Now Is the Time for Running

We never appreciate what we have enough until you read a text like this. The author does an outstanding job of bringing to light the terrors of political regimes in Africa, so oppressive and cruel to its people as well as the fear of daily life these regimes instill. A simple soccer game should be free and easy to have but in this text, the author shows how it becomes a tool for rising out of an impoverished land and appreciating the freedoms we take for granted everyday here in the US. The immigration challenges of those entering South Africa from neighboring countries are also illustrated and make a powerful parallel to US issues with illegal aliens. Overall, this text opens everyone's eyes to the plight of current African nations and the innocent lives that are lost in the process of trying to survive there. Though graphic in places, the realistic details interwoven with modern history give this text vivid descriptions of setting, character, and conflict that make it worth reading! Five stars!

While the book is a tragic story of a teenage boy's struggle to escape from a war torn country it reminds the reader what is important. I have been reading this book with my 11 year old grandchild. It has some very violent parts but it also gave the the opportunity to talk about some serious subjects. My grandsons interest is based in the soccer by he got so much more.

Few novels exist that are set in Africa that deal with the tough issues of civil war and refugees. This is a great young adult book that opens discussions on a great number of issues that folks around the world deal with every day. Even the simple information about where is Zimbabwe and relationship to South Africa to what are the issues related to refugees and justice are presented in this novel. Personal survival is a struggle that Deo fights every day, but the reader is also pulled in with the added complexity of Innocent and Deo's commitment to his family, particularly his brother. Innocent's disability adds a component to Deo's life that shines a light on his personal development of family commitment. Quick read with plenty of action, and sadly the violence that too many people must suffer.

It is a good bookI will say that because anything else is a spoiler to the story and that would be mean to do

Michael Williams' story is by far one of the best young adult books I have ever read. It is engaging and keeps you on your toes. The book discusses xenophobia, diversity, and gives us a glimpse into the life of a young refugee. Much better than most books taught in many schools today.

These are soft and very natural. They really make my eyes stand out.

This was a great book. I loved all the excitement of the soccer games and the emotions of all the hardships Innocent, Deo, and all their friends along the way went through. This book teaches many important lessons like people shouldn't discriminate of where somebody comes from. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good book.

Good book cheap price

Excellent book. Very compulsive. My 13 year old son loved it and immediately went out to buy Diamond Boy which was equally good and follows the life of another character. Possibly best for children 11+ as it doesnt pull its punches

This was a fantastic book, consisting of well constructed characters and storyline, lots of action and authentic emotions are expressed by the characters. The book is thought-provoking as it encompasses society's issues explaining that there are no inferiors in team.I recommend this book.

This was recommended by my sons school as part if their summer reading list.My son thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Engaging story from the off.

This an amazing book that I found very interesting. I would recommend this to anyone who's a football fan but at some points it can be confusing but I still recommend it!