Playing for the Dream: Max’s Story

Max is twelve and lives in Gelsenkirchen, a city with a rich but difficult history. Football is not just a game for him – it's his dream to one day stand on the grass of the Veltins-Arena playing for Schalke 04.

But the path there is not easy. Between training pressure, school stress, and his small family, something happens that Max never expected: his best friend Lukas kisses him. Suddenly everything begins to waver – the friendship that has supported him his whole life, and the question of who Max really is when no one is watching.

"Max and the Dream of Football" is the beginning of the MAXR series: a coming-of-age novel about the dream of the big game, about friendship that changes, about first feelings that frighten – and about the homeland that holds you.

For readers from age 12 – and for everyone who seeks stories about football, friendship, and growing up with real heart.

Note on the series: The MAXR series grows up with Max. This first volume is suitable from age 12; the following volumes become more serious and are aimed at older readers. An overview of content and age recommendations can be found at maxr.one.