I then compared it to other books that I had read with stressful content, in which Michael Morpurgo’s books came to mind. Maybe I'm just selfish and cold-hearted but personally, I think that is a pretty poor way to repay him!

We learn more about the activities of the Dragon and in particular a plot to traffic people to the West that Budi becomes embroiled in. Growing up in this multi-cultural society, I know a few Malay words and am familiar with some foods.By night he spends time with his parents and grandmother in their tiny apartment, plays football with his friends, role-playing his favourite Real Madrid player or watching matches on a damaged television set with his friend Rochy. It is a stunning debut novel, one that should be read by as many children as possible – not just football fans. The poorly paid labourers, the uncomfortable working conditions, the tyrannical foreman with his rotan, the punishments, the blood, the sweat, the tears. Meski begitu, Budi tidak serta merta kehabisan akal, dengan kepolosannya dia mulai melancarkan aksinya.

Budi's going to play for the greatest team on earth, instead of sweating over each stitch he sews, each football boot he makes. This is a story about young boys trying to make a better life for themselves whilst the harsh realities of their situation are constantly trying to smother their dreams.Budi (the main character) continues to follow his dreams to be like his hero someday, even with a lot of trouble thrown in his path.

Masalah seorang pemimpi adalah terkadang dia akan mengalami mimpi buruk— kau hanya harus memastikan mimpi-mimpi buruk itu tidak pernah cukup menakut-nakutimu sehingga kau ingin terbangun dari tidur. He’s going to play for the greatest team on earth, rather than in the square behind the factory where he works. This debut comes out this month in September; it is a book primarily for teenagers (though this is fairly compatible with a certain type of adult reader!One of Budi’s friends has an old television and they sometimes watch matches together too, late at night Indonesia time. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes football as it is not only about football but also about how children working in a poorer country are treated. He then grows far more confident as a person and that story also teaches Budi to look past all his difficulties - in terms of being poor and having his blood condition - and follow his dreams if that is solely what he wants to do and it will pay off.