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Alan Gibbons is a full time writer and a visiting speaker and lecturer at schools, colleges and literary events nationwide, including the major Book Festivals: Edinburgh, Northern Children's Book Festival, Swansea, Cheltenham, Sheffield and Salford. Alan is also a key contributor at the QCA/National Literary Strategy 'Writing Together' conferences. As well as being a writer, Alan is a high profile library campaigner. He lives in Liverpool with his wife and four children.
He has written over 60 books and won many prestigious awards such as the Blue Peter Award for ‘The Book I Couldn’t Put Down’, the Angus Book Award and the Stockport Book Award. He has also been shortlisted twice for the Carnegie Medal and his books have been published into dozens of languages.
Read a Q&A with the author here.
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | Shane Logan hits Peter’s school like a hurricane. He’s big, loud and doesn’t like being told what to do. He plays football like he does everything: with lots of energy and very little control. Then Peter suggests that Shane goes in goal, and he turns out to be the best goalie they’ve ever had. Now the problem is Shane’s aggressive stepdad; can Shane control his temper and keep Mick onside too? As with all Alan Gibbon’s stories, this feels completely authentic, as it celebrates the boys, their approach to life and their love of football. In between the chapters are facts about famous goal keepers and the goals the saved, or didn’t, and these real life stories add to the sense of football as an alternative family. Published by Barrington Stoke, this is dyslexia-friendly and accessible to the most reluctant reader.
May 2018 Book of the Month | Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 | Alan Gibbons can pack a great deal of story and power into a short extent and that’s certainly the case with this book. It stars a group of young footballers, two of whom – the most talented – are refugees, only recently invited to play with West Team Celtic. Our main character, Sam, is happy to accept them into the squad but a boy called Jordan resents anyone who is better than him, and does his best to keep them out of the team. The drama of the matches is broken up and balanced via short chapters explaining who refugees are, where they come from, and why – something that makes the book much more than just a sports adventure. For the the final scene, everything comes together and there’s a wonderful demonstration of sport’s ability to unite us all, and even, occasionally, to work miracles. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
With the World Cup coming up, football stories are even more appealing than usual, and Alan Gibbons knows just how to win and hold young readers’ attention. There are two halves to the story: interspersed with the tale of youth team East End United’s season are chapters with facts and figures on the world’s greatest players. It’s all with one goal in mind: as Cairo, East End’s star player, learns, football is a team game, and the side that plays best is the side that plays as a proper team, everyone working to each other’s strengths. It makes for lively reading – another winner from a writer who always finds the net. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+. Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 | In a nutshell: the highs and lows of our national obsession | Football has the power to excite passions like no other sport. In the words of the great Bill Shankly: ‘Some people think football is a matter of life and death. It's much more serious than that.’ But for all the joy, flag-waving and exhilaration, there’s a dark side too of fan violence, racism and a disregard for fans’ safety. From Hillsborough to Munich and the Heysel Stadium, Alan Gibbons examines the worst events in football in a way that enables young fans to understand what happened and why. A fan himself, his book still celebrates the best of football too as a way to bring people together. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
The story of a young footballer from Africa who achieves his dream of winning a place at one of the top UK clubs, this short novel is both a satisfying story of hard work, dedication and talent, plus all-important family support, leading to success, but inspires too by the inclusion of pages of information about the real-life heroes of African football, from Roger Milla to Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba. Written to be super-readable, it is action and fact-filled both, a skilful piece of storytelling that will catch the imagination of all young football fans and give them lots to talk about. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of super-readable short fiction by some of the very best children’s authors and illustrators in the UK. Each title has a host of unique accessibility features to offer cracking reads to more children including reluctant and struggling readers and those with dyslexia or visual stress. Here at Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting the best of their new and backlist titles to recommend to you. