Children’s / Teenage fiction: Sporting stories

Book SynopsisA fairy tale picture book of big waves and even bigger courage, inspired by the personal story of professional surfer Maya Gabeira, who smashed records and gender stereotypes. Young Maya is shy and often feels fragile and scared because of her asthma—except when she’s in the water. It’s the one place where she feels strong. While everyone else in her town is scared of “the Beast,” the giant wave heard all around the world as it crashes into the shoreline, Maya finds the noise comforting, the curves of the wave soothing. If she could only tame it, then everyone could see all the beauty it has to offer. With a pink surfboard and a determined heart, Maya will be the first girl to meet the Beast head-on. Professional surfer Maya Gabeira, known for surfing Guinness World Record–breaking big waves, shares her story of resilience, defying expectations of women in sports, and daring to achieve the impossible. Beautifully illTrade ReviewBoth text and illustrations offer a stirring account of Maya’s journey to surfing mastery. . .A rallying cry for anyone looking for a strong example of perseverance. * Kirkus Reviews *The frenetic energy of azure waves fill the pages of Kaulitzki’s digital illustrations, which make palpable the ebullience that tan-skinned Maya feels when surfing. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisA middle grade Bend it Like Beckham in verse about one girls journey to pay for her sister's medical treatments and prove that girls can play cricket just as well, or even better, than boys.

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Book SynopsisBe inspired by Football Legend, Cristiano Ronaldo!

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Book SynopsisLaurie Morrison’s Keeping Pace is a poignant middle-grade novel about friends-turned-rivals training for a half-marathon—and rethinking what it means to win and what they mean to each other.    Grace has been working for years to beat her former friend Jonah Perkins’s GPA so she can be named top scholar of the eighth grade. But when Jonah beats her for the title, it feels like none of Grace’s academic accomplishments have really mattered. They weren’t enough to win—or to impress her dad. And then the wide, empty summer looms. With nothing planned and no more goals or checklists, she doesn’t know what she’s supposed to be working toward.   Eager for something to occupy her days, Grace signs up for a half-marathon race that she and Jonah used to talk about running together. Jonah’s running it, too. Maybe if she can beat Jonah on race day, she’ll feel OK again. But as she begin

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of Tokyo Olympics gold-medal-winner, Tom Daley, and his journey to greatness.Tom Daley is British diver specialising in the 10-metre platform event and has been competing internationally since he was twelve years old. Born and raised in Plymouth, Tom was spotted by a coach during one of his diving lessons and since then has been a force to be reckoned with in the sport. This is the story of how a young boy went from lessons at his local pool to a star on the international stage, winning two gold medals in the 2010 Commonwealth Games as well as bronze in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Piper and Kat are imperfect, but always trying their best—aren't we all?—and Brown had me rooting for them all the way through this sweet, slow burn romance. Their triumphs, their blunders, and the way they swing between confidence and self-doubt are utterly relatable." — Misa Sugiura, award-winning author of It's Not Like It's a Secret "Such a sweet story with compelling family relationships, awesome female characters, a satisfying mix of coming out and already-out-and-proud, and lots of equestrian goodness!" — M-E Girard, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of Girl Mans Up “A sweet and joyful representation of family, friendship, and two girls falling in love.” — Sarah Prager, author of Rainbow Revolutionaries and Queer, There, and Everywhere "The story, told through alternating chapters narrated from each girl’s first-person perspective, gracefully and generously engages with gender and sexuality. Readers will laugh, cry, and cheer." — Kirkus Reviews "A sweet slow-burn romance built on a foundation of friendship and self-discovery. Readers will love being swept along for the ride." — Booklist "The Key to You and Me reminded us of what the best relationships are built on, what we’d like to see more of when it comes to LGBTQ ships, and that the place you’re in when it comes to being queer might not be the same place where someone else is at. That doesn’t make their story any less worth telling or exploring.” — Fangirlish PRAISE FOR The Meaning of Birds: “An evocative story of the thrills of first love and the anguish of first loss. This will break you and heal you.” — Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin’ “An unforgettable story that resonated deep in my bones, The Meaning of Birds will break your heart and then put it right back together again. Jess and Vivi’s relationship was so beautiful and true. I loved them and didn’t want the story to end.” — Amber Smith, New York Times bestselling author of The Way I Used to Be “A profoundly moving and exquisitely written story of love, loss, grief, and healing. These characters have imprinted on my heart and will be with me for a long, long time.” — Amy Reed, author of Beautiful and The Nowhere Girls “A heart-wrenching journey through anger and grief, balanced on the sharp edge of hope.” — Malinda Lo, author of Ash and A Line in the Dark “Prepare to cry, often—and to be thoroughly swept away into this subtle and utterly real story of grief and love and heartbreak and finding yourself in the middle of it all.” — Robin Talley, New York Times bestselling author of The Lies We Tell Ourselves and Our Own Private Universe “Told in alternating “then” and “now” chapters, the moving narrative captures well the nonlinear progression of Jess’ grief and emotional growth. Frank and accessible, this gritty drama realizes with great compassion and empathy the ways reckoning with loss can manifest.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Affectionately rendered. Brown depicts Jess with raw realism.” — Publishers Weekly “Brown’s exploration of loss is raw and devastating, placing readers directly into Jess’s turbulent experience. Captures the ambivalence of grief in this searing and ultimately hopeful novel. For fans of Jandy Nelson, Adam Silvera, and Nicola Yoon.” — School Library Journal Praise for Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit: “Funny, thoughtful, compassionate Jo is a delightful narrator. The frank portrayals of swearing, sexual activity, underage drinking, etc., neither titillate nor condemn; they just depict teens being authentic teens. While Jo and Mary Carlson are white, the rest of their friends display considerable diversity portrayed with nuance through each character’s words and actions. A sweet, sexy, honest teen romance that just happens to involve two girls—all the more charming for being so very ordinary.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Faith matters in this book, but so do family, friends, and being funny. The dialogue is snappy—Joanna is sharp tongued and sometimes bratty—and the characters aren’t types. Rather, they’re individuals navigating a complicated world, which makes for a rich and satisfying read.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Brown orchestrates a fast-paced narrative that is powerful, moving, and relatable. This work will resonate with those who enjoy a female protagonist who is bold, brave, candid, and thoughtful. The language is realistic, and the author accurately captures queer and Southern cultures. Brown expertly describes the complex nuances of faith and sexuality. This plot-driven story is humorous, and the characters are effortlessly likable. Teens who root for underdogs will be pulling for this dream team of characters. For fans of David Levithan and John Green’s Will Grayson, Will Grayson; this title is a worthwhile purchase for all YA collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Readers will appreciate the compelling characters, the humor, and the romance. Anyone who enjoys the writing of John Green or Rainbow Rowell will find a sense of familiarity in Brown’s writing, and will be left longing for more.” — teenreads.com

