Marcus is the best player in his soccer team. There’s a real chance he’ll be signed by Manchester United. But when he discovers he may be losing his hearing, his world falls to pieces and he has to put them back together on his own. A powerful, authentic novel with an insider view on teenage disability and the different ways in which we can handle it.
About the Author
Pete Kalu is an award-winning novelist, playwright, and poet.
Praise For…
"This is a book full to the brim with the joy, heartache and passion for the beautiful game. Along the way it deals with racism, disability, bullying, jealousy, young love, family life and friendship—all without a single patronising or forced word from beginning to end. It is written in beautiful clear prose and tells a story that every lover of football and life will instantly understand." —Melvin Burges
"YA novels featuring a protagonist from a 'culturally diverse' space are rare. Pete Kalu’s The Silent Striker in which Marcus, a gifted footballer, confronts and overcomes many of the challenges of young people his age, is a welcome addition to British writing in this genre. The Silent Striker is a strong inspirational story about human aspiration, overcoming and achievement." —Jacob Ross, author
"Touching, funny and well tackled!" —Dr Muli Amaye, novelist
"A richly compelling, emotionally resonant tale of courage." —Melanie Amri, author
"I have never understood the bigotry that has existed against deafness so I welcome a story that discusses it alongside cultural identity in a voice that is clear and understanding. This is a book that needs to be sat on every school library shelf as well as a role model of achievement. Well done Kalu." —SuAndi, OBE
"A compelling story about a boy losing his hearing. Pete Kalu is a wise and sensitive storyteller." —Rajeev Balasubramanyam, author
