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Tom Palmer credits articles about football with getting him into reading as a child. He travels all over the UK for events, performing his immensely popular rugby and football reading games to hundreds of children every week. He is the current Writer-in-Residence for the RAF Museums. Tom is also working with the National Literacy Trust on a very high profile football and reading project during the Euro 2016 football tournament.
Longlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2020 | Shortlisted for the Children's Book Awards 2019, Books for Older Readers Category | Interest Age 8-10 Reading Age 8 | World War One remains a subject of fascination for readers of all ages, but Tom Palmer finds an original way in to the topic in this poignant new story. Lily is a keen fell runner, though she’s fed up of coming in as runner up in races. A visit to her grandparents reveals a surprise: her great-grandfather ran on the fells too. His experiences are recounted vividly in his diary, both his runs in his beloved Cumbria and his experiences as a soldier, recruited to run between positions on the front line, carrying crucial information to the allies. Their shared experiences form a powerful connection, and help Lily to understand herself better, and also to help her grandma when she needs it most. Today and yesterday are seamlessly woven together in a story that will move readers in lots of different ways.
In a nutshell: ghosts and football in an exciting, thought-provoking story Tom Palmer’s Defenders series cleverly mixes ghost stories and football and uses past events to throw light on our world. Seth’s mum is waiting to hear if she’s clear of the cancer she’s been treated for and the two are having a weekend in Cornwall to escape the pressure. It’s a peaceful place but with his ghost sight Seth is aware of a violent incident that took place there thousands of years ago and which still resonates. That was born out of suspicion and mistrust of new arrivals, and when he meets two young Syrian refugees now living in the town, Seth realises what needs to change. The story will grip young readers from start to finish, and make them think about their own place in the world. In Barrington Stoke style, it’s accessible to all readers. ~ Andrea Reece The Defenders is a spooky new series that combines the thrills of football, history and supernatural sleuthing and marks Tom’s continuing exploration of his passions. He says: “For years I’ve written about my obsessions with football and rugby. Now I am obsessed with history. One thing I always say to children who ask me for advice on becoming an author, is to write about what they are passionate about. That’s what I’m doing now.” 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.
In a nutshell: exciting, contemporary story linking past and present injustices Seth isn’t like other boys: he can see ghosts. In the second of this new series he is in London staying with his friend Nadiya and her family while his mother undergoes treatment for cancer. Exploring near the hospital, Seth and Nadiya run into a huge crowd of angry ghosts, the spirits of slaves forced by the Romans to build an amphitheatre. As the children work out what’s stirred the ghosts up, disturbing similarities between past and present come to the fore. It’s a typically exciting and involving story from Tom Palmer and, in publisher Barrington Stoke’s Conkers series, is accessible to all readers, no matter their fluency. ~ Andrea Reece The Defenders is a spooky new series that combines the thrills of football, history and supernatural sleuthing and marks Tom’s continuing exploration of his passions. He says: “For years I’ve written about my obsessions with football and rugby. Now I am obsessed with history. One thing I always say to children who ask me for advice on becoming an author, is to write about what they are passionate about. That’s what I’m doing now.”
In a nutshell: exciting mix of football, ghosts and heroics Seth’s not like other boys, he can see people from the past wherever he goes. The installation of new floodlights at his football team Halifax Town’s ground seems to reanimate a violent episode from local history, something that threatens everyone. When his mum talks to Seth about his father, who could also see ghosts, Seth finds the courage to do what has to be done. It’s a thrilling story, one that shows how the past still informs everything we do, as well as demonstrating that there’s a superhero in each of us. Number three in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone and, in Barrington Stoke style, has been written so that all readers can enjoy it. ~ Andrea Reece The Defenders is a spooky new series that combines the thrills of football, history and supernatural sleuthing and marks Tom’s continuing exploration of his passions. He says: “For years I’ve written about my obsessions with football and rugby. Now I am obsessed with history. One thing I always say to children who ask me for advice on becoming an author, is to write about what they are passionate about. That’s what I’m doing now.” 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+ Tom Palmer combines football with a dramatic story of the Second World War, plus a touch of the supernatural, to catch readers’ attention in this stirring short novel. Greg is at football camp but finding it hard to apply himself, in fact he wants to quit. Set to find out more about the old airfield near the camp as homework, he’s suddenly finds himself transported back in time and at the controls of a Spitfire. Shot down, he’s imprisoned in a POW camp and there discovers the grit and determination necessary to help himself and another prisoner escape. Back in the present at last, the effects of what he’s learned remain and he finds the focus to succeed. A rousing story that describes the heroism demonstrated by so many in the last war to inspire young readers. ~ 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.
