Booked

by Kwame Alexander
Booked cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 854
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781448188420
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2016-05-05
  • Formats: 46
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99–£9.99

In 'Booked,' Kwame Alexander crafts a poignant and energetic novel-in-verse that captures the spirit of football and the complexities of growing up. Twelve-year-old Nick is a passionate football player who despises books, but his world is turned upside down as he navigates his parents' break-up, faces bullies, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams. These challenges, which seem as daunting as scoring a game-winning goal, change his life and that of his best friend. The story is a beautiful blend of action, emotion, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of a World Cup match. Alexander's poetic style brings the narrative to life, making it a compelling read for young adults and football enthusiasts alike. /n/n The novel explores themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery, all while celebrating the thrill of sports. Nick's journey is one of resilience and transformation, as he learns to appreciate the power of words and the importance of standing up for what he believes in. 'Booked' is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most unexpected things can change our lives forever.

Reviews
The Chancellor Book Review · 2022-01-15
mixed 3.00

The book is male-centered, which may not appeal to all readers, but it has its strengths in storytelling.

The reviewer had mixed feelings about the book, noting that it is very male-centered and that the female characters are seen through a male lens. They found this aspect somewhat limiting. However, they acknowledged that the story has its strengths and can be engaging for certain readers. The reviewer pointed out that while the book has its flaws, it still has moments of brilliance that make it worth reading.

Quick quotes

    Part of what I didn't like in this book is how very male-centered it is.

    The crush, April, is seen completely through his eyes and she's a ...

    It still has moments of brilliance that make it worth reading.

Sonderbooks · 2016-07-27
brilliant 4.00

The story is compelling and hard to put down, but the true brilliance lies in Kwame Alexander's masterful use of language.

The reviewer found the story to be engaging and compelling, finishing it in one sitting. They particularly praised the author's skill with language, which elevated the book to something truly special. The reviewer appreciated the unique style and the way the story was told, making it a memorable reading experience. They highlighted the author's ability to create a narrative that is both engaging and beautiful.

Quick quotes

    The story is good, and compelling (I didn't, after all, put it down until I'd finished.)

    What makes the book truly wonderful is Kwame Alexander's masterful use of language.

    The story is told in a unique and engaging way.

Black and Bookish · 2016-06-28
fantastic 4.50

This book is filled with humor and memorable passages that will make you laugh out loud. The lyrical style and engaging content make it a standout read.

This reviewer found the book to be incredibly engaging and humorous, often laughing out loud while reading. They highlighted passages with sticky tabs and shared their favorite pages on social media, indicating a high level of enjoyment. The reviewer also appreciated the lyrical style of the writing, which made the book feel fresh and exciting. Overall, they couldn't stop raving about how much they loved the book.

Quick quotes

    This Book Gets All The Stars

    I laughed out loud while reading this book.

    I marked passages with sticky tabs, and Instagrammed the best pages.

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