Striker

by David Skuy

Soccer player Cody learns to believe in his team -- and his own skill on the pitch

Thirteen-year-old Cody is aching to get back onto the pitch. 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.

Download a copy of the Free Teacher's Resource Guide for Striker.

About the Author

David Skuy
David Skuy is the author of the Game Time! hockey series, and a Silver Birch Award winner. He lives in Toronto.

Reviews

"Skuy adeptly combines exhilarating sports with a thoughtfully engrossing storyline that will inspire readers."
Kirkus Reviews

Awards

Silver Birch Award
2015

Subjects (BISAC)

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