This week, we’re thrilled to bring you the inspiring story of James Knight—a master storyteller, literacy advocate, cricket tragic and bestselling author.
In this heartfelt conversation, James reflects on his journey from bush cricket fields to discovering the rich tapestry of cultures through cricket. He opens up about his battles with depression and shares how his experiences have shaped a life dedicated to making a positive difference.
We also dive into his latest book, The Spirit of the Warriors, and explore how he uses storytelling to inspire others and foster a love of literacy.
Needless to say, we will ensure James share with us who is on his invitation list to his dream cricket net session.
Don’t miss this powerful episode about cricket, culture, resilience, and the extraordinary impact one person can have on the lives of many.
About Spirit of the Warriors
Best-selling author, James Knight, says his next book, Spirit of the Warriors, is his most important work yet. Knight, who has written 15 non-fiction books, including the official autobiography of Australian cricketer, Brett Lee, and the widely acclaimed biography of social worker and 2020 Australian Local Hero of the Year, Bernie Shakeshaft, is venturing into middle-grade kids’ fiction for the first time.
Spirit of the Warriors tells the stories of two boys from distinctly different backgrounds. Jack Riordan lives on a drought-affected farm near the make-believe town, Stony Creek. When Ajeet Sharma and his family arrive from India, Jack is confronted with no longer being the star cricketer at his primary school. The narrative ebbs and flows through episodes that capture angst, anger, jealousies, and misunderstandings. (And let’s not forget schoolyard cheek!) Jack and Ajeet eventually learn each has painful secrets that have affected their lives. Will they overcome them? The answers lie in the strength of human spirit.
‘Spirit of the Warriors brings the Australian bush, India, and cricket all to life. It’s about embracing who we are.’
Josh Hazlewood, Australian fast bowler.
‘This is the first in a series of books that will bring sport and multiculturalism together,’ says Knight, who regularly conducts writing/literacy and storytelling workshops in schools in Australia and overseas. ‘My experiences in classrooms have taught me there is a real need for these types of books. Kids need stories in which they can see themselves as characters.’
Knight, a former television journalist, reported on several Australian cricket tours overseas, and since first visiting India to cover the 1996 Cricket World Cup, he has developed a relationship with the South Asian country that he calls his “second home.”
thecricketlibrary.com 