Striking Out: A Thrilling Novel from Superstar Striker Ian Wright

Author: Musa Okwonga

Interest age: from c 9 years

Published on 1 September 2022 by Scholastic in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 256 pages
128 x 196 x 23mm | 180g

From the writing team of Ian Wright and Musa Okwonga.

Inspired by the story of the superstar striker, Ian Wright.

CO-WINNER OF THE CHILDREN'S SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022

'A thrilling book ... an uplifting story about triumph against

all odds ... You don't have to be a football fan to love it!'

David Walliams

'I devoured it ... moving, thrilling, disturbing, triumphant

and inspiring ... a wonderful achievement.'

Stephen Fry

Thirteen-year-old Jerome Jackson dreams of becoming a

world-class footballer.

But with a difficult home life, Jerome can't see how he'll ever

make this dream come true ... until he meets a mentor figure who

can hopefully put him on the right track.

'The best strikers aren't the most skilful ones. They are

the ones who never give up.'

Perfect for fans of real-life drama

Readers will love Ian Wright's cameo role in the story

With phenomenal cover art from Benjamin Wachenje.

'This engaging and uplifting novel, which celebrates friendship

and community, is based on Ian Wright's own childhood experiences

and will appeal to any aspiring sportsperson.' Booktrust

'An inspiring story that encourages you to dream big and overcome

life's challenges.' Trent Alexander-Arnold

Ian Wright is one of the UK's all-time leading

goal scorers. He's lifted the Premier League title, The FA Cup,

the European Cup Winners' Cup and won the Premier League golden

boot.

Musa Okwonga is an author, poet, journalist and

musician; he is a co-host of the Stadio football podcast.