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Book SynopsisGreat in the classroom for groups of yoga bunnies or at home.It's a perfect day for yoga, and Bunny is practicing his poses and wishes his friends would do yoga with him!Trade Review“The sweetly simple illustrations, along with Bunny doing a wide range of poses on the endpapers, make yoga look like fun. ” — Booklist “Pair it with Lauren Alderfer’s Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda and Susan Verde’s I Am Yoga.... a serviceable addition for those looking to expand their collection of titles about yoga and mindfulness.” — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisWhen the Glory Gardens team discover that their ground has been sold to build a new hotel they decide to return to their roots and play the season''s league games on Glory Gardens recreation ground. But the pitch is far from ideal and several players are hurt batting on such a terrible wicket. With the team losing matches, Hooker losing his form and the injuries mounting Clive, Matthew and Azzie are threatening to leave Glory Gardens to play for another team. Can Jo convince them to stay, and can the new captain, Erica, put together a side capable of beating their old enemy, Wyckham Wanderers, and maintaining their league title?Trade ReviewCouldn't recommend them highly enough * Test Match Special, BBC Radio 4 *

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Book SynopsisArthur Ransome was born in Leeds in l884 and went to school at Rugby. He was in Russia in l917, and witnessed the Revolution, which he reported for the Manchester Guardian. After escaping to Scandinavia, he settled in the Lake District with his Russian wife where, in l929, he wrote Swallows and Amazons. And so began a writing career which has produced some of the real children's treasures of all time. In 1936 he won the first ever Carnegie Medal for his book, Pigeon Post.Trade ReviewOne could hardly have a better story * Times Literary Supplement *The best kind of adventure story * Observer *Thrilling episodes * The Times *Mr Ransome's style is highly distinguished, his narrative hair-raising, credible and amusing * Spectator *

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Book SynopsisArthur Ransome was born in Leeds in l884 and went to school at Rugby. He was in Russia in l917, and witnessed the Revolution, which he reported for the Manchester Guardian. After escaping to Scandinavia, he settled in the Lake District with his Russian wife where, in l929, he wrote Swallows and Amazons. And so began a writing career which has produced some of the real children's treasures of all time. In 1936 he won the first ever Carnegie Medal for his book, Pigeon Post.Trade ReviewArthur Ransome's adventure books are an institution, and Christmas is the richer because of his invention, gravity, and solid matter * Times Literary Supplement *The seventh of the Arthur Ransome books about the Swallows and the Amazons, and I really think it is the best * The Sunday Times *The most exciting of the whole Swallows and Amazon series * New Statesman *

