In exciting news, the middle-grade fiction book, Spirit of the Warriors, published by Crack-A-Story in October 2024, has been optioned as a movie by an independent production company in Australia. It is currently in pre-production, and 2026 looms as a very big year.
It will be fascinating to see where this process leads. I wrote the book because I wanted to bring people together from different places and cultures. India and the Australian bush were obvious choices for me because of my love for both. To see scuffed six stitchers hurtling through red dust on the big screen would be a ‘pinch-me-if-it’s-true’ moment. Onwards we go! Smiles, Knighty
As part of a specific program arranged by WestWords, I have been privileged to conduct writing workshops, spanning several weeks, with primary and secondary schools in western Sydney and rural NSW. This has led to the publishing of works by students at Braddock Public (Adventure Tales) and Yass High School (Our Pages, Our Voices).
Yes, students truly can say they are “published authors”, and some at Parramatta High may prefer to say they are “sports journalists” because a specific sports-related course was conducted at their school, and they too will launch a book later in the year.
I was involved in similar programs in 2024 at Darcy Road Public, Parramatta High, and in rural/remote NSW at Gunnedah High, Bourke High, Wanaaring Public and Louth Public.
The video ‘The Windmill’ is a sample of one collaborative exercise I did with the mighty youngsters at Wanaaring Public School in far north-western NSW. The school, in a village of just 80-or-so people, has just a handful of students. I am enormously proud of their achievement in helping me put this little piece together.
In 2025, with thanks to the great support from the Australian T20 BBL franchise, the Sydney Thunder and Westwords we have taken the innovative ‘Cric-Lit’ program into primary and secondary schools in Sydney’s west. This program brings literacy and sport closer together by conducting writing and cricket-skills sessions in the one day. Young people are given a greater understanding that literacy is paramount to their futures even if they want to pursue sporting careers. There is so much more that can be done in this space: using sport as a powerful connector and inspiration in (and beyond) the classroom.
The program follows a trial in late 2024 when star Thunder player, Chris Green participated in a Cric-Lit event at Parramatta High School which also saw students from Rosehill Public attend. Chris spoke about the importance of reading and what it meant to him when he was a boy. He was brilliant with the students. I was also lucky enough to speak about Spirit of the Warriors and how cricket can build bridges between cultures. We also staged a mock media conference in which the students, as pretend journalists, grilled Chris. Afterwards, the students took part in a Thunder coaching clinic on the school field. It was terrific! Sport is an excellent way to engage many students in literacy practices and cultural awareness.
Further programs are planned, including in rural NSW, for the second half of 2025.
There’s plenty to be explored in this space. Onwards we go!
Spirit of the Warriors, the first book to be published by Crack-A-Story publishing, was shortlisted in the 2025 ACT Literary Awards for Best Children’s Fiction. The book, which was released in late 2024, is for middle-grade readers but many older people have enjoyed it too. It 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.
“Your writing has such a great capture of energy and character connection and of course the thread of cricket as a way of life.”
Jackie, Teacher/Librarian
“I’ve just finished Spirit of the Warriors and I cried (when the
parents arrived in Sydney for the final). I really, really loved it and will be hand selling it madly.”
Julia, Bookseller
“This is a fantastic story of friendship, family and resilience all woven together through playing sport… It is a triumph of trusting each other, being open to accepting help and experiencing the new things that other cultures can teach us.”
Lamont Books
“Whilst children’s books are notorious for their not-so-subtle moralising, this book is genuinely entertaining.”
Indian Link
“It is my favorite book. Please write more.”
Rohit, 9 years old
“Easy to relate to as both a teacher and bringing back some memories as a young player.”
Anthony, Teacher.
“My son, Teddy just finished the book. He would like you to write another one now please.”
Angus, Father.
“I really LOVE this book. I love cricket. I love the Stony Creek Warriors. My favourite character is Ajeet. I like everyone.”
Saanvi
“I should say that it was very enjoyable, and I could connect with many things you shared about India—paper planes, rain, crowd etc. I am quite awed by the cinematic kind of storytelling. At one point, when Ajeet goes back in thoughts about Wakeeta your depiction of rain, plastic sheet fluttering, etc indeed gave me goosebumps.”
Vijai, Father.
James Knight on cultural conversations through cricket – Indian Link
December Favourites: What we’re loving right now – Indian Link
