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A review by naomi_marshall_murray
Kolo and the Mighty Mangoes by Dave Caswell, Dave Caswell
5.0
The debut children's novel by Dave Caswell, was a fun read, filled with life lessons and a comfortable resolve; I look forward to the next installment and Kolo's future adventures!
This book, aimed at children aged 7-11, introduces us to Kolo, his mother and his younger sister, as they move to a new village. At first Kolo is nervous about moving somewhere new and not knowing anyone, however before he knows it, he is in the local football team and is surrounded by brilliant, different individuals. We follow Kolo and the Mighty Mangoes through many twist and turns throughout this book, however there is always a lesson to be learned!
Alongside Kolo's story of moving to a new town, making new friends and working through some moral dilema's, I especially enjoyed two other characters' stories which were lightly explored within this book;
Hami -
Enzi -
Both of these characters portrayals bring excellent additional representation into the book.
In terms of format, the novel is broken into chapters with an average length of 10 pages, making them easily consumed by a younger reader, with language which is descriptive, setting the scene within each chapter, without using overly complex language - this is perfect for a younger reader, or one trying to strengthen their reading. The 'team talk' segments ending each chapter also support the readers personal development as well as reinforcing their learning from the just-completed chapter - this would be an excellent tool both in schools, and for reading at home.
This story initially came about as a team handbook for the Oasis Football For Life & Oasis Nine Habits team and the lessons within it are in line with the Oasis Ethos. I was delighted to find out through this book that Oasis respect and serve all people whatever their gender, race, ethnic orientation, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical and mental capacity I feel this message is very clear throughout Dave's book and am extremely glad that this book has made me aware of Oasis UK, as a queer woman, it's so integral to know for myself, my community and especially the young people within my community, of the spaces within which we are safe.
Thank you, Dave Caswell & TheBookNetwork.co.uk for the physical copy of this book, and opportunity to read and review it!
This book, aimed at children aged 7-11, introduces us to Kolo, his mother and his younger sister, as they move to a new village. At first Kolo is nervous about moving somewhere new and not knowing anyone, however before he knows it, he is in the local football team and is surrounded by brilliant, different individuals. We follow Kolo and the Mighty Mangoes through many twist and turns throughout this book, however there is always a lesson to be learned!
Alongside Kolo's story of moving to a new town, making new friends and working through some moral dilema's, I especially enjoyed two other characters' stories which were lightly explored within this book;
Hami -
Spoiler
Midi's twin, and another football player in the Mighty Mangoes team, who is determined and passionate in the sport, loyal to his team and supports Coach Kato in preparation and tidy up from training sessions, who says they are stronger because of their one arm. We are introduced to Hami early on and his story, and the way it is portrayed within the book brings forward brilliant disability representation and a very important message to young readers (and adults alike!) of all abilities.Enzi -
Spoiler
A football player from a rival team, the Power Pack Pineapples, who through the sport and support from his coach has rebuilt his confidence and self esteem after verbal abuse from his now absent father.Both of these characters portrayals bring excellent additional representation into the book.
In terms of format, the novel is broken into chapters with an average length of 10 pages, making them easily consumed by a younger reader, with language which is descriptive, setting the scene within each chapter, without using overly complex language - this is perfect for a younger reader, or one trying to strengthen their reading. The 'team talk' segments ending each chapter also support the readers personal development as well as reinforcing their learning from the just-completed chapter - this would be an excellent tool both in schools, and for reading at home.
This story initially came about as a team handbook for the Oasis Football For Life & Oasis Nine Habits team and the lessons within it are in line with the Oasis Ethos. I was delighted to find out through this book that Oasis respect and serve all people whatever their gender, race, ethnic orientation, religion, age, sexual orientation, physical and mental capacity I feel this message is very clear throughout Dave's book and am extremely glad that this book has made me aware of Oasis UK, as a queer woman, it's so integral to know for myself, my community and especially the young people within my community, of the spaces within which we are safe.
Thank you, Dave Caswell & TheBookNetwork.co.uk for the physical copy of this book, and opportunity to read and review it!