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 7 Alan Gibbons tackles bullying and racism head on in this gripping short novel, and shows how closely linked they are. Like everyone in his school, Jack is intimidated by The Blokes, a gang of half a dozen kids who pull the strings, make the rules. They’re openly racist but no-one seems able to stand up to them. Jack will do what they say, even when it means hurting his new friend Hassan, because The Blokes have got something on him, something to use as blackmail. But you can only scare someone who is ready to be scared, and The Blokes will never get through to Hassan. It’s a powerful story, well told, and one that ends on a genuine note of hope. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age 7-12 Reading Age 7 | Set in Liverpool during World War II, Alan Gibbon’s novel is a compelling drama. It packs a real emotional punch despite its short extent, which is Barrington Stoke style, part of their method of removing the obstacles that can put off struggling or dyslexic readers. Jimmy, Molly and their parents live with his nan, but she’s never approved of their dad, and holds him responsible when their mum is killed in a bomb blast. Things get bleaker when Dad’s ship is torpedoed. The book gives a real sense of the lives of city kids during wartime, and Gibbon’s staccato style - nan ‘had a face like a hawk and a taste for Guinness.’ - suits the format very well. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+
Interest Age Teen Reading Age 7+ Muhammed Ali’s life story provides daily inspiration for a young boy, also called Ali, who takes on the bigger lad who bullies him. The setting for their confrontation is the boxing ring. Barrington Stoke novels are written and produced specifically with reluctant and dyslexic readers in mind and this will be a real page turner for all. Gibbons uses short sentences to tell the story, each one of which directly moves the story on, with no extraneous details. The blow by blow account of young Ali’s fight is gripping, while timelines of Muhammed Ali’s fights intersperse chapters, breaking up the text but also throwing more light on what is happening in the ring. A really effective piece of writing for young readers, particularly boys. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Interest Age 9 -14 Reading Age 8+. Perfect for reluctant or struggling readers. This is an action-packed story involving a boy who dreams of being a football pro. Because fiction and non-fiction are interwoven together, it’s likely to attract less keen readers but readers who may have a passion for football. His heroes all have the No. 7 on their shirt. Can he get there too? This book is part of Barrington Stoke’s ‘fyi’ series of gripping stories interwoven with stacks of fun facts. Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
Award-winning Alan Gibbons pulls no punches in this moving contemporary story of lives torn apart by the divisions within our society. As boys, Chris and Imran are best friends and even blood brothers. Their love of football, family, friends and even school unites them; together they stand against all comers. As teenagers, they are sworn enemies; with Chris in the army and Imran newly politicised as a Muslim radical prepared to die for the cause. Told in different voices, their two stories are brilliantly interwoven creating a gripping, disturbing and thought provoking story of our time.
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. A brilliantly taut ghost story based on a blurb by a Year 6 boy from a Liverpool primary school who won a city-wide competition. A real page turner and a roller coaster ride that’s an excellent title for the reluctant, struggling or dyslexic reader of 9+ but particularly for those whose reading age is nearer 8+. Alan Gibbons has won numerous awards including the Blue Peter award and has been shortlisted for the most prestigious book award, the Carnegie Medal. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
Discover the world of Darwin through the diary of a ship's boy. Combining non-fiction and fiction but factually absolutely accurate, this book is published to coincide with Darwin's 200th birthday. It begins with a diary, told from the point of view of a child who works for Darwin whilst on that infamous voyage on the Beagle. The informative text and beautiful, detailed illustrations make this a wonderfully involving read. You almost feel on board the Beagle as you read it. Finally, at the end of the book is an illustrated reference chapter with everything a 7-10 year old needs to know about this famous and controversial scientist.
A compelling new series from a master storyteller combining urban menace, ancient horror and an ongoing quest for good against evil and set in modern east London against a backdrop of the infamous Jack the Ripper murders. Gibbons is at his mighty best when inventing fantastic, nightmarish scenarios that are full of gritty realism. The protagonist, Paul must confront his own demons and a family curse whilst trying to make sense of the mysterious deaths of people close to him to which he is implicated. In order to survive and for good to overcome evil Paul is forced to undertake time-travel adventures to different periods in history. Gibbons has won and been shortlisted for numerous book awards.A message from the author: 'London is the world's first mega-city, and nowhere in the capital is more atmospheric or cloaked in myth than the East End. Jack the Ripper continues to fascinate - who was he? Why did the murders he commited weave such a macabre spell?'
