One Nil
4u2read Series
What’s inside...
Luke is desperate to meet his heroes when he discovers that the England football team are secretly training at his local ground. However, he faces a dilemma as he has to attend school all day. With determination, Luke must quickly devise a plan to make his dream of meeting the football stars a reality. This book is particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant, and dyslexic readers aged 8 and above. It is a fun football story filled with dreams, drama, and lots of heart, making it an ideal quick fiction fix for sports-mad readers. The new edition is now available with additional artwork and is also suitable for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 7.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they scored the winning goal?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's shoes during the big game?
Why is teamwork important in sports, and how did it help the characters in the book?
What does being a good sport mean to you, and how did the characters demonstrate this?
Can you think of a time when you had to work hard to accomplish something like the characters did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the excitement of the game scenarios in the book, making the story come alive for your child.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next.
Encourage your child to talk about any personal experiences they relate to from the story, be it playing a sport or being part of a team.
Discuss the outcomes of the characters' decisions and actions in the book to help your child understand the consequences of their choices in real life.
Connect the themes of teamwork and perseverance from the book to everyday situations your child encounters, enhancing their understanding and application of these values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In "One Nil," the story illustrates the importance of teamwork through the protagonist’s experience in his soccer team, where coordination and support from each team member are vital for success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of working together in group projects at school or in sports, fostering a sense of cooperation and unity.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Determination
Explanation: The book highlights the protagonist's determination to improve his soccer skills despite initial setbacks, showcasing that persistence can lead to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson is applicable in a child’s daily activities, encouraging them to keep trying in their studies, hobbies, or learning new skills, even when it seems challenging.
Example Lesson: Handling Competition Healthily
Explanation: Through soccer matches, the story exposes the protagonist to healthy competitive practices, focusing on fair play and self-improvement rather than winning at all costs.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach competitions in a healthy manner, focusing on personal growth and fair conduct rather than just the outcome.
Example Lesson: Respecting Authority and Rules
Explanation: The book portrays the need for following rules and respecting decisions made by authority figures like referees and coaches, essential for the game's integrity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of respecting rules and authority figures in school, home, and community settings, ensuring they contribute positively to social order.