One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2014 - Interest Age 10+ Reading Age 8 Football never dies – even during the darkest days of the First World War. Tom Palmer tells the true story of the Footballers’ Battalion. Accused of cowardice because they are out playing football instead of fighting, Jack and his friends sign up to fight – and to play football. They have been promised the excitement of a Cup but the boys have to survive all the horror of the fighting too. Best-selling Tom Palmer’s young heroes show their courage in the midst of the conflict. This book is also available to read via the Barrington Stoke 'Tints' App. Find out more here. There is also a great website to support this title full of background information and a Teachers’ Area with invaluable discussion guides, play scripts and Q&As.
Interest Age 10+ Reading Age 8 Football never dies – even during the darkest days of the First World War. Tom Palmer tells the true story of the Footballers’ Battalion. Accused of cowardice because they are out playing football instead of fighting, Jack and his friends sign up to fight – and to play football. They have been promised the excitement of a Cup but the boys have to survive all the horror of the fighting too. Best-selling Tom Palmer’s young heroes show their courage in the midst of the conflict. ~ Julia Eccleshare This book is also available to read via the Barrington Stoke 'Tints' App. Find out more here. There is also a great website to support this title full of background information and a Teachers’ Area with invaluable discussion guides, play scripts and Q&As. 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.
One of our Super Readable Books of the Year 2016 | April 2016 Book of the Month | Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Tom Palmer’s new story starts on a football pitch and then, via a clever bit of ghost story, gives readers the experience of the skill and bravery required to pilot a Sopwith Camel. Young Jatinder is at a football camp located next to an old airfield used by pilots in World War One. He’s given a book about the fighter pilot Hardit Singh Malik and that night finds himself back in time flying on a reconnaissance mission over Germany. He’s shot down and taken prisoner, then faced with the opportunity to do something very courageous, but very dangerous. Based on the true stories of three airmen - Indian, American and German – this gives readers a sense of what bravery really entails, and puts the spotlight on the extraordinary Malik, the first ever Sikh pilot to fly a plane of war. ~ Andrea Reece Daniel and Alexander Bisland, Lovereading4kids Reviewers, were invited to the launch of this book at RAF Hendon. Click here to read more. 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.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8 Tom Palmer really gets the drama of sport and competition and no-one writes about it better. The Borderlands team have reached the finals of the World Schools Rugby Trophy and are in New Zealand ready to play the final games but the squad are distracted: for some their RAF fathers are just returning home after fighting, while captain Jesse is behaving badly again. Owen knows just how to motivate the team though and indeed when Jesse walks out, it’s Owen who takes over. There’s a terrific climax to the series and Palmer shows just what winning is all about. Owen is inspired by reading Calon, the story of Welsh rugby and Dead Locked is just the sort of book to enthrall non-readers too. ~ 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. Stop press... Tom will be appearing at the Cheltenham Festival on Saturday 10th October. Click here to find out more. Further information from the Cheltenham Festival.
