Wasim and the Champ

Ashley's junior school-aged, football-mad hero has starred in several short novels already, each of which highlights an issue which may worry young readers.

In this episode Wasim faces what might be seen as a more challenging threat than some of those in previous books, as the repercussions of a religiously motivated bomb attack in London prompt anti-Asian feelings and he and his fellow Muslims are ostracised and threatened by teenage troublemakers, and then by those who had previously been their school friends but who are frightened to disobey the older boys.

Ultimately the example of a local boxing hero, himself an Asian, resolves the situation and friendships and multicultural football are re-established. A humorous examination of a disturbingly possible situation.