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Book SynopsisHooker, Azzie, Erica and the rest all play cricket in their spare time, but they''ve never taken it very seriously until now. Kiddo, one of their school teachers, suggests they form an official team and play proper matches - and Glory Gardens C.C. is formed. Hooker, as captain, soon finds out that cricket teams weren''t built in a day: some players squabble, some can''t catch, and some have tantrums and go home at half-time! So will Glory Gardens go all out for victory . . . or will they be out for a duck?Trade ReviewCouldn't recommend them highly enough * Test Match Special, BBC Radio 4 *Brilliant books for cricket fans * Oxford Times *

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Book SynopsisNot only does he spend the first match of the league suffering a dropped-catch jinx but now there' civil war in the team over the selections. Sometimes captaining the GLORY GARDENS Cricket Team isn't the fun you might think. It's not the matches that prove the most trouble for poor Hooker - it's the infighting.Trade ReviewCouldn't recommend them highly enough * Test Match Special, BBC Radio 4 *As well as getting involved with the nicely written characters, the books cleverly provide tips and a glossary of terms and fielding positions * Wisden Cricketer *

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Book Synopsis''Ahoy! Ahoy! Swallows! Ahoy!''Have you ever sailed in a boat or built a camp? Have you caught trout and cooked it yourself? The four Swallows, John, Susan, Titty and Roger return to the lake full of such plans and they can''t wait to meet up with Nancy and Peggy, the Amazon Pirates. When the Swallow is shipwrecked and the Amazon''s fearsome Great-Aunt makes decides to make a visit their summer seems ruined. Then they discover a wonderful hidden valley and things take a turn for the better...BACKSTORY: Discover the real Swallowdale, swot up on seafaring and learn all about the adventurous author.Trade ReviewThe world that the children enter as soon as they get off the train in the Lake District is as separate from their everyday world as Hogwarts or Narnia... For most readers, the idea of cooking trout you have caught yourself is as strange and poetic as the idea of casting a spell that turns a teacup into a turtle * Guardian *There is plenty of excitement, a little danger, a quality of thinking, planning and fun which is delightful and stimulating * Times Literary Supplement *Delightful...I was entranced from page one. Not only did I like his way of writing about the children, and the projection of the pirate fantasy into the Lakeland landscape. He evokes nature, its power and presence deftly and economically...There are passages in this book of which Wordsworth himself would have been proud -- AN Wilson * Daily Telegraph *So what makes these different to any other set of classics? In a moment of inspiration Random House had the bright idea of actually asking Key stage 2 children what extra ingredients they could add to make children want to read. And does it work? Well, put it this way...my 13-year-old daughter announced that she had to read a book over the summer holiday and, without any prompting, spotted The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas...and proceeded to read it! Now, if you knew my 13-year-old daughter, you would realise that this is quite remarkable. She reads texts, blogs and tags by the thousand - but this is the first book she has read since going to high school, so all hail Vintage Classics! * National Association for the Teaching of English *

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Book SynopsisJoin Ladybird Class on another imaginative learning adventure! The friends explore a stadium and learn all about different sports. Everyone cheers the athletes as they race, swim, do gymnastics and win medals. Can the class join in the fun, too? Let''s Play Sports is from Early Reader Level 1 and is perfect for children aged from 4+ who are taking their first steps beyond phonics.Each book has been carefully checked by educational and subject consultants and includes comprehension puzzles, book band information, and tips for helping children with their reading.With five levels to take children from first phonics to fluent reading and a wide range of different stories and topics for every interest, Read It Yourself helps children build their confidence and begin reading for pleasure.

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Book SynopsisWhen Frankie and his friends go to a kung fu lesson to improve their football skills, a giant Chinese puppet magically transports them to the gates of The Forbidden City. The team soon learn that an ancient warrior called Zha-Hu is planning to destroy the Great Wall of China, with help from his dragon and an army of terracotta animals. Can Frankie and his team break the dragon curse in time to stop him?

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Book SynopsisWhen a 7th grader is forced to join her school''s hockey team, she discovers unexpected friendships and a budding crush on the team captain. This fierce and heartfelt queer romance explores the courage to face your fears, even when your dreams are on thin ice.Some goals are worth falling for. After a lifetime of humiliating sports experiences, Bea Mullins knows the best way to survive middle school is to stick to the sidelines. When PE is suddenly canceled, though, Bea is forced to join an after-school activity...which is how she ends up as a member of the Glenwood Geese, her middle school''s first all-girls hockey team.Bea would be happy sitting on the bench, but she doesn''t want to let down her best friend, Celia. Plus, the more time Bea spends on the rinks, the more she comes to enjoy her teammates, especially the incredibly talented--and incredibly cool--co-captain Gabi. But when low funding puts the Geese in danger of never playing again, Bea realizes she may lose everything she didn''t know she wanted.A hilarious and heartfelt middle-grade contemporary about first crushes and fierce friendships from debut author Emily Deibert.