Interest Age 8-12 Reading Age 8+ Good rugby stories for young readers are thin on the ground, but Tom Palmer’s Rugby Academy books are real winners! In this second book in the series, Rory and the other members of the Borderlands team are in France to play in the European Championship Tournament. Tensions are running high though and not just on the playing field: many of the boys have dads in the RAF and they are alarmed as reports come in of skirmishes in the air, while central character Rory finds it difficult to get on with team captain, Jesse. The fourteen short chapters have all the impact of a Brian O’Driscoll attack, and it’s a great story, whether you are a rugby fan or not. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 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+ Tom Palmer is brilliant at capturing the passion of sport and the drama it creates. Woody is an outstanding young footballer so when his dad, a pilot who is often away on active service, sends him off to a new school where rugby is worshipped, he is sure he is going to hate it. But things turn out very different! Far from hating it, Woody’s natural sporting talent soon leads him to enjoy the new sport – and to shine at it! How Woody adapts to the new game and the new sport is deftly interwoven with a sensitive portrait of the special pressures felt by the children of those in the armed services making it a book of depth as well as excitement. 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.
One of our Dyslexia Friendly Books of the Year 2014 - Interest Age 10+ Reading Age 8 Football never dies – even during the darkest days of the First World War. Tom Palmer tells the true story of the Footballers’ Battalion. Accused of cowardice because they are out playing football instead of fighting, Jack and his friends sign up to fight – and to play football. They have been promised the excitement of a Cup but the boys have to survive all the horror of the fighting too. Best-selling Tom Palmer’s young heroes show their courage in the midst of the conflict. This book is also available to read via the Barrington Stoke 'Tints' App. Find out more here. There is also a great website to support this title full of background information and a Teachers’ Area with invaluable discussion guides, play scripts and Q&As.
Interest Age 10+ Reading Age 8 Football never dies – even during the darkest days of the First World War. Tom Palmer tells the true story of the Footballers’ Battalion. Accused of cowardice because they are out playing football instead of fighting, Jack and his friends sign up to fight – and to play football. They have been promised the excitement of a Cup but the boys have to survive all the horror of the fighting too. Best-selling Tom Palmer’s young heroes show their courage in the midst of the conflict. ~ Julia Eccleshare This book is also available to read via the Barrington Stoke 'Tints' App. Find out more here. There is also a great website to support this title full of background information and a Teachers’ Area with invaluable discussion guides, play scripts and Q&As. 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+. A great story with a football focus. When football is banned at Lily and Zack's school, they decide to keep playing - on their very own secret pitch! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 8+
Interest Age Teen, Reading Age 8+ Camping in the abandoned football stadium sounds like a great outing to mark the beginning of the holiday. Lucas, Irfan and Jack are all prepared. Together, they scale the fence and set up camp on the now overgrown pitch. But something is haunting them. Could it be the ghost of the brilliant young footballer who died in mysterious circumstances? Soon the three boys are caught up in more than they had bargained for in an exciting and spooky adventure.
Interest Age 9+ Reading Age 8+. A passion for rugby and a dilemma about it too lies at the heart of this touching story of a boy with a big decision to make. Steven shares his passion for Rugby League with his father who cheers him on from the touch line at every match. Steven’s a good player and the scouts are watching him. But when his moves two hundred miles south to live with his mother and her new partner he has to play Rugby Union and he knows how much his father will hate it! How Steven reconciles his love of the game with the split in his life captures a dilemma sensitively. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here. A Dyslexia Friendly title.
Full of drama, this is a fast moving crime thriller of football, corruption and clever detective work. Danny Harte is a passionate City FC football fan. He is also a very keen detective. With rumours flying around that City FC is up for sale, Danny sets about trying to find out what is going on. His sleuthing leads him to find Kofi, a young player from Ghana who has been duped by a crooked agent. Helped by a local journalist, Danny sets about setting things right but, in doing so, he finds himself in the greatest danger!
When the new head teacher bans football, the year 6 pupils find a secret place to play. But how can they keep it a secret and, if they can’t, how can they persuade the head to change his mind? A dramatic story with good twists and turns, especially the head’s reason for banning the game in the first place! This is just one of a number of Pocket Money Puffins. To view others click here. Click here to link back to a page featuring all of our World Cup selections.
