Wasim the Wanderer

Wasim Ahmed is football mad. In fact, the whole school is football mad now that they are participating in Team 10,000 – a scheme in which children, nationally, are taught by a professional coach. The only thing that mars Wasim’s excitement is Robert Bailey, a bullying brute of a lad who makes his life a misery. The situation worsens when the coach, impressed by Wasim’s skills, asks him to join a top youth football team, for a trial match. The only problem is that Robert Bailey has also been chosen – and he’s not happy about Wasim’s selection. Gradually Wasim understands that Bailey is himself a victim. This school-based story sensitively explores the relationship between victim and aggressor through situations that young readers will recognize, while vivid descriptions of matches and football techniques, and plenty of action on the field, will ensure their interest.