Silent Striker

Book excerpt: Marcus is the best player in his football team. He's actually so good that there's a very real chance he'll be signed by Manchester United. But when he discovers he may be losing his hearing, his whole world falls to pieces and he finds himself having to put them back together on his own. But is this feeling of isolation real or just a consequence of his own behaviour? While dealing with parents, friends and first girlfriends, Marcus gradually understands that accepting the help of others is ultimately an acceptance of self. A novel about friendship and family, The Silent Striker explores the issue of disability, and deafness, and the different ways in which we can choose to handle it. ‘ I enjoyed reading the book from the beginning to the end. YA fiction for all ages’ Assia Shahin - blogger. ‘An amazing book and it would benefit people, whether they are hard of hearing or not. (Robert Murrell, age 13, profoundly deaf and wears hearing aids. (Reviewed for the National Deaf Children Society) ‘Full to the brim with the joy, heartache and passion for the beautiful game.’ (Carnegie Medal winner Melvin Burgess) ‘A strong inspirational story about human aspiration.’ (Commonwealth Writers’ Prize shortlisted Jacob Ross) ‘Touching, funny and well tackled!’ (Muli Amaye, novelist) ‘A story that takes you through every emotion a young schoolboy goes through.’ ( Dotun Adebayo, BBC Radio 5) 'The Silent Striker scores! There are hundreds of books about the beautiful game and The Silent Striker is near the top of the table. A brilliantly realised young adult novel. The Silent Striker is moving, funny and uplifting. A must read!' (Rodney Hinds, the VOICE Newspaper) ‘Marcus' battles to contain his temper against petty school authority and casual racism; his passion for football; his gradual acceptance of his disability are vividly and engagingly portrayed in this un-showy but moving urban story.’