Read Around the Subject

Sport Recommended Reading List

Basketball

Rebound #0. 5 by Kwame Alexander

Hoop kings SOAR in kicks with wings. Game so sweet it’s like bee stings.

It's 1988. Charlie Bell is still mourning his father and struggling to figure out how he feels for his

best (girl) friend, CJ. When he gets into trouble one too many times, he's packed off to stay with

his grandparents for the summer. There his cousin Roxie introduces him to a whole new world:

basketball. A legend on the courts is born. But can Charlie resist when trouble comes knocking

once again? A prequel to The Crossover, winner of the Newbery Medal,

and follow-up to Booked, highly commended for the CLiPPA prize and

nominated for the Carnegie Medal.

The Crossover: Graphic Novel by Kwame Alexander

'With a bolt of lightning on my kicks. 'Cuz tonight I'm delivering,' raps twelve-year-old Josh

Bell. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood - he's got mad beats, too, which help

him find his rhythm when it's all on the line.

Slam Dunk: An Unbeatable Story by Jenny Oldfield

Thirteen-year-old Ashlee Carson is a basketball star. Tall and blonde,

she takes after her father, a former professional player. But her

mother has ambitions that go beyond the basketball court. She wants Ashlee to focus on her

studies. When Ashlee gets the chance to compete for a place on the national girls' team, she

heads for Florida. Can she count on her deadbeat dad for support? And will her mother ever

forgive her?

Boxing

Chessboxer by Stephen Davies

Leah Baxter is a genius. She's a few wins away from becoming a junior chess grand master,

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?

Amir Khan by Andy Croft

School boy boxer. Silver medal at the Olympics. World champion. How did the boy from

Bolton become such a superstar? Find out here!

Simply written, the story of the boxer might speak specially to boys in Key Stage 2.

Fighting Ruben Wolfe #2 (14+) by Markus Zusak

It's the difference between being a winner and being a fighter... Cameron and Ruben Wolfe

are brothers from a family clinging to the ragged edge of the working class. Initially to make

some money, the boys hook up with a sleazy fight promoter who sees something marketable

and audience-pleasing in the untrained brothers' vulnerability. So, they hide the boxing

from their long-suffering mother. And Cameron hides what's going on in his head from the

girls who come to the matches, the girls he wishes he could reach. But the Wolfes soon find

that they're fighting for more than tips and pay-off money. It becomes for them a fight for

identity, for dignity, and for each other. The question is, in a fight like that, who makes it out

of the ring intact?

Cricket

Diary of a Cricket God by Shamini Flint*

Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid who love cricket, this journal-style novel is a laugh a

minute. Marcus is a math whiz who can't do sport. His dad is a self-help author who thinks

Marcus can achieve anything he sets his mind to... with hilarious results! A quick, fun read that

will certainly be quite the catch for readers who love illustrated fiction.

Butter-Finger by Bob Cattell and John Agard*

With music and sport merging together in this celebration of calypso and cricket from author

Bob Cattle and poet John Agard, this book shows the power of poetry as main character

Riccardo gets dropped from his cricket team. Practising his poems and wandering around the

West Indian island he lives on; he meets one of the island's most eccentric figures and the two

plot a way for Riccardo to regain his place on the team. A delight for Key Stage 2 readers that

shows another side to sport.

A Cricketing Dream by Chris May *

Matthew Temple has one thing on his mind: playing for England, just like his dad. Will he fulfil

this dream? Will Lords Cricket Ground ever await him? This terrific tale shows how hard work,

determination, resilience and having a goal in mind can lead anyone to success, even though

there may be hardships along the way.

Class 10’s Chance to Shine by Rachel Wong *

In association with national cricket charity Chance to Shine, who work in state schools and

communities across England and Wales, and with a foreword written by England

international cricketer Moeen Ali, this is one not to miss. Alex loves cricket but hopes his

friends develop the same passion for the sport as him when Chance to Shine coaches visit

his school. Initially things don't quite go to plan but with the help of his teacher,

perseverance and resilience become the name of the game!

Glory Gardens by Bob Cattell *

Lots of the books in this list have been published within the last ten years but this is an older

favourite. As a group of friends begin to take the game of cricket more seriously, one of their

schoolteachers suggests that they form their very own team and Glory Gardens Cricket Club is

born. Captain Hooker soon finds out that playing together is not as easy as he first thought,

however, and it takes more than time to keep the team together. This is the first in a brilliant,

accessible and classic series of books about cricket that are just as recommended for lovers of

the sport as it is for readers who know nothing about the game.

