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Billy the Kid
The only thing Billy ever wanted was to play for Chelsea. Finally his dream came true when he was picked for the team. But that was 1939, and the Second World War was about to start, changing Billy's life and everyone else's forever...
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Michael Morpurgo
559 books2,724 followersSir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL is the author of many books for children, five of which have been made into films. He also writes his own screenplays and libretti for opera. Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War, then returned to London, moving later to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful spell in the army, he took up teaching and started to write. He left teaching after ten years in order to set up 'Farms for City Children' with his wife. They have three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, open to inner city school children who come to stay and work with the animals. In 1999 this work was publicly recognised when he and his wife were invested a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to youth. In 2003, he was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. He was knighted in the 2018 for his services to literature and charity. He is also a father and grandfather, so children have always played a large part in his life. Every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the setting for three of his books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 28, 2023
This one surpassed all my expectations!!! Even better, if that is possible, than War Horse and Private Peaceful. Even if you don't like football, you cannot be unaffected by this amazing story. It was very entertaining and gripping. It touched my heart. The boy called Billy is an amazing footballer but leaves his football to go to war. I thought he shouldn't have gone but I also think he was very brave and it turned out fine in the end well kind of!! The story sends you on a journey through war and romance and bravery!!! I recommend this book to 8-12 years of age,
October 17, 2017
Not Morpurgo at his best - nevertheless a short, affecting and well written story. The setting (as so often with Morpurgo) being the period leading up to / during WWII. Definitely worth the quick read.
November 13, 2012
Billy the Kid by Michael Morpurgo illustrated by Michael Foreman.
This story is based during the time of World War 2. It is about a young boy called Billy. He is extremely skillful at football and plays for Chelsea. Things start to go well for him and he starts to get recognized by people. Then unfortunately World War 2 starts and everyone has to join the army. Billy joins and gets severely injured. When he returns back from war. His family home has been destroyed and he has lost all his family. Things get worse for Billy as he becomes homeless and lives a hard life. Until he gets recognized as ‘Billy the Kid’, the brilliant footballer! His life gets somewhat back to normal as a Chelsea pensioner.
There are many aspects to this story that can be explored. History, talk about World War 2. How life was for people during this difficult period. Football, children will enjoy reading the book as the story includes a top team in the UK, Chelsea. Billy the Kid is suitable for children in year 5 and 6. There is a recent version of this story and is illustrated by Michael Foreman. The pictures are extremely detailed and give you clear images to how it was like in the 1930’s. The illustrator has first hand experience of the war times and therefore the pictures are more ‘real’. The story is tragic and there can be a lot of talk around SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects to Learning), where issues in the story can be discusses like loosing loved ones and starting a new life, being homeless.
This story is based during the time of World War 2. It is about a young boy called Billy. He is extremely skillful at football and plays for Chelsea. Things start to go well for him and he starts to get recognized by people. Then unfortunately World War 2 starts and everyone has to join the army. Billy joins and gets severely injured. When he returns back from war. His family home has been destroyed and he has lost all his family. Things get worse for Billy as he becomes homeless and lives a hard life. Until he gets recognized as ‘Billy the Kid’, the brilliant footballer! His life gets somewhat back to normal as a Chelsea pensioner.
There are many aspects to this story that can be explored. History, talk about World War 2. How life was for people during this difficult period. Football, children will enjoy reading the book as the story includes a top team in the UK, Chelsea. Billy the Kid is suitable for children in year 5 and 6. There is a recent version of this story and is illustrated by Michael Foreman. The pictures are extremely detailed and give you clear images to how it was like in the 1930’s. The illustrator has first hand experience of the war times and therefore the pictures are more ‘real’. The story is tragic and there can be a lot of talk around SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects to Learning), where issues in the story can be discusses like loosing loved ones and starting a new life, being homeless.
Read
May 3, 2012Billy the Kid by Michael Morpurgo
`I was faster than all the kids twice my age and somehow I could always make a football do whatever I wanted it to. It just came easy to me, I don’t know why, but it did.’
The only thing Billy every wanted to do was to play for Chelsea. This is a wonderful story about Billy who is now eighty. When he was younger his dream came true and he was picked to play for Chelsea but the war interrupted his plan as it was 1939. I found this book magical when looking at how war interrupted people’s lives. It takes children through the lives of those involved looking at life before, during and after the war. It is a fabulous resource for Key Stage Two when teaching about certain events and happenings during World War Two ex. Prisoners of War.