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Book SynopsisNo one is more surprised by Thema Turner''s new interest in a video game than the bookworm herself. The battle game Shrinking Island Showdown reminds Thema of one of her favourite book trilogies, and the novels'' plots inspire how she plays the game. Her first tries are rough, and she struggles to last long in 100-player rounds, but she''s determined to get better. With her younger twin brothers'' help, she improves enough to compete in an esports SIS competition. Does Thema have what it takes to advance to the regional round?

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Book SynopsisMiguel is great at shooting. But he's not so great when it comes to dribbling. He can't take his eyes off the ball because he's afraid he'll lose it. Or worse, that he'll trip up! With practice, can Miguel master his fear and the skill? Told through accessible text and easy-to-follow panelling, young basketball fans will cheer for this Slam Dunk Graphics tale.

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Book SynopsisWhile her parents are studying an ancient settlement in Italy, Reeya Rai and her friend Finlay discover a nearby cave. Inside, they find evidence that a priceless, jewel-studded figurine of an ivory peacock may be nearby. Excited, Reeya and her family decide to explore the cave, where they find the priceless artefact hidden deep inside. But there's one problem: it sits on a ledge across a wide crevasse that's too far to jump across. Even worse, their rival, Dr Acker, is also searching the caves for the precious figurine. Will Reeya invent something to safely retrieve the ivory peacock before Dr Acker finds it?

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Book SynopsisQuinn O'Neill has a really bad habit. He wants to be part of a team, but every time he tries out a new sport or activity, he ends up quitting. In fact, his habit even earned him an unfortunate nickname - Quitt. When he sees a poster at school looking for people to join the school diving team, he decides to give it a try. But after making the team, nobody believes he'll stick with it, especially after he gets injured in a bike accident. Will he be able to get back on the board? More importantly, will he overcome his own self-doubts to help his team succeed?Combining exciting sports stories with a dynamic graphic novel format, these fast-paced tales of sportsmanship and teamwork come to life in full-colour graphic novels. Supportive back matter, including comprehension questions, writing prompts and non-fiction sports info, helps young readers and sports enthusiasts step up their game.

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Book SynopsisA young boy investigates an online claim about the lost city of Atlantis in this installment of the Cyber Sleuths chapter book series.Nick Pendleton’s favourite online star, Griff Willis, is lighting up the internet. In a series of social media posts, the star claims to have discovered the lost city of Atlantis! Has the star actually located one of the world’s greatest mysteries, or are his claims another epic myth? Follow along as Nick enlists the help of other mystery-solving kids - the Cyber Sleuths - to uncover the whole truth.Created in partnership with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), this action-packed chapter book is perfect for young readers and demonstrates valuable media literacy skills.

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Book SynopsisA young girl uncovers the truth behind an online health fad in this installment of the Cyber Sleuths chapter book series. Dalia Gopie is shorter than all her friends. Then she discovers that her favourite social media influencer is promoting a miracle fruit - one that guarantees to make anyone taller overnight! Is this online fad the real deal, or is the popular influencer selling a tall tale? With the help of other Cyber Sleuths - a network of mystery-solving kids - and legit online resources, Dalia uncovers the truth about this too-good-to-be-true product. Created in partnership with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), this action-packed chapter book is perfect for young readers and demonstrates valuable media literacy skills.

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Book Synopsis. Written with award-winning author Joanna Nadin, with fantastic illustrations from Clare Elsom. Champion cyclist Chris Hoy breathes his passion for cycling into this entertaining and imaginative adventure about an ordinary boy and his big cycling dreams.Trade ReviewIt is an inspiring tale: a young boy gets on his new bike and - determined to be the best - pedals to glory. * Scottish Mail on Sunday *

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Book Synopsis. Written with award-winning author Joanna Nadin, with fantastic illustrations from Clare Elsom. Champion cyclist Chris Hoy breathes his passion for cycling into this entertaining and imaginative adventure about an ordinary boy and his big cycling dreams.

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Book SynopsisMike Gordon loves a good thrill. And he''s not afraid to break the rules to get one. But when Mike goes too far, a friend steers him in the right direction: up. Rock climbing gives Mike all the excitement he needs. But when things get tough, will Mike fall back into his old rule-breaking habits?