Football mad boys and girls will devour this all-action adventure novel, virtually in a sitting. Hopefully, even the most reluctant reader, just like the author himself was at school, will devour it too. It’s part of Puffin’s ‘Football Detective’ series but each novel is a stand-alone title with each of them mixing the beautiful game with a crime that needs to be solved. Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Award for the 'book I couldn't put down'.
Roy Race watched Mel Park, the home ground of his beloved Melchester Rovers, burn to the ground. The club is in serious trouble off the pitch. But when it comes to football, somehow they're holding it together. It's nothing short of a miracle, given that Roy - the greatest Rovers player in a generation - was sold by cash-strapped Melchester, to their greatest rivals: Tynecaster. Roy needs to find a way back to Rovers, and fast - or there won't be a club left to return to...
Roy Race is living the dream. After a whirlwind season that saw him become centre forward for his beloved Melchester Rovers and score a bagful of goals, helping them secure promotion into League One, he's now recognised as one of the best young footballers in the country. But something strange is afoot. As Rovers head off on a pre-season tour, Roy's treated differently, and kept apart from the team. What's going on, and why are Rovers bringing in new players? With his family life hitting a rough patch and everything in flux at Mel Park, it's time for Roy of the Rovers to fight for his team, his family - and his career in football... This fourth volume of the smash-hit phenomenon reboot sees the start of an all-new second season!
Borderlands First XV have their sights set on becoming the best school rugby team in the world. But while the boys focus on their matches, many of their parents are serving overseas in the armed forces, and everyone is worried as conflict grows in the Central Asian Republic. New pupil Woody is a footballer by nature and must decide if he's prepared to give rugby his all. Rory feels like he's losing his focus, distracted by thoughts of his parents in danger. And Owen finds himself a t the centre when conflict breaks out within the team. With so many hurdles to face along the way, how far will they get in the rigorous schools' tournament?
The greatest footballer ever to kick a ball is back! Play-offs, by award-winning author Tom Palmer (D-Day Dog, Armistice Runner), with illustrations by Lisa Henke, is the third in a new series of tekkers-tastic Roy of the Rovers novels! Read alone, or alongside the new Roy of the Rovers comics! The journey begins here! The end of the season is here, and it's make or break for Roy Race and Melchester Rovers. Against all odds, Roy and his teammates are closer to getting Rovers promoted. However, if they fail to reach League One, then Rovers' owner Barry Cleaver plans to sell up, destroying Melchester Rovers for good! Now it's crunch time: either Rovers make it through to the play-off finals, or it's over - for the club, for the fans, and for Roy... It has everything a football fan needs - Books for Topics Football-lovers will love the description of on-pitch action - That Boy Can Teach It captures the feel of playing and having a passion for football - Comic Scene Magazine
Jack can't wait for the school trip to the D-Day landing beaches. It's his chance to learn more about the war heroes he has always admired - brave men like his dad, who is a reserve soldier. But when his dad is called up to action and things at home spiral out of control, everything Jack believes about war is thrown into question. Finding comfort only in the presence of his loyal dog, Finn, Jack is drawn to the heart-wrenching true story of one particular D-Day paratrooper. On 6 June 1944, Emile Corteil parachuted into France with his dog, Glen - and Jack is determined to discover their fate ...
