About this item
Highlights
- At just 14, he's just had the best year (season) of his life.
- Author(s): Andy D Dale
- 342 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Romance
Description
Book Synopsis
At just 14, he's just had the best year (season) of his life. With his first bonafide girlfriend, a royal wedding to tolerate, 'Beefy' Botham bashing the Aussies and his title winning heroes preparing for their maiden European Cup adventure - Jonathan Stadler is ready for the new 1981/82 season. His first ever as an Aston Villa season ticket holder and his first without his two beloved Grandfathers.
His fellow gang members may support rival local teams but their bond and unity will be needed more than ever to help steer them all through the next twelve life changing months. A journey that for Jonathan may just lead all the way to Rotterdam. But at what cost to him, his friends and his family?
Review Quotes
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (01/2025)
5*Football fever meets teenage heartache
"Just 15: It Could Be Rotterdam" by Andy Dale is a novel packed with humor, heart, and
nostalgia. Coming of age struggles combine with football fandom in an amusing tale for teens,
sports enthusiasts, and anyone who's ever rooted for something bigger than themselves.
Jonathan Stadler is set for a season of excitement and challenges, both in the stands and in his
personal life, as he faces a year filled with football and the growing pains of adolescence. Aston
Villa's thrilling European Cup campaign is underway, and with his first-ever season ticket in
hand, Jonathan is ready to cheer his team to glory. But life off the field is chaotic. Between
navigating relationships and dealing with the absence of his grandfathers, Jonathan is learning
that growing up is as unpredictable as the game he loves. This year promises moments of
triumph and heartbreak, but the lessons Jonathan learns may be the most life-changing of all.
From the very beginning, readers are drawn into Jonathan's world, where school dramas, family
dynamics, and the angst of teen love all vie for attention alongside his passion for Aston Villa.
Andy Dale brings Jonathan's voice to life with authenticity and charm, portraying him as an
awkward yet witty teenager brimming with heart. Jonathan's self-deprecating humor and
moments of real emotional depth make him an endearing protagonist. His journey feels genuine
and convincing, making it impossible not to root for him.
The sport of football is a character in its own right. Every match comes to life with such lively
descriptions you'll feel the roar of the crowd and the intensity of a last-minute goal. It's
undeniable this book is a celebration of football, but Jonathan's growth is tightly interwoven with
the ups and downs of his team. Even readers unfamiliar with the game will get swept up in the
narrative. The humor, heartbreak, and triumphs on the field mirror the struggles and victories in
his personal life, making the story universal.
The cultural details around 1980s Britain add another layer of richness to the story. The setting
feels alive, from the music and television references to the quirks of small-town life.
Though Just 15 follows Dale's earlier book, Just 14, it reads perfectly well as a standalone. It's a
story filled with humor, warmth, and nostalgia, with something to offer football fans and
coming-of-age story lovers alike. This book hilariously captures the essence of growing up.