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Book SynopsisPerseverance, thought Connor. To not give up even when it is hard to keep going.Connor loves practicing taekwondo at his dojang. Having ADHD means he has to work a little harder to keep his focus during sparring sessions, but that doesn''t stop him from mastering new forms and rising through the taekwondo ranks. However, when Wyatt--Connor''s nemesis--starts training at the same dojang, staying focused suddenly becomes a lot harder. Can Connor persevere and find his focus in time for the big tournament?Written by a neurodivergent author with three neurodivergent children, Connor and the Taekwondo Tournament meets a longstanding need for chapter books written from the perspectives of kids with ADHD and is the perfect addition to any young reader''s shelf.The Infinity Rainbow Club is a chapter book series featuring five neurodivergent children in a club at their elementary school. The club provides a safe space for stims and different communication styles to be accepted and celebrated.

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Book SynopsisTwo best friends. One spot on the baseball team. And a giant, looming, SMELLY turd tank. What could possibly go wrong? This is the first illustrated chapter book in a laugh-out-loud funny series told in dual point-of-view that's about friendship, teamwork, and the occasional fart joke. PFFFT. Fans of The Last Kids on Earth, Big Nate, and The Secret Zoo will love The Super Sports Society. Eleven-year-old Tommy has dreamed of being on the Bulldogs sports team forever. The Bulldogs eat, breathe, and fart sports. They’re part of the elusive Super Sports Society in his hometown, and Tommy knows that if he makes the team, he’ll be set up for life.   Meanwhile, Pel would rather be at home gaming in the air conditioning, but his mom decided that he has to “be a role model” to his little siblings (ugh!), and now he’s trying out for the Bulldogs too. At least that means the two BFFs wo

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Book SynopsisA REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB YA PICK Recipient of the 2021 Pura Belpré Young Adult Author Medal One of BuzzFeed's Must-Read YA Books of 2020 A Best Book of the Year: Cosmopolitan * Kirkus Reviews * SheReads * New York Public Library “An engrossing #OwnVoices novel.” —PopSugar “This book will set your dreams on fire . . . It’s fabulous.” — Reese WitherspoonA powerful contemporary YA for fans of The Poet X and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter set in Argentina, about a rising soccer star who must put everything on the line—even her blooming love story—to follow her dreams. In Rosario, Argentina, Camila Hassan lives a double life. At home, she is a careful daughter, living within her mother’s narrow expectations, in her rising-soccer-star brother’s shadow, and under the abusive rule of her short-tempered father. On the field, she is La Furia, a powerhouse of skill and talent. When her team qualifies for the South American tournament, Camila gets the chance to see just how far those talents can take her. In her wildest dreams, she’d get an athletic scholarship to a North American university. But the path ahead isn’t easy. Her parents don’t know about her passion. They wouldn’t allow a girl to play fútbol—and she needs their permission to go any farther. And the boy she once loved is back in town. Since he left, Diego has become an international star, playing in Italy for the renowned team Juventus. Camila doesn’t have time to be distracted by her feelings for him. Things aren’t the same as when he left: she has her own passions and ambitions now, and La Furia cannot be denied. As her life becomes more complicated, Camila is forced to face her secrets and make her way in a world with no place for the dreams and ambition of a girl like her. Filled with authentic details and the textures of day-to-day life in Argentina, heart-soaring romance, and breathless action on the pitch, Furia is the story of a girl’s journey to make her life her own.Trade ReviewOne of BuzzFeed's Must-Read YA Books of 2020 "An engrossing #OwnVoices novel." —PopSugar "In this stirring novel by Argentine American author Méndez, passion for sports and personal growth intersect in Camila’s powerful, feminist first-person narrative about her experiences as an ambitious athlete, a teenager deeply in love, the daughter of an abusive father at the point of taking charge of her own life, and a young woman finding her voice in a deeply sexist, patriarchal society . . . A riveting coming-of-age story.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Weaving rich cultural specifics and electric energy into her prose, Méndez crafts a dynamic, feminist narrative that commands attention from the very first line. At its core, this novel is a full-hearted love letter to Argentina and “incorrigible girls” everywhere, emboldening readers to stand up for themselves and chase the dreams they hold dear." —Publishers Weekly, starred review "[A] high-energy #OwnVoices novel . . . Written in a relatable first-person perspective." —Booklist "With a mix of Spanish words, vivid dialogue, and rich description, Mendez paints a realistic image of a young woman battling to become herself against the odds . . . A powerful and realistic novel.” —School Library Journal “In Furia, Saied Méndez captures both the breathless beauty of fútbol and the depth of its political power. Sports intersect with gender, class, race, and identities around the world, and there’s still so much ground to be covered in telling the stories that live at these intersections. This novel is a thoughtful, vibrant addition. Camila shows readers that they can have it all, even if it’s not exactly as they planned it. She insists girls have every right to dream, to want, to live, and it is a pleasure to watch this character do all three things with love and fury in equal measure.” —Chicago Review of Books “A feminist story of pursuing your dreams . . . An engrossing story about using your talent and pursuing your goals with messages about gender equality and the complexities of love. Highly recommend for people who enjoy powerful #ownvoices stories.” —YA Books Central