The greatest footballer ever to kick a ball is back! Teamwork, by award-winning author Tom Palmer (D-Day Dog, Armistice Runner), with illustrations by Lisa Henke, is the second in a new series of tekkers-tastic Roy of the Rovers novels! Read alone, or alongside the new Roy of the Rovers comics! The journey begins here! It's tough at the top! Roy Race is living the dream. After all, how many 16-year-olds get to play up front for their favourite football team? Except life as Melchester Rovers' new star striker isn't easy. Everyone's looking at him differently, social media is a nightmare, and Rovers are still stuck at the bottom of the league. All that, and he's still got to go to college, help out at home, and coach his little sister Rocky's football team. If he's going to cope, Roy better learn to be a team player - and fast.... It has everything a football fan needs - Books for Topics Football-lovers will love the description of on-pitch action - That Boy Can Teach It captures the feel of playing and having a passion for football - Comic Scene Magazine
The greatest footballer ever to kick a ball is back! Scouted, by award-winning author Tom Palmer (D-Day Dog, Armistice Runner), with illustrations by Lisa Henke, is the first in a new series of tekkers-tastic Roy of the Rovers novels! Read alone, or alongside the new Roy of the Rovers comics! The journey begins here! Roy Race is a totally normal 16 year old. He just happens to be the best striker in Melchester, too... Roy always dreamed of becoming a professional footballer and playing for Melchester Rovers, the team he's supported his entire life, but he never thought he had a chance - until now. Rovers are on the lookout for new players, but is Roy good enough to catch the scout's eye? He'll have to be fitter, stronger and more determined than ever - but if he's going to become Roy of the Rovers, now's the time. It has everything a football fan needs - Books for Topics Football-lovers will love the description of on-pitch action - That Boy Can Teach It captures the feel of playing and having a passion for football - Comic Scene Magazine
Lily has lots of worries. She's struggling to compete in her fell-running races and, worse, she's losing her gran to Alzheimer's. But then she discovers her great-great-grandfather's diaries from the First World War. Could his incredible story of bravery help her reconnect with her gran and even give her the inspiration she needs to push through and win?
A funny and heartwarming story about a girl and her pet cat, who becomes a World Cup celebrity! There's a football challenge at Yusra's school and everyone wants to win. Which class can find the best way to predict England's World Cup results? Yusra has an idea - her pet cat Gus could help! As Gus keeps guessing the scores right, the word spreads and soon everyone wants a piece of the famous football cat. But is the life of a celebrity as purrfect as it seems? The Reading Ladder series helps children to enjoy learning to read. It features well-loved authors, classic characters and favourite topics, so that children will find something to excite and engage them in every title they pick up. It's the first step towards a lasting love of reading. Level 3 Reading Ladder titles are perfect for fluent readers who are beginning to read exciting, challenging stories independently. Varied sentences Detailed illustrations to enjoy Chapters Interesting characters and themes A rich range of vocabulary More complex storylines to stretch confident readers All Reading Ladder titles are developed with a leading literacy consultant, making them perfect for use in schools and for parents keen to support their children's reading. Book Band: Lime
A tense Seth is waiting to hear if his mum's got the 'all-clear'. But instead of relaxing in Cornwall, Seth is haunted by visions. Heads on spikes - bloodied and rotten, eyes pecked out - surrounding an Iron Age hill fort to keep intruders away. When Seth meets two football-crazy brothers from Aleppo their stories offer him a new sense of courage. Can he look death in the face and restore calm to the present? Exciting finale to the Defenders trilogy.
It's meant to be a stress-free holiday in London, but suddenly Seth and Nadiya will need all their skills asDefenders. Ghostly activity is threatening a Premier League club as they build a new stadium on Roman ruins.One worker has already met a grisly death - and many other lives are in danger. The horror of modern injusticeseems to have woken the spirits of the past ...What can the Defenders do to change things?Action-packed follow-up to Killing Ground in the Defenders series.
Everyone is freaked out when circles of scorched earth start appearing in Halifax - on the moors, the parks and even the football pitches. Seth is most disturbed of all - he sees the shadows of the past. But when he looks into a Viking's murderous eyes and smells the stink of burning flesh, Seth knows he must stop this cycle of supernatural suffering. With his friend Nadiya, can he discover the dark history behind the forces attacking their town?
Lily, Zack and Khal can't believe it when the new headmaster at their school bans football in the playground. What are a gang of football-mad kids meant to do at break-time now? Then Zack has a brilliant plan and a very secret football club is formed...Light-hearted and uplifting, this tale of football-underdogs-with-a-twist is lots of fun.
