Book Information
- Imprint: James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers
- Publication Date: 1 January 2017
- Copyright Year: 2017
- ISBN: 9781459411357
- Page Count: 208
- Dimensions: 5.5" x 8.5"
- Interest ages: 9-12
- Reading level: Grade 3
Purchasing Information
The Starting Eleven
by David Skuy
A skilled younger player is added to the soccer team, bringing the chance for Cody and some of the Lions to get called up to an elite team.
Cody is no longer the kid with cancer, or the soccer player always sitting on the bench as a substitute. Then everything changes when a skilled younger player is added to the team, bringing the chance for Cody and some of the Lions to get called up to an elite team. Plus, Cody has to face down bully Timothy from rival soccer team the Storm once and for all, help Mandy deal with her family troubles — and figure out what Cody Dorsett really wants. Following the characters who appear in his very successful novels Striker and The Beautiful Game, The Starting Eleven completes David Skuy's trilogy.
About the Author
David Skuy

Reviews
"Skuy's story about Cody encompasses soccer, racism, mental illness, the meaning of friendship, bullying ... and more. With some well-described, exciting moments during games, The Starting Eleven covers a lot of ground at a good pace both on and off the soccer pitch."
Karen Rankin,, CM Magazine
"Skuy's knowledge about the game of soccer and team play is the scaffolding on which this novel is built. The game action is exciting and well written and that is what carries the story. The sequences that have anything to do with soccer and Cody's relationship with his teammates or his thinking about the game - riveting. Frankly, if Cody grows into the character I'm coming to expect, I'll be glad if Skuy follows his storyline into Premier."
Resource Links
Awards
Best Books for Kids & Teens -- Canadian Children's Book Centre
2017
Subjects (BISAC)
JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Bullying, JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship, JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Soccer
Similar Titles
-
Freerunner
Angry at class differences in his new city, a teen finds confidence in a new sport. Freerunner explores jealousy, status and self-esteem on and off the play area.$8.99, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL520LTagged Out
The inner-city Blues baseball team is having a lousy year, until all-star player Jock joins the team. The only problem? Not all the Blues can handle having a gay player on their team.$27.99, HardcoverInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 730LGolden Goal
At his new school, Dylan joins a soccer team of immigrant and refugee students. Getting to know his teammates provides Dylan with a lesson on teamwork and opens his eyes about real hardship.$8.99, PaperbackInterest ages: 10-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 670LUgly Kicks
What will you give up when you can't afford to play?$27.99, HardcoverInterest ages: 9-13Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: 600L
Scroll to Top