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Book SynopsisTwo things that are true and one that is a lie:I think my mother is dead and alive. I think if I work hard I will be very good at something. I''ve tried to please my dad but I don''t think I ever will. Thirteen-year-old Morgan lives with his dad and his older brother, Mitch. He hasn''t heard from his mum since she left when he was two. He works hard on his football skills, striving to meet his father''s high expectations and ''be a man''. But what that means isn''t always clear-cut. When Morgan makes a friend at school, gets injured in a game, and his long-lost mum turns up, everything changes. Then, when he meets an old woman in need of help, Morgan must decide what kind of man he wants to be. Shining a timely and much-needed light on different kinds of masculinity, Darkest Night, Brightest Star is a unique and compelling novel from a masterful storyteller.

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Book SynopsisTHE END OF THE DREAM? Foul Playis the second book in the football-tastic Roy of the Rovers Graphic Novel series. Part of the first season, this exciting series is written by award-winning comics writer Rob Williams.With a stunning super-strike against premier English club Tynecaster, Roy Race announced himself to the footballing world. Melchester Rovers fans thought a saviour had arrived to lift them out of lowly League Two, and the agents came calling, sensing a new cash cow on the scene. But a lot of things can go wrong on a football pitch. Injuries can happen to anyone - even Roy of the Rovers. Is Roy's career over before it's even begun? Will he ever play in front of the Mel Park faithful again? And can Rovers make it to the playoff finals without him? The dramatic footballing adventure of Roy Race continues!Enjoyed this title? Pick up Play-Offs next to continue the story!Praise for the Roy of the Rovers series:EPIC! - Match of the Day MagazineI love the way that they are about so much more than football: they are about heart, values and family. Both graphic novel and fiction titles are compelling, engaging and a lot of fun. Lace up and get reading. - Jim Sells, Programme manager for Sport & Literacy, National Literacy Trust.Read with my 7 year old who is football mad, really enjoyed it and left us wanting to read the next one in the series! - GoodReads ReviewTrade Review"I love this book, Dad says Roy was around when he was younger and he has read it too! We can't wait to get the next one!" - Leggis (Toppsta Website)

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Book SynopsisThrilling, tense and hard-hitting, Chessboxer is perfect for fans of Netflix's The Queen's Gambit 'Gripping and surprising. I gulped it down' Sarah Crossan Leah Baxter is a genius. She's a few wins away from becoming a junior chess grandmaster, and her life is on course to achieve everything her mom and coach want for her. But Leah is at stalemate – grieving for her father, and feeling suffocated. She decides to make the ultimate sacrifice and quit chess. But chess doesn't want to quit her. Soon Leah discovers her new gambit: chessboxing, a dangerous hybrid sport which will test her body and mind to their limits. Can the pawn become the queen?Trade Review"A gripping and surprising novel about the destruction, but also the motivating power, of grief. I gulped it down" -- Sarah Crossan"Original, brash, funny and poignant." * Metro, Children's Books of 2019 *"With a truly pulse-quickening climax, this exceptional novel rages with raw emotion. It's a bona fide page-turner with life-affirming insights into grief, friendship and finding new paths." * LoveReading4Kids *"This scintillating book pulses with energy. Chessboxer pounds with the punch of a boxer, and yet remains contemplative, with ideas behind the fast-paced plot as thoughtful as a chess player." * Minerva Reads *"Funny and fast, Chessboxer and its heroine bridge the gap between board games and the boxing ring, seventeenth-century strategy and twenty-first-century blogging, in unexpected and fun ways" * ForeWord *

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Book SynopsisTilly dreams of having a pony of her own. One that only she can ride to stardom. Will her wishes come true when she joins Silver Shoe Farm Stables? The team at Silver Shoe Farm are proud to work with the World Horse Welfare Organisation caring for neglected horses. They're all thrilled when one of their rescued horses, Sarafina, gives birth to a filly foal who Tilly names Lucky Chance. Collect all 18 titles in this series of irresistible, uplifting and heartwarming pony adventures. Printed in a dyslexia friendly font and packed with up to date tips from three times Olympic Medallist, Pippa Funnell, as well as a helpful glossary and black and white illustrations on every spread.

