Strike is an action-packed football book about chasing your dreams and standing up for what you believe in.

Place the ball. Pick your spot. Three steps back.

Breathe.



Owen is closer than ever to achieving his dream: becoming a professional footballer. All he has to do is stay focused. No distractions. Just football.



But when a hidden note tucked inside his new boots reveals a cry for help from the factory workers who made them, Owen discovers the beautiful game might be hiding some ugly secrets. Suddenly, chasing his dream doesn't feel so important. It's time to decide which path he really wants to take.



A story about taking your shot and being brave enough to change the game, from the best-selling author of Kick.



Mitch Johnson studied English Literature with Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. Mitch now works as a bookseller at Waterstones, Norwich, and writes in his spare time. Kick, Mitch's debut novel, won the 2018 Branford Boase Award, as well as garnering shortlistings for numerous regional awards including the Sheffield Children's Book Award and the Teach Primary Book Awards. Mitch loves reading and, like Budi, is a big football fan (although his chances of turning professional are considerably slimmer).