Because it is essentially Billy’s story, it could be nice for the children to interview a grandparent or elderly relation to see what their lives were like when the y were younger and children could compare it to their lives today.
I personally think a trip to Chelsea football grounds could be very appropriate and educational as the children could research the where it is and possibly how to travel to it. This football theme could be then interlinked with P.E. Looking at tactics and ball control.
`I was faster than all the kids twice my age and somehow I could always make a football do whatever I wanted it to. It just came easy to me, I don’t know why, but it did.’
The only thing Billy every wanted to do was to play for Chelsea. This is a wonderful story about Billy who is now eighty. When he was younger his dream came true and he was picked to play for Chelsea but the war interrupted his plan as it was 1939. I found this book magical when looking at how war interrupted people’s lives. It takes children through the lives of those involved looking at life before, during and after the war. It is a fabulous resource for Key Stage Two when teaching about certain events and happenings during World War Two ex. Prisoners of War.
Because it is essentially Billy’s story, it could be nice for the children to interview a grandparent or elderly relation to see what their lives were like when the y were younger and children could compare it to their lives today.
I personally think a trip to Chelsea football grounds could be very appropriate and educational as the children could research the where it is and possibly how to travel to it. This football theme could be then interlinked with P.E. Looking at tactics and ball control.
May 12, 2013
This book turns out to be one of Michael Morpurgo’s most intriguing children’s books, since it is the story of a young boy ‘Billy the Kid’ (as his team mates call him), who plays for Chelsea football team and how his life radically changes when he goes off to war.
The story is extremely informative about the Second World War and Billy’s exploits, even how at one point he becomes a prisoner of war. When Billy returns from war with an injury to find that his house in London has been bombed and his whole family have been killed, he goes off the rails. Finally he settles in the basement of a derelict house. He is discovered by the new owners, who luckily accept his presence and allow him to stay and become a member of their family.
Billy as an old man, then encourages their son Sam to play football and he too becomes a famous player for Chelsea as Billy was. At one of the Chelsea football matches Sam arranges for Billy to meet the current famous players. Billy is allowed to lead them out onto the pitch, where the whole stadium then sing Happy Birthday to him, making his wildest dreams come true. Billy is overjoyed!
Whilst the book has a highly interesting plot, which portrays Billy’s varied and challenging life, at times it needed to go into more emotional detail about how Billy felt, for example, when the farm girl gets shot, and to explain complex issues to children in greater depth. Children of 10-11 years old would find this an informative and unusual story about the war era, which they could study in a range of cross curricular ways, for example, in History and P.E.
The story is extremely informative about the Second World War and Billy’s exploits, even how at one point he becomes a prisoner of war. When Billy returns from war with an injury to find that his house in London has been bombed and his whole family have been killed, he goes off the rails. Finally he settles in the basement of a derelict house. He is discovered by the new owners, who luckily accept his presence and allow him to stay and become a member of their family.
Billy as an old man, then encourages their son Sam to play football and he too becomes a famous player for Chelsea as Billy was. At one of the Chelsea football matches Sam arranges for Billy to meet the current famous players. Billy is allowed to lead them out onto the pitch, where the whole stadium then sing Happy Birthday to him, making his wildest dreams come true. Billy is overjoyed!
Whilst the book has a highly interesting plot, which portrays Billy’s varied and challenging life, at times it needed to go into more emotional detail about how Billy felt, for example, when the farm girl gets shot, and to explain complex issues to children in greater depth. Children of 10-11 years old would find this an informative and unusual story about the war era, which they could study in a range of cross curricular ways, for example, in History and P.E.
June 26, 2012
The story is told by Billy, who is now eighty years old. As a young boy Billy loved playing football. His dream was to play for his favourite football club Chelsea. When Billy turned 17 his dream finally came true and he signed for Chelsea. This was 1939, and it started off as the best year of Billy’s life but then the war started. Billy’s life changes completely when his brother dies in the war. He decides to give up his career in football to join the army. Shortly after joining the army he is captured by the Italians and becomes a prisoner of war. However Billy doesn’t give up his love of football, while at the prison camp he organises a football match between the prisoners and the guards. The story goes on to describes what happens to Billy when he is discharged from the army. He ends up being homeless and for 15 years he wanders around the country sleeping rough. It also mentions the concentration camps and touches on the Holocaust when discussing the atrocities he witnesses during his time at war. It’s a very detailed and touching story told by a likeable character. A great book to read for KS2 History as it talks about the World War, the Holocaust and also how the war affected peoples lives in Britain.
