John Hickman
John Hickman - Author
John Hickman grew up on a council estate in Wolverhampton. He studied animation at university before moving to Newcastle upon Tyne and training as a social worker. After gaining a distinction in his creative writing MA at Newcastle University, John now writes page-turning fiction for children as well as projects for the stage and screen. His first novel, Freaks United has been shortlisted for the Hull Book Award. John likes to spend time with his family and friends, play old video games, watch bad movies and read good books. He is an avid football fan and supports Manchester United.
Featured books by John Hickman
The Football Trials: Dangerous Play
13+ readers
Author: John Hickman Format: Paperback Release Date: 05/04/2018
In a nutshell: football-set story, accessible to all readers Jackson Law is a talented footballer, newly signed to the United youth squad. Real life carries on though, and a budding romance with the girl he's always fancied brings him up against her thuggish ex. Jackson's got a lot to lose now which lays him open to the lad's threats and blackmail, but he discovers that his team mates are there to support him on and off the pitch. There's just the right mix of footballing action and domestic drama and the story unfolds at a pace that will keep all readers turning the pages. An enjoyable and exciting contemporary story. ~ Andrea Reece
The Football Trials: Kick Off
In a nutshell: great football story, accessible to all readers The story told in Kick Off will be familiar to lots of kids from their daydreams. Jackson is a talented footballer and one day after a game in the park, he's approached by a scout. This leads to a trial at United and the chance to play with their Under 16s. The Cinderella format is irresistible, but there are challenges for Jackson along the way: he has to learn to control his temper for one thing, and to be a team player. Designed to appeal to reluctant or dyslexic readers, the action is non-stop, short sentences ensuring it's totally accessible, but the story is still thoroughly satisfying and will leave readers wanting to hear more about Jackson. ~ Andrea Reece
Other books by John Hickman
Offside!
Author: John Hickman, Stephen Robertson Format: Paperback / softback Release Date: 30/06/2018
The Football Trials: All Out Attack
Author: John Hickman Format: Paperback / softback Release Date: 14/06/2018
Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language. Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font and illustrations, The Football Trials is aimed at readers aged 12+ and has a manageable length (80 pages) and reading age (9+). Produced in association with reading experts at Catch Up, a charity which aims to address underachievement caused by literacy and numeracy difficulties. This exciting coming of age story follows a boy from a tower block as he joins a premier league football academy. When Jackson's granddad is taken to hospital, Jackson's football suffers. When he loses his temper on the pitch, he puts his position on United's team at risk. Join Jackson as he struggles with the trials of football and family. Book band: Brown
The Football Trials: Game Changer
Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language. Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font and illustrations, The Football Trials is aimed at readers aged 12+ and has a manageable length (80 pages) and reading age (9+). Produced in association with reading experts at Catch Up, a charity which aims to address underachievement caused by literacy and numeracy difficulties. This exciting coming of age story follows a boy from a tower block as he joins a premier league football academy. Jackson is surprised when he gets a call-up to play with United's under-eighteen team, and when everyone starts raving about his playing. But he's in for an even bigger shock when his dad turns up on his doorstep for the first time in years. Can they repair their relationship? Or is his dad out for what he can get? Book band: Brown