Title: The District Cup
Author: Mallika Ravikumar
Publisher: Puffin India
Length: 240 pages
Type: Paperback
Recommended Age: 10 years and above
The District Cup by Mallika Ravikumar is an exciting and heartwarming sports story that keeps young readers engaged from beginning to end. The story follows the Under-13 Maulsari Eagles football team as they navigate corruption, age fraud, and personal struggles to compete in the District Cup after a two-year pandemic gap.
The story revolves around a group of children who dream of winning the prestigious District Cup. Through teamwork, determination, and friendship, they learn valuable lessons about perseverance and sportsmanship. What makes this novel stand out is its unflinching look at systemic challenges in Indian football. Protagonist Prithvi battles his father’s resistance to sports, his teammate Kadambini faces gender bias while coach Siraj fights corruption after reporting age fraud. It is not just a book about football; it is also about courage, trust, and believing in oneself. Overall, The District Cup is an enjoyable and inspiring read for children who love sports and adventure.
Mallika Ravikumar’s writing is simple, lively, and full of emotion, making it easy for young readers to connect with the characters. What makes The District Cup special is its realistic portrayal of childhood dreams and challenges.
What better way to extend FIFA World Cup mania than the The District Cup, which is a perfect read for sports lovers! I can’t help but imagine how wonderful it would be if this book were adapted into a movie.
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CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Deeksha is a part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.