November 22, 2018
My 9 year old son told me that I must read this book and what a great recommendation.
It’s a moving yet gripping story that the simplicity and appealing nature of Morpurgo’s writing reaches out to children and adults. It plays on the heartstrings which touches some difficult issues that can be explored through class discussions.
Billy the kid is told through the voice of an 80 year old man, who journeys back memorising and reflecting on his life combining his passion for football, bravery during the Second World War and his highs and lows of his subsequent life.
This exceeded my expectations and is probably one of my favourite Morpurgo books.
It’s a moving yet gripping story that the simplicity and appealing nature of Morpurgo’s writing reaches out to children and adults. It plays on the heartstrings which touches some difficult issues that can be explored through class discussions.
Billy the kid is told through the voice of an 80 year old man, who journeys back memorising and reflecting on his life combining his passion for football, bravery during the Second World War and his highs and lows of his subsequent life.
This exceeded my expectations and is probably one of my favourite Morpurgo books.
October 9, 2018
I loved this story! Such an easy read and very moving. I thought it was very well written. It moved quickly, however, it didn't feel rushed. A story about a Chelsea football star (Billy) that goes off to fight in WW2, it is told through the voice of Billy and is charming and moving.
It's a great read for anyone 7+ and have already recommended it to colleagues at work (for the children, or themselves!). I always liked Michael Morpurgo, (I LOVED Kensuke's Kingdom) and this did not disappoint - it was a little gem, would recommend!
It's a great read for anyone 7+ and have already recommended it to colleagues at work (for the children, or themselves!). I always liked Michael Morpurgo, (I LOVED Kensuke's Kingdom) and this did not disappoint - it was a little gem, would recommend!
February 15, 2019
This came highly recommended to me by various people and it did not disappoint! Not going to lie, this book had my eyes full of tears. Not quite sad enough to make me cry but oh it was emotional. The part about the concentration camp broke my heart.
I love anything set in or around WWII, so this was a great little read for me.
I love anything set in or around WWII, so this was a great little read for me.
February 25, 2022
A Heartbreak Hipster Review
Yeah, I remember reading this book.
But I ain't gonna give it no proper review.
The Naked News is on in five minutes, and my mum's gone out shopping for my weekly supply of potato chips.
She won't be back for a while, coz I only eat Skips, and in these modern times of mass-unemployment, and the media's weekly runnings of Who Wants To Be A Fucking Pedophile?, you can't find the damned things anywhere.
Michael Mor ... Mora ... Puego? Fuck it.
This Guy wrote that movie called 'War Horse'. Apparently it's a play - though probably not, coz the movie was, IMO!!, the most boringest movie I ever seen. There were like no soldiers getting their guts blowed out, and half the movie is shot under a sunset, and I couldn't even hear what the hell any of the characters were supposed to be saying, because all these grandmothers just kept on bawling all through the movie.
I asked the girl at the desk for my money back afterwards, except she just called me an asshole and told me to go to McDonalds.
I waited in the carpark and followed her home ... though that's a different story. What matters here is this book.
It's about a little douchebag who's obsessed with Chelsea. They're a football team in England, but their owner is some Ex-Soviet billionaire who - I am not kidding you - owns a freaking submarine with missiles in it.
Now I know that the Cold War is over, but that's just taking the piss. Although this kid obviously doesn't think so.
Because he's obsessed with Chelsea.
And while I ain't gonna pretend that I remember what happened in this book that well - I mean, I read it years ago, back when my pubic region was less fertile than Justin Bieber's cheeks -
I do recall the boy being really into football.
Football ... football ... football.
Even when his girlfriend tells him over dinner, that she feels she isn't getting what her heart needs, or some shit, all he's worried about is whether Mourinho regrets selling that Mata guy or not.
Even when he's having sex with her, he just cannot relax ... not without knowing how the Chelsea/Liverpool game turned out.
Anyway, the selfish shit learns, a little too late, that there's more to life than kicking a ball around. That true men don't fall down, in tears, if someone kicks them in the shin.
He receives a revenge-blowjob video from his Ex-Girlfriend, one thing leads to another, and he goes off to war.
Oh yeah, this book takes place around the First World War.
Don't think I mentioned that.
Anyway, all jokes aside, there was nothing funny about the war. There's nothing funny about any war.
Well ... not unless you're one of those sick bastards who laugh at scenes like this. And if you are - and I'm pretty sure that most of the world is - then I hope you all fucking burn in Hell.
