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. He’s going to be a star, instead of sweating over each football boot he makes, each stitch he sews, each box he packages.

It is a stunning debut novel, one that should be read by as many children as possible – not just football fans. Maybe I'm just selfish and cold-hearted but personally, I think that is a pretty poor way to repay him!It is focused on ambition; it's focused on following dreams; it's focused on the injustice of a legal system, among many other things. One day his life changes when he accidentally kicks the ball through the window of corrupt local money-lender The Dragon. Kick deals with issues such as poverty, child labour and human rights in a way that proves we share more than makes us different. Outline of the Book: Budi is going to play for the biggest team in the world, instead of making shoes every day but one unlucky kick brings his whole world crashing down. Giving young children a glimpse into the life of someone with so little (in both material and opportunity) is important - it can encourage a sense of perspective and gratitude.

It's a positive read, and while it may not be a 'happy ever after' ending, it does end with hope and the prospect of better tomorrows. In 2018, Kick won the Branford Boase Award, a prize given to the most promising children's book by a debut author. Without spoiling, this inspirational book can be used to teach children that nothing is impossible even when it feels like it might be. I've only been to Indonesia a couple of times and cannot vouch if those words are truly used in Indonesia but some of the words are not what we use in Singapore.A deflected kick of the football that smashes through the local tyrant’s window and sends Budi’s life into a whole new direction and puts him firmly in the sights of the Dragon. Apart from the quote, there are barely any hints there to do with the themes it discusses in terms of Indonesian poverty and the ridiculous justice system there (this book goes into really great detail on those points! Budi tells us that Rochy is the cleverest person he knows but that he had to withdraw from school because he needed to work to support his family. The adjectives had me enthralled and at one point when the story was at it's peak, I felt as if I was really there. Ketika membaca kisah Budi, aku sama sekali tidak merasa buku ini digarap penulis luar (baca : Mitch Johnson).

But one unlucky kick brings Budi's world crashing down, because now he owes the Dragon, the most dangerous man in all Jakarta. This is a story about big dreams, perseverance, tolerance and never letting anything bring you down. The book shows his struggles trying to earn some money to support his family and to make it is a professional footballer. Set during World War I, this book tells the compelling true story of the professional footballers who signed up to fight. I rooted for Budi through the entire story, hoping that he would get his big break into the footballing world but the reality is that only a tiny percentage of dreamers get that opportunity.I found this book to be really eye-opening and could provide children with insight into what life might be like for children in other parts of the world. and there is the suggestion that the two sisters are involved with the sex industry, although younger readers will not pick this up. This debut comes out this month in September; it is a book primarily for teenagers (though this is fairly compatible with a certain type of adult reader! However, I would encourage those unfamiliar children (as well as the familiar children) to pick up this book to read.