Billy the Kid, Michael Morpurgo
Billy the Kid, Michael Morpurgo
List: $14.99 | Sale: $10.50
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Billy the Kid

Author: Michael Morpurgo

Narrator: Richard Attenborough

Unabridged: 1 hr 25 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 10/04/2010


Synopsis

Read by the inimitable Richard Attenborough. Billy was a champion soccer star, playing for Chelsea in the 1930s. But that was before war broke out… Billy the Kid is told through the voice of an 80 year old man, who looks back on his life as Chelsea’s champion striker until the outbreak of war in 1939 and on through his subsequent life. Billy joins Chelsea as a football apprentice, rises through the reserves to become a real champion. His passion for football sees him through the war years – even as a prisoner of war he organises a friendly against the Italians – but, having been injured by a mine he cannot play for Chelsea on his return to England. Billy turns to vagrancy and alcohol and for years he wanders up and down the country. he re-settles in London in a derelict house and is befriended by a family who move him to a shed in their garden. He, in turn, helps their son with his football who in his turn becomes a Chelsea player. Billy becomes a Chelsea Pensioner and his 80th birthday is celebrated when Chelsea play at home. A novel for both children and adults which deals with some difficult issues. Michael Morpurgo’s storytelling is superb.

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About Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo OBE is one of Britain's best loved writers for children, with sales of over 35 million copies. He has written over 150 books, has served as Children’s Laureate, and has won many prizes, including the Smarties Prize, the Writers Guild Award, the Whitbread Award, the Blue Peter Book Award and the Eleanor Farjeon Lifetime Achievement Award. With his wife, Clare, he is the co-founder of Farms for City Children. Michael was knighted in 2018 for services to literature and charity.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Sophie on September 27, 2023

This one surpassed all my expectations!!! Even better, if that is possible, than War Horse and Private Peaceful. Even if you don't like football, you cannot be unaffected by this amazing story. It was very entertaining and gripping. It touched my heart. The boy called Billy is an amazing footballer......more

Goodreads review by Alma on November 13, 2012

Billy the Kid by Michael Morpurgo illustrated by Michael Foreman. This story is based during the time of World War 2. It is about a young boy called Billy. He is extremely skillful at football and plays for Chelsea. Things start to go well for him and he starts to get recognized by people. Then unfor......more

Goodreads review by Natalie on May 12, 2013

This book turns out to be one of Michael Morpurgo’s most intriguing children’s books, since it is the story of a young boy ‘Billy the Kid’ (as his team mates call him), who plays for Chelsea football team and how his life radically changes when he goes off to war. The story is extremely informative a......more

Goodreads review by Busy Mummy on November 22, 2018

My 9 year old son told me that I must read this book and what a great recommendation. It’s a moving yet gripping story that the simplicity and appealing nature of Morpurgo’s writing reaches out to children and adults. It plays on the heartstrings which touches some difficult issues that can be explor......more

Goodreads review by Molly on October 09, 2018

I loved this story! Such an easy read and very moving. I thought it was very well written. It moved quickly, however, it didn't feel rushed. A story about a Chelsea football star (Billy) that goes off to fight in WW2, it is told through the voice of Billy and is charming and moving. It's a great rea......more


Quotes

'a thrilling and moving story about a Chelsea footballer who gets caught up in the ravages of the Second World War, with the focus on the Beautiful Game as a common bond that can link nations and generations'. Foreman's shimmering watercolours and line, so agile and expressive, are a perfect match for Morpurgo's assured and memorable narrative. This is a book that will be treasured by any child or teacher learning about the Second World War.' TES 'A story that combines football and war. It is a lot like an afternoon at Stamford Bridge, and ideal for football fans aged eight and over.' The Daily Telegraph