Now Is the Time for Running

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.

This is an excellent book which opened my eyes to the hardships and despiration of life in southern Africa. It's a great read. While it is fictional, the book's characters and general storyline are based on real people known by the South African author.

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!

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.

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.

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.

This novel explores what it is like to be a part of a minority group. Despite the violence perpetrated on him, the protagonist continues to make his life worth living. The book is graphic in its descriptions and very well written. It is riveting. I highly recommend this novel.

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

Good childrens’ book

I enjoyed reading this with my students for English lessons. Students wanted to continue the story, also found a great resource to go with it for teacher's to use on Tes. powerpoint and lessons.

I like it very much. Very well written and a very good lesson of life. Very powerfull message. Thank you.

This book tells the tragic story of Deo and his brother innocent. It speaks of the harsh trials faced by people fleeing Zimbabwe, whilst also shining a light on the great capacity of human nature to survive against the odds, and the power of football, which can create a home and a place where everyone can belong. It’s a book that shows us that no matter what we go through, there is always hope and a chance for a better future.

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.