Barrington Stoke Fiction: Home Ground Award-winning author by Alan Gibbons (author) and Chris Chalik (illustrator)

A timely and thought-provoking football story about prejudice and acceptance, including facts about refugees and the role football can play in welcoming new members of the community.

Sam’s football team are struggling this season. They keep losing matches and captain Jordan’s bad attitude isn’t helping anyone.

When Sam spots Hasan playing for the refugee team on the next pitch, he can see that Hasan’s got talent and invites him along to practise. Hasan and his friend Faisal are skilled players – exactly what the team needs – but Jordan’s not ready to accept them so easily.

With the last game of the season fast approaching, can Sam help the boys pull together in time?

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 9.