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Book SynopsisA boy, a runaway alien and football - laugh-out-loud funny for ages 7-10! (With an hilarious twist!) From the international bestselling author of The Secret Lake. Eleven-year-old Charlie can't believe his luck when he opens his door to an alien one morning. Who is he? Why has he come? Charlie soon discovers that this alien is soccer-mad, and has run away from space to Earth to watch the World Cup with him...! 'Eeek, ' as Charlie decides to call him, takes up secret residence in Charlie's bedroom where he sleeps on the ceiling by night and pores over Charlie's football magazines and stickers by day. All is going well until nosy, sci-fi mad Sid Spiker, who lives next door, spots Eeek through his telescope. Sid has his own plans for this glowing green alien, which bring surprises no one could have imagined... Praise for Eeek! Eeek! has been praised by teachers, librarians, reading charities and parents as a great chapter book for keen and reluctant readers alike, and several UK schools have adopted it for Year 3 class readers or children's books clubs. In fact, one London primary school book club voted it favourite read three years in a row! It was also used in the 'Get London Reading' campaign. If you're looking for a funny chapter book for boys and girls ages 7-10 that combines humour, adventure, aliens and sport you're in the right place!Trade Review"Another great book from Karen Inglis. Like her previous novel 'The Secret Lake', Karen has kept 'Eeek!' to a manageable length. Too many books for this age group are so long that they tend to put off the less confident reader. It helps, as well, that it is illustrated which makes the text look both fun and manageable." – Louse Jordan, The Writers' Advice Centre for Children's Books

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Book SynopsisA young boy lands a dream job for the Cincinnati Reds where he becomes witness to a baseball record that is unbreakable.12-year-old Richie Goodwin doesn't think life can get any worse. His highly competitive nature always makes it difficult for him to make friends and now he must get a job to help his struggling family. When Richie lands a dream job as batboy for the Cincinnati Reds, his troubles continue to brew when he must answer to a bossy Senior Batboy, obey strict rules, and convince the guys at school that he really did land the job. After carelessly disobeying a clubhouse rule, Richie gets fired and now his friends will think he is a liar and phony.Given a second chance Richie must learn to follow the rules as he gets to witness Johnny Vander Meer set a baseball record that might be unbreakable.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisGet ready for the race of your life… This is what it feels like when I’m running. When I’m running fast, I feel free. 12-year-old Lili is determined to defeat her arch rival in front of the Queen during her school’s anniversary celebrations. Adopted from China as a baby, Lili also has personal challenges to overcome, but when her training is thrown into chaos by events outside her control, she realises that she must choose between family and the race of her life. Meanwhile in 1944, Eric Liddell, hero of the 1924 Olympics, finds himself in a war zone. Separated from his family, he is getting ready to run his final race in a prison camp in China when his lifelong principles are challenged by the imprisoned children he is trying to help… Praise for The Race ‘Not your typical happily ever after, Roy has written a wonderfully relatable and inclusive tale, where all are welcome, and the beauty of sport brings everyone together in the end. There are life lessons to be learned in this inspiring story with friendship at its heart.’ SHAUNAGH BROWN International Rugby Player and Former Commonwealth Games AthleteTrade Review‘An inspiring, inclusive story with sport at its heart.’ SHAUNAGH BROWN 'An original, immensely readable take on the Eric Liddell story for the 21st century.' SALLY MAGNUSSON ‘A very interesting, relatable and enjoyable read that brings the memory of Eric Liddell to life.’ ALLAN WELLS MBE 'Written with a warm sense of inclusion and friendship, The Race is both an inspiration and an emotional journey into the lives of two runners, one fictional and one very real, but both with battles to fight and problems to solve.' LANCASHIRE POST ‘This book is built around the foundations of sport what it really teaches children is about family, the meaning of home and of the beauty and validity of dual identity.’ THE NATIONAL ‘An emotional story that follows two narratives set in two different decades, with the main focus being schoolgirl Lili as she prepares for the race of her life. Recommended for lovers of Michael Morpurgo, this book will tug at your heartstrings as Lili tugs at the knot of her shoelaces.’ BIG ISSUE NORTH ‘The Race is an incredibly inspirational and heart-warming dual narrative about racing, family and dedication which kept me completely engrossed throughout. An absolute winner!’ BOOK CRAIC ‘The Race is an inspiring and multi-layered read that both celebrates sport and assesses it. It gets off to a sprint start, but as the two runners chase their bumpy destinies, it evolves into an engrossing distance event, in which they face hurdles and select strategies, and ultimately remind us that determination, compassion and love have greater value than glory.’ ROARING READS ‘Roy Peachey has written a fantastic dual narrative story of survival against all odds.’ MY BOOK CORNER ‘A moving tale of what is important – what really is important. About the decisions we make and why we make them. A book everyone should read. Buy it if you race. Buy it, if you play rugby. Buy it anyway.' SUE CHAMBERS, WATERSTONES ‘The Race is a fabulous tale; Lili’s story interwoven with Eric Liddell’s. I loved every minute of this fairly short book... It’s this kind of surprise find that makes reading such a great pleasure.' THE BOOKWITCH '...could spark discussions about resilience, race and identity, research, the Olympics, history, family and personal priorities. Sure to offer an extra special appeal this year in the run-up to the Olympic Games.' BOOKS FOR TOPICS

