Kicked Out: A Boy, Everywhere story

(Paperback)

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Description

This sequel to Dassu's award-winning debut, Boy, Everywhere, finds Ali and Sami living their dream, playing football for the school team and hanging out in their friend Mark's new luxury pool. But money goes missing and racism rears its ugly head when their friend Aadam is accused of the theft. Can the boys prove Aadam's innocence, keep their friendship and help fight Aadams threatened deportation Can Ali navigate his emotions and stay focused now his dad is back on the scene and his half-brother has joined his school A powerful story about friendship, being an ally and finding your place in the world.

Reviews

Without missing a shot, Kicked Out is a fast-paced novel that doesnt shy away from pulling any punches. Seamlessly weaving in strong themes and characters youll continue to cheer for, A. M. Dassu has done it again.

-- Emma Perry

A. M. Dassu has done it again. Shes managed to encapsulate the depth of human feeling and emotion whilst tackling important themes on race, identity and the very topical, immigration. As with her other books, Kicked Out is a voice of contemporary teens told unflinchingly and honestly. An absolute must read!

-- Sajeda Amir

Boy, Everywhere was one of the best debuts Ive ever read so I was nervous about revisiting Sami & Ali, but it was wonderful to see how their friendship had grown and their support for one another through thick and thin. Aadams story was upsettingly realistic but, as ever, Dassu shows readers there is always something we can do.

-- Caroline Fielding

Kicked Out is a riveting story, full of authentic characters and important truths, and bright with the power to change the world. Another must-read from the hugely talented A. M. Dassu.

-- Sophie Anderson * Author *

This story is narrated by Ali, and his pain at the rejection by his father; his resentment that his half-brother has replaced him in his Dads affections; his feelings of low self-esteem that gradually build to anger and lashing out at those around him, are explored in a way that will be recognisable to readers of 10 to 15. I really liked the way that author A.M. Dassu explores the unwillingness of boys to openly admit their feelings, whether due to pride or the desire to not involve others in their suffering. She also cleverly delivers the message of finding the inner strength to face up to difficult situations through the voice of a premier league goalkeeper, which will be appealing to many readers of this novel. I love the way that male friendship is investigated, and the importance of having a supportive network is highlighted.

This is a book that shows children the many different experiences of family that might be the reality for their classmates, the importance of forgiveness and the power and sense of belonging that can be found in friends and found-families. With a football-related school-fundraising scheme designed to help a young person who is facing the cruelty of deportation, this is an empathy-builder which I am sure will be in great demand when it is published in the autumn of 2023.

-- Veronica Price * Vs View from the Bookshelf blog *

Boy Everywhere was a stunning debut A. M. Dassu [is] a major, much-needed voice in UK childrens fiction.

-- Alex Wheatle * Author of 'Cane Warriors' and 'The Crongton Knights' *

A. M. Dassu, youve done it again! Its a joy to be back in Samis world with his pals. My heart was so full by the end of this book. Such a powerful, moving story about friendship and family.

-- Swapna Haddow * Author *

Praise for Boy, Everywhere: Carefully researched, wholly convincing, its a gripping, uncompromising debut, super-charged with the power of empathy.

-- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *

Praise for Boy, Everywhere: ... a story that everyone should read, written with empathy, tenderness and hope.

-- Patrice Lawrence

Author Bio

A. M. Dassu is the internationally acclaimed and award-winning author of Boy, Everywhere. She is a Director of Inclusive Minds, an organisation for people who are passionate about inclusion, diversity, equality and accessibility in children's literature, and one of the National Literacy Trust's Connecting Stories campaign authors, aiming to help inspire a love of reading and writing in children and young people.