I'll be there as well, don't you worry about that.
So yeah, this book was quite sad. Some characters get killed, and then the story goes on to tell of the boy's life after he comes back home ... after he becomes an alcoholic old man.
Now I'm not a Chelsea fan, nor a football fan in general.
But this book was a fairly good read anyway.
As I said, it was a long, long time ago, so I really can't remember that much, other than the fact that I liked it.
Sorry for the shit review. Now let me say goodnight ... for I must catch up on the world's latest tragedies.
By the way, I actually loved the 'War Horse' movie. And if you found this review contextually appropriate, then perhaps you'll like my other ones as well:
https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/...
Yeah, I remember reading this book.
But I ain't gonna give it no proper review.
The Naked News is on in five minutes, and my mum's gone out shopping for my weekly supply of potato chips.
She won't be back for a while, coz I only eat Skips, and in these modern times of mass-unemployment, and the media's weekly runnings of Who Wants To Be A Fucking Pedophile?, you can't find the damned things anywhere.
Michael Mor ... Mora ... Puego? Fuck it.
This Guy wrote that movie called 'War Horse'. Apparently it's a play - though probably not, coz the movie was, IMO!!, the most boringest movie I ever seen. There were like no soldiers getting their guts blowed out, and half the movie is shot under a sunset, and I couldn't even hear what the hell any of the characters were supposed to be saying, because all these grandmothers just kept on bawling all through the movie.
I asked the girl at the desk for my money back afterwards, except she just called me an asshole and told me to go to McDonalds.
I waited in the carpark and followed her home ... though that's a different story. What matters here is this book.
It's about a little douchebag who's obsessed with Chelsea. They're a football team in England, but their owner is some Ex-Soviet billionaire who - I am not kidding you - owns a freaking submarine with missiles in it.
Now I know that the Cold War is over, but that's just taking the piss. Although this kid obviously doesn't think so.
Because he's obsessed with Chelsea.
And while I ain't gonna pretend that I remember what happened in this book that well - I mean, I read it years ago, back when my pubic region was less fertile than Justin Bieber's cheeks -
I do recall the boy being really into football.
Football ... football ... football.
Even when his girlfriend tells him over dinner, that she feels she isn't getting what her heart needs, or some shit, all he's worried about is whether Mourinho regrets selling that Mata guy or not.
Even when he's having sex with her, he just cannot relax ... not without knowing how the Chelsea/Liverpool game turned out.
Anyway, the selfish shit learns, a little too late, that there's more to life than kicking a ball around. That true men don't fall down, in tears, if someone kicks them in the shin.
He receives a revenge-blowjob video from his Ex-Girlfriend, one thing leads to another, and he goes off to war.
Oh yeah, this book takes place around the First World War.
Don't think I mentioned that.
Anyway, all jokes aside, there was nothing funny about the war. There's nothing funny about any war.
Well ... not unless you're one of those sick bastards who laugh at scenes like this. And if you are - and I'm pretty sure that most of the world is - then I hope you all fucking burn in Hell.
I'll be there as well, don't you worry about that.
So yeah, this book was quite sad. Some characters get killed, and then the story goes on to tell of the boy's life after he comes back home ... after he becomes an alcoholic old man.
Now I'm not a Chelsea fan, nor a football fan in general.
But this book was a fairly good read anyway.
As I said, it was a long, long time ago, so I really can't remember that much, other than the fact that I liked it.
Sorry for the shit review. Now let me say goodnight ... for I must catch up on the world's latest tragedies.
By the way, I actually loved the 'War Horse' movie. And if you found this review contextually appropriate, then perhaps you'll like my other ones as well:
https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/...
October 25, 2020
As my class book in school it was really interesting to learn about what happened in the war.
December 28, 2020
Almost made me cry. So short, yet so... real.
October 16, 2012
Billy the Kid is written through the voice of eighty year old Billy, who is reminiscing about his own life as a child to the present day. When Billy was a kid, he was obsessed with football, and ended up lining out for Chelsea footballers as a teenager. Everyone had high hopes for Billy, but these were short-lived as the war broke out in 1939, shortly after Billy’s football debut.
Billy’s dad had warned him and his brother Joe that they were never to fight in any war. Joe went to battle against Hitler, despite his late father’s wishes, and was dead within a matter of weeks. Billy had no choice but to join the army as a medic after his brother’s tragic death.
