Soldier's Game

Shortlisted for the Scottish Children's Book Awards 2012

"Jack grabbed the ladder and clambered up. No man's land opened up before him in a haze of smoke and dirt; bullets and shrapnel whistled through the air …"

Ross is fed up with being on the losing side, as Bruntsfield Primary football team faces another humilating defeat. But after the match he is given a pair of old football boots, which once belonged to his great-grandfather, Jack Jordan. Ross is amazed when he discovers that Jack played for his favourite team, the famous Heart of Midlothian FC. As Ross finds out more about Jack, an incredible story unfolds -- a tale of Edinburgh's young heroes and a battalion of footballers and fans who fought in the First World War.

Based on the remarkable true story of the 16th Royal Scots, known as the "Hearts Battalion" this moving book brings a fascinating moment of Scottish history to life. Jim Killgore interweaves the present day life of an ordinary football-mad boy with a story of young men who were sent to war. He focuses on the friendships that develop as the lads play football and learn to become soldiers together, making this remarkable story enjoyable and accessible for young people.