The Community Read

Outcasts United is the story of a team of refugee boys, the remarkable woman who coaches them, and the town where they live, a once-sleepy southern hamlet that has been upended by the process of refugee resettlement. It's a story about the challenges posed by our quickly changing world, and one that reminds us of what is possible in this country when we put our values in action. View the Book Trailer and learn more about diversity in our community.

What others say about Outcasts United:

• "You can read this book or wait for the movie, but the book is worth the effort. This story is too textured, too filled with layers of light and dark, for Hollywood to capture its complexity." Steven V. Roberts, Washington Post.
• "The extraordinary story of a refugee football team and the transformation of a small American town." goodreads.com
• "Richly detailed, uplifting account of a young Jordanian émigré who created a soccer program in Georgia for young refugees from war-torn nations." Kirkus Review

Warren St. John has written for the New York Observer, The New Yorker, Wired and Slate, in addition to his work as a reporter for The New York Times. His first book, Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer: A Journey into the Heart of Fan Mania (2004), was named one of Sports Illustrated’s best books of the year, and ranked number one on The Chronicle of Higher Education''s list of the best books ever written about collegiate athletics. His second book, Outcasts United: An American Town, A Refugee Team, and One Woman''s Quest to Make a Difference was published in the U.S. in April 2009, and subsequently in the U.K., The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Japan and China. St. John was born in Birmingham, Alabama, where he attended The Altamont School. He studied English literature at Columbia College in New York City, where he now lives with his wife and daughter. View an interview with the author below.

Centerville City Schools has assigned high school students to read Outcasts United over the summer break.

Participating teens in grades 6-12 who read the book may enter a raffle to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

Teens are welcome to read the young adult adaptation or the adult version of Outcasts United.

Can't find a copy of the book at our library? Try using Search Ohio or OhioLink. Learn more about InterLibrary Loans.

Are you a teen who read Outcasts United for the Community Read? Join us at the Centerville Library and discuss this book with other teens while you enjoy snacks and drinks.