From here on in, the story is rather tragic and Morpurgo writes about the brutalities of the war in a descriptive, but non brutal way which is ideal for the young reader s which the book is aimed at. On Billy’s return to London after being set free from the prisoner camp, he discovers his family have been killed. Billy cannot handle the grief and turns to alcohol to numb the pain and block out the memories of the loved ones whom he has lost. After many years of living rough, Billy finally finds his way with the assistance of a young, caring couple.
The end of the story sees Billy as an elderly man, back in Chelsea celebrating a football game at his beloved club. This book would be a fascinating read for KS2 children, from aged 9 upwards. It has close links to history, and could be used when discussing WW2 or the Holocaust. There is a ten page glossary at the back, which is quite informative for a young reader if they are reading independently. I would highly recommend this book, and am keen to read more of Morpurgo’s books!
Billy’s dad had warned him and his brother Joe that they were never to fight in any war. Joe went to battle against Hitler, despite his late father’s wishes, and was dead within a matter of weeks. Billy had no choice but to join the army as a medic after his brother’s tragic death.
From here on in, the story is rather tragic and Morpurgo writes about the brutalities of the war in a descriptive, but non brutal way which is ideal for the young reader s which the book is aimed at. On Billy’s return to London after being set free from the prisoner camp, he discovers his family have been killed. Billy cannot handle the grief and turns to alcohol to numb the pain and block out the memories of the loved ones whom he has lost. After many years of living rough, Billy finally finds his way with the assistance of a young, caring couple.
The end of the story sees Billy as an elderly man, back in Chelsea celebrating a football game at his beloved club. This book would be a fascinating read for KS2 children, from aged 9 upwards. It has close links to history, and could be used when discussing WW2 or the Holocaust. There is a ten page glossary at the back, which is quite informative for a young reader if they are reading independently. I would highly recommend this book, and am keen to read more of Morpurgo’s books!
December 6, 2012
I read this book with my 11 year old class (I teach English as a second language in Buenos Aires, Argentina) and it was a real success especially among the boys, since it deals with the topic of football and war.
The girls also loved it but thought it was a bit too sad.
It was a fantastic book to have a glimpse of the WW2 and do a bit of history work with young students.
I loved the way it was written, using flashbacks and always hearing the same voice (old Billy or young Billy) and really getting to know the character and feel what he felt and suffer how he suffered.
I totally recommend this book!
The girls also loved it but thought it was a bit too sad.
It was a fantastic book to have a glimpse of the WW2 and do a bit of history work with young students.
I loved the way it was written, using flashbacks and always hearing the same voice (old Billy or young Billy) and really getting to know the character and feel what he felt and suffer how he suffered.
I totally recommend this book!
October 10, 2010
I've just started work as a school librarian and this is one author who has come up time and time again so I thought I'd try one of his books. Football isn't my thing but I loved the story and can see why boys in particular are partial to Morpurgo. I've passed this book on to my 8 year old son. The combination of football and second world war will be enticing for any young boy. I'll definitely be reading more books by this author so that I know what I'm talking about when I recommend them to young readers!
September 9, 2016
This is a quick read and perfect for encouraging reluctant boys to read. The war theme is there, but second to the football theme, so boys should enjoy this book whilst learning about the second world war, prisoners of war and the blitz.
October 2, 2012
just stunning, the parallel story-telling is fantastic and makes the story more real, my two boys really enjoyed this book. Another Murpurgo classic.
April 21, 2019
As a history buff and football fanatic, Billy the Kid is probably my favourite Michael Morpurgo book. The book tells the reader of a story about a young boy named Billy who briefly lives his dream of playing football for Chelsea before the outbreak of the Second World War forces him to go fight for king and country. When he returns from the war severely injured, Billy learns he has not only lost his dream of playing football for Chelsea, but has also lost his home, family and friends, all of which have been devastated by war. Even if you are not a football fan, it would be hard not to find yourself attached to Billy and his story desperately hoping he finds his way as he faces depression and homelessness in his post war aging life.
I have used this as a guided reading book with a higher attaining year 3 group who loved the story and were always upset to finish reading at the end of a guided reading session. With some changes to questioning, the book would equally be well suited to a year 5 or year 6 class in a guided reading session. Billy’s story would help raise questions, create discussion and teach children about important social, emotional and cultural issues around homelessness, loneliness, depression, mental health and alcoholism (great to link to PSHE lessons). Ofcourse, the novel could act as a focus in which to teach key aspects of the Second World War in history including the Blitz and prisoners of war. The football theme running throughout the book lends itself to PE and could act a point of discussion around dedication, motivation and desire. Finally, the excellent images used throughout the book, which help to bring alive a time outside of living memory, could be used to inspire art lessons around the Second World War.
