Soldier's Game
Written by James Killgore
Illustrated by
Part of the Kelpies Series
Synopsis
Soldier's Game by James Killgore
Shortlisted for the Scottish Children's Book Awards 2012 Ross is fed up with being on the losing side, as Bruntsfield Primary football team suffer another humiliating defeat. But after football practice each week he goes to visit his grandmother, and this week she has a special present for him. Pat digs out a pair of old football boots and strip which belonged to her father, who once played for Heart of Midlothian Football Club. Ross is amazed that his great-grandfather, Jack, had played for the famous Hearts. As he finds out more about Jack, an incredible story unfolds -- a tale of Edinburgh's young heroes and a battalion of footballers and fans who fought in the First World War at the Battle of the Somme. Based on the true story of the 16th Royal Scots, otherwise known as the 'Hearts Battalion', this moving book brings a fascinating moment of Scottish history to life. Jim Killgore interweaves the present day life of an ordinary football-mad boy with a story of young men who volunteered for war. He focuses on the friendships that develop as the lads play football and learn to become soldiers together, making this remarkable story enjoyable and accessible for young people.Reviews
'This is a very well paced and plotted book, and the different strands are nicely entwined and equally nicley resolved at the end.'
'This is a fantastic book that combines sports and war history. The reader is taken into the life of the soldier so they can really understand what it was like to be a soldier during world war one without feeling like you're stuck in a history book and the football sequences were fantastic. There is a nice set of facts at the back so readers can get information about the war. It is a short and quick read. '
.blogspot.com 'Books that boys will read are few and far between but this is a book which is well worth reading, whether you're male or female, boy or girl.
'A worthy addition to a school fiction collection supporting the study of the period ... The interweaving of the stories of two football-mad boys presents a moving and thoroughly researched account of one aspect of the War.'
'A great little book which cleverly combines football and World War One, and in particular the story of the famous (in Edinburgh at least) 'Hearts Battalion'
'The descriptions of both the football and the battlefield in the book are excellent ... No matter what team you support you will be sure to enjoy this book. It's engaging, moves along at good pace, and tells a thoroughly interesting story. It's a must read for any football fan.'
'This was an enjoyable read because it was a true story and it focused on football, and even better on the team that I support. As war was the other theme of the book this made it even more interesting to me. I would personally recommend it as a really good read. --Teen Titles'
About the Author
Other Formats

Book Info
Format
Paperback
160 pages
Interest Age: From 8 to 12 years
Author
James Killgore
More books by James Killgore
Publisher
Kelpies an imprint of Floris Books
Publication date
21st July 2011
ISBN
9780863158384
Publisher Profile
Kelpies an imprint of Floris Books is an imprint of Kelpies
Kelpies Books celebrate quality children’s books with brilliant authors, engaging stories and a Scottish twist! They create books that capture children’s imaginations at all ages. Under 6s will have loads of fun with Kelpies picture books, 9 to 12-year-olds will be whisked away by Kelpies and young teens will be gripped by KelpiesTeen novels.
Follow @DiscoverKelpies on Twitter or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/DiscoverKelpies.
Publisher's Website
Publisher's Blog
www.discoverkelpies.co.uk/n...
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