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the Ultimate Football Heroes comes the fourth book in the Johnny Ball series, funny reading for football-mad kids.After leading the Tissbury Tigers to Worldies glory, Johnny is on the fast track to the top of football management. He's been signed by mega-agent, Darren Dealz, who wants him to take a job at the Tissbury Thundercats alongside the legendary manager Jaz Williamson. But Johnny's best friend, Tabia, has just been signed by the Thundercats as their star striker and she's not happy about Johnny hogging all the football fame... If the Thundercats are going to win the season, Johnny and Tabia are going to have to remember how to work as a team.Trade ReviewThis is a fabulous read. […] It is a hilarious book about a child football team manager. * NetGalley Reviewer *Johnny Ball fans will relish this amusing story with its liberal sprinkling of suitably dramatic drawings by Tim Wesson. Assuredly it’s a winner in this reviewer’s book. * Red Reading Hub *

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Book Synopsis Run, Run, Run! is a fun, fun, fun board book for on-the-go toddlers!It''s time to run a race like no other! Finish line? Winning? None of that matters here. Exploring is the goal! In this colorful board book by bestselling author-illustrator Taro Gomi, follow the racer as he runs far past the finish line and through fields, a farm, a forest, and more. Toddlers will delight in turning the pages to find out where he will run, run, run to next! Ideal for fans of Taro Gomi and his popular children''s books, including the classic Everyone Poops, My Friends, Little Truck, and Little Chicks, this board book combines irresistibly expressive artwork and energetic text to create a read-along story parents and kids will not walk but run to read again and again.PERFECT FOR ACTIVE TODDLERS: Not only do toddlers love to run-they love to run everywhere ! This spirited bo

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Book SynopsisArthur Ransome was born in Leeds in l884 and went to school at Rugby. He was in Russia in l917, and witnessed the Revolution, which he reported for the Manchester Guardian. After escaping to Scandinavia, he settled in the Lake District with his Russian wife where, in l929, he wrote Swallows and Amazons. And so began a writing career which has produced some of the real children's treasures of all time. In 1936 he won the first ever Carnegie Medal for his book, Pigeon Post.Trade ReviewIt is so well written that you don't realise that it is written at all. The best children's story -- Hugh Walpole * Observer *

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Book SynopsisNancy Blackett, the terror of the seas, has finally met a real pirate - the tiny, pistol-carrying Missee Lee, who has rescued them after their shipwreck off the coast of China. The only trouble is she wants to keep them. forever.Trade ReviewThere is plenty of excitement, a little danger, a quality of thinking, planning and fun which is delightful and stimulating * Times Literary Supplement *One of his best . . . In a class by itself * Guardian *He makes a tale of adventure a handbook to adventure * Observer *

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Book SynopsisTilly dreams of having a pony of her own. One that only she can ride to stardom. Will her wishes come true when she joins Silver Shoe Farm Stables? Every waking moment is about horses for pony-mad Tilly. She lives and breathes pony books and magazines and at night she dreams of ponies. At Silver Shoe Farm she is getting to know Magic Spirit better and better and growing in confidence with him. She's also enjoying making new friends both human and, with the arrival of Rosie, the perfect pony, animal ones too. Collect all 18 titles in this series of irresistible, uplifting and heartwarming pony adventures. Printed in a dyslexia friendly font and packed with up to date tips from three times Olympic Medallist, Pippa Funnell, as well as a helpful glossary and black and white illustrations on every spread.

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Book SynopsisAll Vera wants to do is fit in - but that’s not easy for a Russian girl in the suburbs. Her friends live in fancy houses and their parents can afford to send them to the best summer camps. Vera’s single mother can’t afford that sort of luxury, but there's one summer camp in her price range - Russian summer camp. Vera is sure she's found the one place she can fit in, but camp is far from what she imagined. And nothing could prepare her for all the 'cool girl' drama, endless Russian history lessons, and outhouses straight out of nightmares! Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier, Cece Bell, and Victoria Jamieson, Vera Brosgol's Be Prepared is a funny and relatable middle-grade graphic novel about navigating your own culture, struggling to belong, and the value of true friendship.

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