Sisters Maddie and Jess are new to the football school. They bicker all the time, they never agree and they constantly try to score points against one another. Steve and Esther are keen to get the girls working together, and it's an uphill struggle. But the airfield has other ideas...Maddie and Jess wake up in twin Typhoon fighters and must learn to cover each other's backs. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Greg is only happy when he's active - on the pitch or on his phone, it doesn't matter. But as soon as training's over or his host parent Steve takes the phone away, he's on edge. Steve suggests that Greg do something quiet with him, like making one of Steve's beloved Airfix kits. And the next thing Greg knows, he's in the cockpit of a Spitfire, being forced out of the sky by a German pilot! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
It's 1914 and Jack is making his debut as a pro footballer. But his first match is marred by a demonstration demanding that the teams sign up to do their duty in France. Word of the Footballer's Battalion and a cup in Flanders provides a glimmer of hope that Jack can keep his dream of playing for England alive. But as the war drags on, Jack is thrown into a nightmare world he will be lucky to survive.
Jatinder seems to be living his dream - he's training for his team's youth squad, and his host parents Steve and Esther are really great. But something's holding Jatinder back from being a really great footballer - himself. Steve reckons it's OK to take risks - look at his own hero, Hardit Singh Malik. That night Jatinder wakes up in a seriously surprising situation - flying Hardit's WWI fighter plane into enemy airspace. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Final title in a rugby trilogy. The Borderlands team has made it to the World Championships in New Zealand, but the strain of divisions within the squad and worry for their Forces parents' safety have the boys well and truly rattled. Can they pull it together and bring the trophy home? A sporting story set against the backdrop of war and the effect of conflict on the families of those serving overseas. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Second instalment of Tom Palmer's action-packed rugby trilogy set against the backdrop of war. The Borderlands boarding school rugby team have made it into the European Rugby Championship Tournament. They're enjoying their time in France, but Rory and the rest of the team can't help thinking about each of their parents, serving overseas in the growing conflict in the Central Asian Republic. Can the boys focus on the game enough to win the final and make it to the International Tournament? Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
First title in a rugby trilogy. Borderlands is no ordinary school - all of the students boarding there have parents in the armed forces, and the UK is drawing perilously close to war in the Middle East. New boy Woody is desperate to escape the school and find his way to his dad's military base, but his dad has been mobilised. He's gone. Worried and unhappy, Woody turns to the only thing that could help get him through - rugby. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 8+
Powerful historical novel about one footballer's experience in World War I, based on the little-known history of the Flanders Cup. It's 1914 and Jack is making his debut as a pro footballer. But his first match is marred by a demonstration demanding that the teams sign up to do their duty in France. Word of the Footballer's Battalion and a cup in Flanders provides a glimmer of hope that Jack can keep his dream of playing for England alive. But as the war drags on, Jack is thrown into a nightmare world he will be lucky to survive. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 10+
Join Sam as she goes to her first ever football game. This exciting narrative by Tom Palmer follows Sam's day from beginning to end, describing her journey to the stadium, the football songs she hears and the goals! *Collins Big Cat Phonics Progress books are specifically designed for struggling readers, giving them age-appropriate texts that they can read, building their confidence and fostering positive attitudes towards reading. This title has a text level of Band 4 / Blue, which provides longer, repeated patterns with sequential events, and an interest level of Band 8 / Purple. *Text type: A football story *On pages 14 to 15, children can recap and discuss the main elements of Sam's first football game. *Curriculum links: P.E.
The new headteacher is very strict about health and safety - and bans football from the playground. Lily, Zack and their friends are devastated, but when they find an old tennis court hidden away in the woods behind the school, they decide to keep playing as a brand new team - the Secret FC! Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 8+
A thrilling ghost story from the author of the popular Football Academy series. Lucas, Irfan and Jack want to mark the beginning of their summer holidays in style! Tricking their parents with a camping cover story, the boys sneak into the old abandoned football stadium to spend the night. Are the rumours about it being haunted true? They're about to find out - Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 12+
Lucas is the best in his football team at taking penalties. He never misses - ever. But one day that all changes and Lucas has to learn to deal with his mistake, finding a way of building up his confidence once again ... This thought-provoking story was written by Tom Palmer. * Collins Big Cat Progress books are specifically designed for children at Key Stage 2 who have a Key Stage 1 reading level, giving them age-appropriate texts that they can read, building their confidence and fostering positive attitudes towards reading. * Text type: A story with a familiar setting * Curriculum links: Citizenship, P.E. * This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.
