Reviewed by Sierra Edelen for Readers' Favorite

It is the year before the kids go off to secondary school and everyone who loves football wants to make the Hall Park trials. Charlie Fry, an 11-year-old boy who loves football, has dreamed of being a striker for the Hall Park team. His only problem is that he can't run for very long because of a hereditary disease that fills his lungs with mucus. Though this puts him at a disadvantage with the other players, he doesn't let it stop him from doing what he loves. He also doesn't let the bullies stop him either. When he nearly gets struck by lightning, something happens. He becomes better at football. Now with his friends on his side and the bullies against them, will their friendship help them win the trials?

The Football Boy Wonder (The Charlie Fry Series Book 1) by Martin Smith was really enjoyable. It is the perfect book for middle school children. It is a good book that anyone who loves football, or soccer as some call it, would enjoy reading. It teaches core values of friendship, hard work and believing in yourself; all good qualities that children and preteens should learn. It is a story that I believe adolescent boys will enjoy, in fact I believe that my little brother, who is crazy about soccer, would love this book to no end and would never let it go. It is a great gift to get a brother, nephew, son or cousin for any occasion. They will definitely enjoy it.