Hat Trick (Toby Jones) by Brett Lee and Michael Pankridge *

An omnibus edition of the first in the Toby Jones series of time-slip books that take the

reader back to famous cricket matches of the past. When Toby and his classmates go to

the MCG archives on a school excursion, they discover that Toby can see numbers and

words whirl on the pages of old Wisdens, which means that he has the potential to travel

back in time. With the assistance of the library caretaker, Jim, Toby and some of his

friends are transported back to famous matches including the 1999 World Cup semi-final

between Australia and South Africa in England.

Pay Attention, Carter Jones by Gary D Schmidt

Told from the perspective of a fourteen year old American boy whose life changes for the

better when an old-fashioned, traditional (and slightly magical) English butler comes into his

life and teaches him important lessons, including how to play the game of cricket. Older

readers will be bowled over by this.

Cycling

Chris Hoy: The Autobiography by Chris Hoy Fully updated to include Sir Chris Hoy’s incredible, record-breaking golds at London 2012

(making him his country’s greatest ever Olympian), this is the story of a sporting legend in

his own words. This 33-year-old cycling fanatic from Murrayfield in the suburbs of

Edinburgh defied the doubters who thought he would struggle when his specialist

discipline, the 1km time trial, was dropped from the Olympics, and went on to reinvent

himself as a track cycling sprinter and triple Olympic gold medallist in Beijing. His return to

these shores sparked unprecedented celebrations and real admiration that here was a

role model who was the epitome of all things that are good in sport.

King of the Mountain by Steve Lee

When he tries to break into a team of older teenagers Paddy faces threats, injustice and

rejection. It’s not just his new teammates causing problems as Paddy’s family life is

rather chaotic, with his father just released from prison and his mother totally

overworked. It’s Paddy’s burning desire to be the very best that keeps him striving

courageously towards his goal.

Between the Lines: The Autobiography by Victoria Pendleton

The Golden Girl of British cycling opens up for the first time, in searingly honest detail, about

the doubts and trials she has had to overcome to stay at the top of her sport.

In Pursuit of Glory by Bradley Wiggins

Few people know the controversial world of professional cycling like

Bradley Wiggins. At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, he became the first

British athlete in 40 years to win three medals in a single Olympic

Games, which led to his being awarded the Order of the British Empire

(OBE). The 2007 Tour de France ended in disappointment for him when

his teammate failed a drug test, but he roared back in Beijing, winning

double gold. In this updated version of Wiggin’s warts-and-all account, he reveals his incredible

life in cycling, and the truth behind the sport.

Piglettes by Clementine Beauvais (14+) Piglettes is a light-hearted Young Adult novel about three French teenagers Mireille, Astrid and Hakima who experience on-line bullying (they are voted three ugliest girls in school by

their classmates in a Pig Pageant) and decide to cycle across France to Paris together. The storyline follows the journey they each take, physically, socially and emotionally during

that one summer. The book uses humour to sensitively, tackle key teenage issues such as peer and online pressures, bullying, friendship, aspiration and self-confidence without

getting too serious. Highly recommended as a light read for young teen readers.

Extreme Sports

Bubble Wrap Boy by Phil Earle

Charlie's found his secret talent: skateboarding. It's his one-way ticket to popularity. All he's

got to do is practise, and nothing's going to stop him - not his clumsiness, not his

overprotective mum, nothing! Except Charlie’s isn't the only one in his family hiding a massive

secret, and his next discovery will change everything. How do you stay on the board when your

world is turned upside down?

Slam (14+) by Nick Hornby

Whoever invented skateboarding is a genius. There's only one skater, and his name's Tony

Hawk. It doesn't matter if you don't know who he is, just trust me. Not only is Hawk the

world's best skater, he's also good to talk to. So, I talk to Tony Hawk, and Tony Hawk talks

back. Because just when it seemed like everything had come together for me, I had to go and

screw it all up. It only took two seconds. But all of me knew. One risk. One mistake and my life

would never be the same. Hawk had a few things to say. And a few things to show me. Have

you ever wondered what it would be like to see your own future?

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Twelve-year-old Astrid has always done everything with her best friend Nicole. So, when

Astrid signs up for roller derby camp, she assumes Nicole will too. But Nicole signs up for

dance camp with a new friend instead, and so begins the toughest summer of Astrid's life.

There are bumps and bruises as Astrid learns who she is without Nicole...and what it takes to

be a strong, tough roller girl.