A sweeping epic of breathtaking power that's full of gargantuan battles, betrayals, broken promises and allegiances, and finally, secrets revealed. It's all mixed with a vividly-imagined cast of shape-shifters and demons from the award-winning author of the Legendeer Trilogy. A brilliant fantasy epic that will have you enthralled and ready for its thrilling sequel, Setting of a Cruel Sun
A unique blend of fantasy and thriller and myths and legends but grounded firmly in real present-day life. It was winner of the 2000 Blue Peter Award 'book i couldn't put down category'. With twists and turns virtually on every page you're left gasping for breath but wanting more. Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
Build your child's reading confidence at home with books at the right level Alan Gibbons movingly retells the ultimate story of jealousy. When King Leontes banishes his whole family, after suspecting his wife's infidelity, he destroys everything that matters to him. But, even utter devastation can be healed with the gift of time and a little love. Diamond/Band 17 books offer more complex, underlying themes to give opportunities for children to understand causes and points of view. Text type: Fiction from our literary heritage Curriculum links: English: fiction from the literary heritage
Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8 | Shane Logan hits Peter’s school like a hurricane. He’s big, loud and doesn’t like being told what to do. He plays football like he does everything: with lots of energy and very little control. Then Peter suggests that Shane goes in goal, and he turns out to be the best goalie they’ve ever had. Now the problem is Shane’s aggressive stepdad; can Shane control his temper and keep Mick onside too? As with all Alan Gibbon’s stories, this feels completely authentic, as it celebrates the boys, their approach to life and their love of football. In between the chapters are facts about famous goal keepers and the goals the saved, or didn’t, and these real life stories add to the sense of football as an alternative family. Published by Barrington Stoke, this is dyslexia-friendly and accessible to the most reluctant reader.
May 2018 Book of the Month | Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 | Alan Gibbons can pack a great deal of story and power into a short extent and that’s certainly the case with this book. It stars a group of young footballers, two of whom – the most talented – are refugees, only recently invited to play with West Team Celtic. Our main character, Sam, is happy to accept them into the squad but a boy called Jordan resents anyone who is better than him, and does his best to keep them out of the team. The drama of the matches is broken up and balanced via short chapters explaining who refugees are, where they come from, and why – something that makes the book much more than just a sports adventure. For the the final scene, everything comes together and there’s a wonderful demonstration of sport’s ability to unite us all, and even, occasionally, to work miracles. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
With the World Cup coming up, football stories are even more appealing than usual, and Alan Gibbons knows just how to win and hold young readers’ attention. There are two halves to the story: interspersed with the tale of youth team East End United’s season are chapters with facts and figures on the world’s greatest players. It’s all with one goal in mind: as Cairo, East End’s star player, learns, football is a team game, and the side that plays best is the side that plays as a proper team, everyone working to each other’s strengths. It makes for lively reading – another winner from a writer who always finds the net. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+. Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
Two teenagers witness a murder - and now they're the next targets. An action-packed, edge-of-your-seat YA thriller from bestselling author, Alan Gibbons. Gripping and gritty, perfect for fans of Kevin Brooks, Patrice Lawrence and Malorie Blackman. Sixteen-year-old John has moved away from the tough inner-city neighbourhood he grew up in and started afresh. Ceri James is the guarded girl from the children's home who has captivated his attention. But when their lives are thrown together, it's not in the way John had hoped. They witness a man die. Not only are they eye-witnesses of the fatal shooting, but John caught the whole thing on camera - and the culprits know it. Now, John and Ceri must run for their lives in a deadly, heart-stopping chase that leads them in dark and ever more dangerous directions. So why does John refuse to call the police? As secrets are revealed and loyalties doubted, John and Ceri's world hinges on one question - when it's a matter of life or death, who can you really trust?
Childhood friends Chris and Imran celebrate the Millenium as inseparable blood brothers, they are both seven years old. But by 2011 their lives have taken very different paths. One has joined the Army and served in Afghanistan, the other is a potential jihad recruit. They are no longer friends, and there are bitter wounds between them which remain unhealed. Will their childhood bond be strong enough to overcome an extremist plot? In a highly-charged, honest and life affirming story, told in flashback from both Chris and Imran's viewpoint, Alan Gibbon's cleverly explores the very real issue of terrorism that affects everyone today.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 | In a nutshell: the highs and lows of our national obsession | Football has the power to excite passions like no other sport. In the words of the great Bill Shankly: ‘Some people think football is a matter of life and death. It's much more serious than that.’ But for all the joy, flag-waving and exhilaration, there’s a dark side too of fan violence, racism and a disregard for fans’ safety. From Hillsborough to Munich and the Heysel Stadium, Alan Gibbons examines the worst events in football in a way that enables young fans to understand what happened and why. A fan himself, his book still celebrates the best of football too as a way to bring people together. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+ Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
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