Zero to Hero

Rob Childs

Sep 2011 · Frances Lincoln Children's Books

About this ebook

Simon - Zero to his older brothers - would rather be watching for kingfishers down at the river with his dog Tilly than playing football. But when they drag him along to the park to help with goal-shooting practice, they discover that he has a natural talent for goalkeeping. The school team already has a goalkeeper, albeit one who lets in more goals than he saves, so there seems little chance Simon will get a game. But as the cup final approaches, tension in the team mounts and Simon teams up with new boy Ollie, who has come from the opposing school, and soon the pair are making an impression in practices. Will they be selected for the crucial game, and will Ollie be able to stand up to the tactics of his former schoolmates?

This gripping story will entrance all young football lovers, as well as raising issues of bullying and self-esteem.

About the author

John Williams (1922-1994) was born and raised in Northeast Texas. Despite a talent for writing and acting, Williams flunked out of a local junior college after his first year. He reluctantly joined the war effort, enlisting in the Army Air Corps, and managing to write a draft of his first novel while there. Once home, Williams found a small publisher for the novel and enrolled at the University of Denver, where he was eventually to receive both his B.A. and M.A., and where he was to return as an instructor in 1954. Williams remained on the staff of the creative writing program at the University of Denver until his retirement in 1985. During these years, he was an active guest lecturer and writer, publishing two volumes of poetry and three novels, Butcher's Crossing, Stoner, and the National Book Award–winning Augustus.

Growing up in Derby, Rob Childs wanted to be an England footballer or cricketer, or failing that, a sports journalist – certainly not a teacher. Of course, he did go on to become a teacher, during which time he gained a great deal of experience coaching school teams in football, athletics, cricket and cross-country. He is now a full time writer and draws on this experience for his stories. He is best known for his successful The Big Match series, the Soccer Mad, Phantom Football and County Cup series in Yearling and for the popular Great! and Wicked series for Corgi Pups.