chance to prove themselves. Invigorating, detailed game descriptions capture the kinetic energy of soccer while illuminating the skills and strategies essential to the sport. Skuy adeptly combines exhilarating sports with a thoughtfully engrossing storyline that will inspire readers. (Fiction. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews