Selected by a distinguished independent panel of experts including our editorial expert, Julia Eccleshare, for Diverse Voices - 50 of the best Children's Books celebrating cultural diversity in the UK.
Jamal and sister Bibi want to lead Australia to victory in the World Cup, but that entails a journey from their homeland, Afghanistan where their family has upset the authorities, and a lengthy voyage overseas.
Jamal loves playing football, which isn't easy when your goalie only has one leg and you have to dodge landmines to get your ball back. When he and his family are forced to seek sanctuary in Australia, they undergo many troubles, but determine to see out an uncertain future together.
One of Australia's, and now the world's, best-known and loved children's authors, Morris Gleitzman tackles tough subjects in a funny and offbeat way . He has never set out to write "issues books" and says that his writing is as much for himself as for his readers.
THE BASICS
Born: Sleaford, Lincolnshire, January 9th 1953 Jobs: Paperboy, Shelf-Stacker, Department Store Santa Claus, Frozen Chicken Defroster, Assistant to Fashion Designer, Rolling-Stock Unhooker in a Sugar Mill, TV Comedy Writer, Magazine Columnist Lives: Victoria First Book: The Other Facts of Life, 1985
