Chasing a Rugby Dream: Book One: Kick Off

An all time great rugby player co-writes a little classic. Loved reading it on the beach. Addresses success, failure, bullying and kicking technique. Reminded me a lot of my boyhood!

This is first and foremost a book written for children. And rugby mad ones at that. I don't fall into either category unfortunately! I came to this book from co-writer David Brayley's first novel "Champion of Champions".It would have been so easy for James to have produced a rugby version of "Roy of the Rovers" and it is to his and David's credit that this book doesn't fall into the "trap" of Jimmy saving the day with an unlikely injury-time hat-trick of tries or some other extreme feat.Jimmy is a boy with an absolute obsession for the sport of Rugby Union, and the book intertwines that love with his development both as a player and as a young man finding his feet in a world that is so often difficult for him. He does this through the obvious love of his family and friends, and a real determination to be the best he can be despite the efforts of some other characters that clearly don't want him to succeed. Jimmy learns how to take praise as well as criticism, using both to develop as a rugby player and mature as a person.It's easy to say things like "couldn't put it down" or "a real page turner", but each page and chapter leaves you yearning to carry on for just that little bit longer until you find you've finished the whole book! Without spoiling things, the end is written with a sequel very much in mind. And this book deserves that for the richness of its characters both young and old.In his introduction James says the book came from his frustration at not being able to find a rugby story he could read with his young son. Well there is one now, and hopefully there'll be more to follow.

Top ClassI was very intrigued to see how both James Hook and David Brayley approached the process of co-writing a children’s rugby book and both delivered with flying colours. Having read David Brayley’s previous books including the excellent “Champion of Champions” you know that you are going to be informed and entertained with morals running through the chapters. James clearly brings his experiences and knowledge in growing up through the ranks of junior rugby and the combination of the two is a delight!As the story gathers pace there are strong storylines developing throughout including bullying and the unexpectedly strong female character named Kitty, the close friend of the main character Jimmy. On Jimmy’s journey having people like your grandfather or the character Peter Clement there makes you realise the influence of role models that people have whilst growing up.This book is quite subtle on occasions in the morals and standards it teaches young readers which we older folk can understand through hindsight! The description of Kitty’s fast speed is no fluke as it describes “It was natural talent combined with carefully practised technique and lots of hard work” making us all realise why certain people make it at the top!I agree there is a lack of quality children’s rugby books on the market which either children can read on their own or with parents and this book should be included on any recommended reading list for children that some national papers publish or by school organisations.So please do your child a favour and get this book – you will not be disappointed!

This is such a fantastic book. Whilst it’s focus is on rugby, it is a book that is full of positive messages for young people. It deals with the hurdles that people have to overcome to achieve success. The way that bullying is dealt with is very clever and actually looks at the causes from the perspective of the bully which is quite unique. I also love the prominent female character of Kitty, who competes on equal terms with all the boy characters and stands out as a fantastic role model for young girls who are keen on sport. This book should be on display in every school library in Primary and Secondary schools as the themes within it are hugely important to young people. But added to all this, the book itself is just a cracking read, every chapter ends on a cliffhanger, and as a grandparent myself, the use of the grandfather as a mentor is quite emotional. The end of the book is brilliant and really sets up for a sequel...I certainly hope so anyway. Very highly recommended.

Written for children but a good story about bullying and the rugby dream. Had me “hooked” from the start. Enjoyable for both children and adults.

A brilliant book, my 11 year old has not put it down. This book is great for getting children reading. Not only does it follow the entertaining story of rugby obsessed Jimmy it also has some great life lessons for children (and adults) teaching them to always persevere, try your best and to not let anyone tell you you’re less than what you are. No matter you size, speed or gender you can be anything you want to be with enough hard work and determination. I definitely recommend this to anyone: children, adults, boys and girls. 👍🏻