As he spends his days playing makeshift cricket, Adnan dreams of playing the game professionally for a team. When one of Adnan's games ends with a damaged car, he fears his chances of practising will be over - his future all depends on what the owner of the car says to his parents ... This lovely story was written by Tom Palmer. * Collins Big Cat Progress books are specifically designed for children at Key Stage 2 who have a Key Stage 1 reading level, giving them age-appropriate texts that they can read, building their confidence and fostering positive attitudes towards reading. * Text type: A story with a familiar setting * Curriculum links: Citizenship; P.E. * This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.
The Squad have been summoned to the deadly and frozen land of the Arctic Circle by the British Prime Minister who has heard of their growing reputation as brilliant young spies. An unknown criminal is trying to hijack a world conference about the precious and much fought-over fuels that lie below the arctic ice. To prevent an international war breaking out, Lily, Lesh, Hatty, Adnan and Kester go undercover to find out who it is and stop them. But the beauty of the icy mountains and deep fjords hide some dangerous secrets and someone will do anything to make sure that the Squad don't discover them...
The Squad - kickass teenage spies with the perfect cover. They are also part of an England youth football team. Wherever trouble is kicking off, the Squad are sent in. They're more than a match for any kind of enemy. In the first book in this exciting new series from Foul Play author Tom Palmer, the Squad are sent to Krakow, Poland just before the Euro 2012 tournament there.
One boy, two codes - How will he decide? When Steven's mother remarries and moves down south, Steven is torn between loyalty to his dad and a relationship with his mum's new husband. Maybe even worse, he might have to leave his beloved Rugby League behind for a new Rugby Union team. A fab story from the sports master Tom Palmer.
Meet Danny Harte. Football fan and crime detective. Danny loves supporting his local team, City FC. So when everyone starts supporting the Italian team Forza FC, Danny is angry. His club is in jeopardy and needs their support. Danny decides to investigate the sudden popularity of the new team - starting with Forza's billionaire owner - and that's when the danger really kicks off. . . Can Danny uncover the sinister reasons behind Forza's success - and save City at the same time?
In recent months there has been a spate of burglaries at the houses of players from Danny's favourite football club, City FC. Danny wants to know who's behind it all and is on the case. But after scouting out the crime scenes, there are newspaper reports of a young boy having been seen hanging around. Danny needs to find out who's behind these crimes - and fast. If he doesn't, he might have turned from crime detective into the biggest suspect of them all...
When Danny Harte finds out there's been an anonymous foreign buy-out of his favourite club, City, he's furious - the fans were about to buy it themselves. The club is being secretive and Danny is determined to find out what's going on - until he's caught staking out the club by the police and cautioned. His parents are furious, and his friends too. No one is talking to him. But when Danny discovers Adam, a kid from Ghana, dumped by his agent who'd promised him a place as a junior at City, and lost in a foreign country he knows nothing about, Danny realizes there are worse ways of being alone. He decides to take Adam's story to the press - with terrifying consequences for them both . . .
James, Lily and friends have had some bad news - football is now banned at their school. But they all love football! So if they're not allowed to kick a ball the playground, they'll have to find another way to play - in secret...
The fifth book in the fast-paced Football Academy series. James has been a junior player at United for a long time. Everyone expects him to follow in his dad's footsteps and play for England one day. But James isn't so sure. He has something he wants to do even more than football. Something that means he would have to give up football. The problem is he doesn't want to disappoint his dad. At a tournament in London, where he is pitched against Arsenal and Chelsea players, James finally makes his mind up.
Russian billionaire Dmitri Tupolev and a mystery Englishman agree to fix an important match in Russia's favour by intimidating the England goalie, Alex Finn. But Alex goes against their wishes. His punishment: an 'accidental' car crash and he's out of the return game in Russia. Something is going on with England's replacement goalie, and Danny soon finds himself caught up with the criminals of the footballing underworld. Will he unravel the match-fixing mystery?
