Booked

by Kwame Alexander
Booked cover
Good Books rating 4.06
Children's Fiction
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Paperback • £8.99–£9.99
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Format • £8.54
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Technical
  • ID: 854
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781448188420
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2016-05-05
  • Formats: 49
  • Reviews: 4

Booked follows the life of Nick, a passionate football player who finds himself facing more challenges off the field than on. As he deals with his parents' break-up, stands up to bullies, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams, Nick learns valuable life lessons that change him and his best friend forever. Written in verse, this follow-up to The Crossover captures the thrills and emotions of a World Cup match, blending sports, family, and personal growth in a compelling narrative./n/nKwame Alexander's energetic and poetic style brings Nick's story to life, making it a relatable and engaging read for young adults. The novel explores themes of friendship, love, and resilience, all while keeping the excitement of football at its core. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys sports stories with heart and depth.

Reviews
BookTrust · 2025-10-13
incredible 4.75

They described the book as incredible, noting its readability and ability to grip readers from the first page while also expanding their vocabulary.

This reviewer found 'Booked' to be an incredible novel, particularly praising its readability and ability to captivate readers from the very beginning. They highlighted how the book can engage even reluctant readers and enhance their vocabulary. The verse format was noted for making the story accessible and enjoyable, with a strong emotional and thematic depth that resonates with both young and adult readers.

Quick quotes

    Booked is an incredible novel.

    Written in verse, it's instantly readable, will grip a reluctant reader from page one.

    Will improve every reader's vocabulary.

Kinderlit Canada · 2025-10-13
captivating 4.50

They praised the book's fast-paced and poetic style, highlighting Alexander's skill with words and the engaging narrative flow.

The reviewer was impressed by the speed and fluidity of 'Booked'. They noted how Alexander's mastery of language makes the poetry flow beautifully, creating a feverish pace that keeps readers engaged. The book's ability to capture the excitement and emotions of a World Cup match was particularly highlighted. Overall, they found the reading experience to be dynamic and captivating, making it a standout novel-in-verse.

Quick quotes

    Booked flies by at an impressive speed.

    Alexander is a deft wordsmith, so the poetry flows beautifully.

    This feverish pace practically erases any desire to put the book down.

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.

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