SuitabookRaz Beri
Matt Stephens
- Reading
- Consider reading alongside the child, pausing after the bullying and footballer’s behaviour rather than treating them as the whole message. Afterwards, discuss respectful support, prejudice and what Billy learns about himself.
- Themes
- Disability prejudice and unequal treatment: Billy has cerebral palsy and is treated differently by classmates and others; Mia is also a wheelchair-user. The story includes abusive language and patronising behaviour. The book takes a critical view of this.
- Bullying and resilience: Bullies ambush Billy and use disability-related insults. Billy and Mia develop a friendship, and Billy is described as triumphing over the bullies. Bullying is presented as harmful, while Billy’s wit, Mia’s friendship and his changing sense of self-worth offer resistance rather than simple submission.
- Heroes, admiration and approval: Billy is excited to meet Danny Cash, a footballing hero, but becomes disillusioned when Danny proves unlikable. Billy then questions whether he needs to prove himself to others. Admiration is initially important to Billy, but the story appears to challenge the assumption that fame guarantees good character or that Billy must earn acceptance through status.
- Worth knowing
- Be ready for disability-related insults, physical and verbal bullying, indirect discrimination and a supposedly admired footballer behaving badly. The treatment is described as uncomfortable, though Billy’s wit and friendship provide counterbalance.