Ben is at his happiest playing for United and is getting top marks from the coach. But every day at school is a trial for Ben, as he struggles to hide a huge secret from his teachers and classmates. Ben's secret is starting to affect his game - can he swallow his pride and ask for help before he sidelines himself - for good?
United's under-twelves are in Poland for a tournament. Goal-keeper Tomasz is very excited to be playing in his home country, but team captain Ryan thinks Poland are rubbish - in fact, he thinks everything Polish is rubbish. Ryan's behaviour causes trouble both on and off the pitch. Can Ryan and Tomasz tackle their differences - or will Ryan's bullying foul United's chance of success?
Boys United: the first book in the Football Academy series by Tom Palmer Jake loves football and dreams of becoming a professional footballer. He's worried about his height though - what if he's too small for football? But on the day of his trial Jake is quick on the ball and scores - he's made it! Jake can't wait to pull on his shirt and join the team. But someone at the club wants to make his life difficult. Can Jake face up to the bullies and become man of the match again? Stay on the ball this season with the first four stories following the boys in United's under-twelves. As well as being a huge football fan, Tom Palmer has an international reputation in reader development. He is a coordinator of the Reading Partners consortium, works with The Reading Agency, Booktrust and the National Literacy Trust, and has been the official writer for the Premier League Reading Stars scheme for five years. He is the author of the Football Detective series, also for Puffin Books. Tom lives in West Yorkshire with his wife and daughter. Also by Tom Palmer: Football Academy: Boys United; Striking Out; Free Kick; Captain Fantastic Foul Play: Foul Play; Killer Pass; Dead Ball; Own Goal; Off Side The Squad: White Fear; Black Op
Striking Out: the second book in the Football Academy series by Tom Palmer Yunis can't believe that he's United leading scorer. It should be the happiest time of his life, but his father wants him to give up football and work hard at school. Can Yunis convince his dad that he can do both, or will he have to hang up his boots forever? Stay on the ball this season with all the action from Football Academy. As well as being a huge football fan, Tom Palmer has an international reputation in reader development. He is a coordinator of the Reading Partners consortium, works with The Reading Agency, Booktrust and the National Literacy Trust, and has been the official writer for the Premier League Reading Stars scheme for five years. He is the author of the Football Detective series, also for Puffin Books. Tom lives in West Yorkshire with his wife and daughter. Also by Tom Palmer: Football Academy: Boys United; Striking Out; Free Kick; Captain Fantastic Foul Play: Foul Play; Killer Pass; Dead Ball; Own Goal; Off Side The Squad: White Fear; Black Op
An exciting football series, following the adventures of United's under-twelves side. Since Ryan Flynn got into trouble for bullying, he's been determined to pull his socks up and be the best captain United's ever had. So when team-mate Craig causes problems on - and off - the pitch, Ryan knows he must get to the bottom of it or he'll lose a talented player. But Craig's worries are much bigger than Ryan realized - can he help Craig and stop him from being shown the red card?
Foul Play: the second book in this crime fighting series by Tom Palmer Danny is obsessed with two things: football - especially City Football Club - and investigating crimes. So when England and City footballing hero Sam Roberts is reported missing the day after Danny saw him being taken, blindfolded, into the bowels of the City FC stadium late at night, he's determined to get to the bottom of it. But is Danny getting into something he can't handle? As well as being a huge football fan, Tom Palmer has an international reputation in reader development. He is a coordinator of the Reading Partners consortium, works with The Reading Agency, Booktrust and the National Literacy Trust, and has been the official writer for the Premier League Reading Stars scheme for five years. He is the author of the Football Detective series, also for Puffin Books. Tom lives in West Yorkshire with his wife and daughter. Also by Tom Palmer: Football Academy: Boys United; Striking Out; Free Kick; Captain Fantastic Foul Play: Foul Play; Killer Pass; Dead Ball; Own Goal; Off Side The Squad: White Fear; Black Op
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