I have used this as a guided reading book with a higher attaining year 3 group who loved the story and were always upset to finish reading at the end of a guided reading session. With some changes to questioning, the book would equally be well suited to a year 5 or year 6 class in a guided reading session. Billy’s story would help raise questions, create discussion and teach children about important social, emotional and cultural issues around homelessness, loneliness, depression, mental health and alcoholism (great to link to PSHE lessons). Ofcourse, the novel could act as a focus in which to teach key aspects of the Second World War in history including the Blitz and prisoners of war. The football theme running throughout the book lends itself to PE and could act a point of discussion around dedication, motivation and desire. Finally, the excellent images used throughout the book, which help to bring alive a time outside of living memory, could be used to inspire art lessons around the Second World War.
May 4, 2020
A simple yet moving story of a boy desperate to play football for Chelsea but his dream is disrupted due to the start of the second World War. This book dealt with a lot of different aspects of the war, including Prisoners of War, concentration camps and bombings in London. As well as this, it covered themes such as death, friendship and hope in a quiet respectful manner and as it covers Billy's whole life it carefully illustrates how these emotions can stay with a person for a very long time. It was fast paced and allowed children to be exposed to these themes without focusing on them too strongly. I feel that this book would be suitable for upper key stage 2 or maybe year 4, especially if World War 2 is a topic that is being, or has recently been taught. Although, I feel that this is a book that can be enjoyed by all children, I do think it could be particularly enjoyed by children who have a keen interest in football, as this is a theme that is reoccurring throughout the story.
December 25, 2023
I got given this book in primary school as an award and have only just touched it again now at seventeen years old. Purely just read it as it was a short story I could read in one sitting to help towards my book goal and now I’m sat here sobbing my eyes out. WHAT AN ABSOLUTE HEARTBREAKER AND HEARTMELTER!! Any books revolving around wars always get to me and despite this being aimed towards young children, was it still something that tremendous tugged on the heart strings. What a beautiful but decestating story. Fully recommend if you want something that’s quick and easy to get through and still has an interesting plot - if that’s even the right word. Going to go continue to cry for like 10 minutes now.
January 25, 2022
i may have chelsea bias, but i love this book so much.
i lowkey cannot comprehend how this is a children's book. i sobbed almost all the way through, maybe i'm overemotional because of my recent reading slump, or maybe the children's book element helped because the writing is just so raw and innocent.
read it to help me get through the two-week international break with no football, did not expect to love it this much
i lowkey cannot comprehend how this is a children's book. i sobbed almost all the way through, maybe i'm overemotional because of my recent reading slump, or maybe the children's book element helped because the writing is just so raw and innocent.
read it to help me get through the two-week international break with no football, did not expect to love it this much
January 26, 2021
I read this one to my 9-year-old son. Not a story about the Wild West but a brutal yet touching tale about a talented young footballer who ends up playing for Chelsea; but then, in the wrong place at the wrong time, gets caught up in World War 2, and the devastating effect the war has on his life and fortunes.
May 28, 2023
The beginning of the story reminded me a lot of the start of "Saving Private Ryan" which honestly kept me wanting to read more about this Billy the Kid. I specifically find the part of leaving dreams and hopes behind in times of war to be tragic. Being young and all. Overall, I find that my trip to the bookshop to find another Morpurgo book has been worth it.
December 6, 2020
Fotball, krig og mer fotball. Illustrasjoner og en overkommelig mengde tekst gjør boken lettere å lese, slik at alle har mulighet til å lese boken, så lenge de har litt kompetanse i engelsk. Guttene på 7ende trinn digger den. Hilsen engelsklærer på barneskolen.
January 24, 2019
Super sad and heartbreaking book with a heart nice ending! Read it to my students and they all cried.
December 20, 2019
This book talk about war, football and Billy. Interesting way to learn different perspective of war.
September 1, 2020
Another heart warming story from one of my favourite authors.
May 24, 2021
Beautiful story. Simple way of teaching young readers about the World Wars & the aftermath of it.
Good read
Good read
June 25, 2021
cannot believe how much i adored this, and that’s coming from someone who hates football.
September 2, 2021
Nice book please make movies about James and the giant peach
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews