It's the Publication Day Push for Danny Mann Super Fan by Ian Slatter.
Ian published his debut novel, Eco Worrier, in 2020 - a middle grade adventure story with plenty of twists and turns and lots of laughs.
He has also written two non-fiction books for adults - Premier League Legends - the top 10 greatest Premier League players of all time and Incredible Moments in Sport.
Ian wrote for satirical website newsbiscuit.com for ten years, as well as writing for comedy sketch shows on ITV and BBC Radio. Follow @slatter_ian on Twitter, Visit ianslatter.com
About the book
Danny loves Chadmouth Town Football Club more than anything, but a run of defeats and terrible luck has left them bottom of the table and looking certain to be relegated with time running out.
But then, Danny and his best friend Nelson stumble across a bizarre pre-match ritual that seems to turn their luck around, and his beloved team starts winning again. Is it too little too late though, and can he keep doing everything right before each match, even when he starts finding more and more obstacles in his way and despite the relentless teasing from his classmates? It’s going to come down to the wire.
Does Danny have what it takes to save Chadmouth’s season?
Review
If you have a reluctant younger reader, which often tends to be boys, who likes football then this might just be the kind of story that creates a new reader.
It's for readers aged 9 to 12, which shows the world of competitive sports and the sometimes obsessive nature of fandom, and the ensuing overreactions, in the micro cosmos of school. The rivalry, the banter and of course when the banter goes beyond joking and veers into insulting. It's a whole mindset.
Danny's team, Chadmouth Town, is on a losing streak until Danny and his friend Nelson discover a way to help the win. A pre-match ritual that shifts the fortunes of said football team onto the side of Lady Luck. Can they change the future of Chadmouth Town?
From a child's perspective I can see this resonating, especially when it comes to the topic of bullying. When you exchange the topic of football team for any kind of difference at all that could make you a target in school, then the undertone of the story has a more serious note in the midst of all the amusing rituals.
I find any kind of reading material that will help children to engage with books and reading in general is always commendable. Taking a popular topic like football will definitely draw readers in.
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