Boot It! World Book Day 2023 by A. M. Dassu - Children's Fiction - Paperback

Details
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781910646847
Publisher: Old Barn Books
Age Range: Ages 10-14

Overview
Boot It! is A. M. Dassu's World Book Day 2023 novel, a fast-paced follow-on to her acclaimed Boy, Everywhere. Sami and Ali dream of playing for the school football team, but when they face exclusion because of the colour of their skin, the beautiful game becomes a battleground for something far bigger than goals. Warm, urgent and moving, this compact paperback delivers a powerful message about friendship, courage and standing up to racism, wrapped inside an irresistible sporting story young readers will race through.

About the Book
Sami and Ali dream of playing for the school football team and practise in the park every day, sharpening their skills and growing closer as friends. But acing the trials turns out to be the least of their worries: when they're made to feel they don't belong on the team because of the colour of their skin, football becomes a test of something bigger than talent. Ali wants to tackle the ball on the pitch, but now he must tackle racism in his own team too, especially when it's dismissed as "just banter." A. M. Dassu, continuing the story she began in Boy, Everywhere, writes with warmth, humour and real emotional depth, giving readers a story that is both a gripping football tale and a clear-eyed look at prejudice and belonging. Written specifically for World Book Day, the book is short and pacy by design, ideal for reluctant readers, classroom read-alouds and quick reads for children who love sport and friendship stories. It sits within Dassu's wider "A Boy, Everywhere" story world, standing entirely on its own for newcomers.

• Bite-sized paperback — a short, fast read perfect for World Book Day, reluctant readers and busy school weeks.
• Football-first storytelling — sporting excitement makes big themes accessible for young readers.
• Tackles real issues — explores racism, belonging and the "just banter" excuse in age-appropriate language.
• Classroom-ready — ideal for anti-bullying lessons, diversity units and group reading.
• From a bestselling, award-recognised author — a proven favourite with young readers and educators.
• Great gift or add-on — pairs perfectly with Boy, Everywhere for a deeper reading experience.

About the Author
A. M. Dassu is the internationally acclaimed author of Boy, Everywhere and Fight Back, novels shortlisted and longlisted for numerous prestigious awards, including recognition from the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the Carnegie Medal. She grew up in the Midlands dreaming of becoming a writer, studying economics and working in marketing before pursuing that dream. Dassu writes books that challenge stereotypes and centre empathy, hope and heart, and she is an active advocate for inclusion in children's publishing.

Why You'll Love This Book
Boot It! combines the thrill of football with a heartfelt story about friendship and standing up to prejudice. Short, powerful and easy to love, it's a brilliant introduction to A. M. Dassu's storytelling for young readers and classrooms alike.

Please Note: Cover shown is the UK edition; ISBN and cover design are as listed and may vary slightly from images shown.