All or Nothing #1 by Phil Kettle

The first in a series of books in which Billy Kool hosts his own TV show

about extreme sports.

Bungee Jumping #3 by Phil Kettle

Billy Kool, Nathan and Sally continue their extreme sports TV series. This

time it's bungee jumping. At school, Billy dances with Nathan's sister,

Crystal.

Climbing Strong by Jake Maddox

Mike 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?

Snowboard Sham by Jake Maddox

Will Pastora is entering his first snowboard race at the ski resort where

he's on holiday. Instead of signing up as a beginner -- where he belongs -

- he lies about his experience and registers for a higher level of

competition. But when he faces his first black-diamond mountain, Will

learns that the high level isn't just about tougher competition.

Priceless! by Andrew Peters

When a Faberge egg is stolen and makes an appearance on the black market, Charlie's ex-con

dad is an immediate suspect. But the Skateboard Detectives know that he's been set up, and

they know just how to get the real criminals bang to rights...

White Boots by Noel Streatfeild

Harriet must choose between her friend Lalla and her new-found love

of ice-skating...If you pass your inter-silver, I'll tell Aunt Claudia that I

don't want to work with you anymore. Harriet is told that she must

take up ice-skating in order to improve her health. She isn't much

good at it, until she meets Lalla Moore, a young skating star. Now

Harriet is getting better and better on the ice, and Lalla doesn't like it. Does Harriet want to

save their friendship more than she wants to skate?

Fishing

Swim that Rock by John Rocco *

With his father missing after a fishing boat accident, teenage Jake must step up to support

his family. The characters in this novel about growing up in a New England fishing town will

draw readers in.

Between Two Skies by Joanne O’Sullivan *

Evangeline can’t imagine anything better than heading out on the bayou

in her skiff. When Hurricane Katrina ravages her small fishing town,

though, it changes everything in this unforgettable story.

Football

Boyhood of Burglar Bill by Allan Ahlberg

Coronation year, 1953. The boys from the bottom pitch - a great soup of boys - play football.

When the 'Coronation Cup' is proposed, they put their heads together, pool their pocket money

and get a team up. There's no chance they'll win of course. They're just the odds and sods in Mr

Cork's opinion. Besides, he'd go berserk if they did; menace them with his one good arm and

pulverise their desks with his cricket stump. They'd be better off losing.

Booked by Kwame Alexander

Like lightning/you strike/fast and free/legs zoom/down field/eyes fixed/on the checkered

ball/on the goal/ten yards to go/can’t nobody stop you/can’t nobody cop you! Soccer, family,

love, and friendship, take centre stage as twelve-year-old Nick learns the power of words as he

wrestles with problems at home, stands up to a bully, and tries to impress the girl of his dreams.

Helping him along are his best friend and sometimes teammate Coby, and The Mac, a rapping

librarian who gives Nick inspiring books to read. This electric and heartfelt novel-in-verse by

poet Kwame Alexander bends and breaks as it captures all the thrills and setbacks, action and

emotion of a World Cup match!

David Beckham by Roy AppsEver had a dream -- a dream to win? David had a dream -- to play

for Manchester United. This is the story of David's early years and his breakthrough into

Manchester United's first team

Mohamed Salah by Adrian Besley *

Mohamed Salah: The Ultimate Fan Book takes you into the Egyptian

soccer superstar’s world like no other book. Follow Salah on an amazing

journey from growing up in a suburb of Cairo to Basel, Chelsea,

Fiorentina, AS Roma, and Liverpool, where he has become a superstar of

the premier League. It is not just at club level where Salah has thrived, he has been a

mainstay of Egypt’s national team and led them to the finals of the FIFA World Cup for the

first time in 28 years, 12 months after reaching the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. Written

in a lively, buzzing style and filled with fun features, fantastic photographs, and enlightening

quotes, this book celebrates his greatest moments and most famous

goals, including the goals which have made him one of the world’s most watchable

superstars.

Neymar: The Making Barcelona's Samba Sensation by Luca Caioli

Neymar is the youngest Brazilian ever to reach 35 international goals and time is on his side as

he closes in on Pele’s long-standing record of 77. The Barcelona wonderkid has already scored

more times for Brazil by the age of 22 than Rivaldo or Jairzinho did in their entire careers.

Luca Caioli, author of bestselling biographies of Messi and Ronaldo, looks back on Neymar’s

unstoppable rise with exclusive private access to his friends and family, coaches, teammates

and adoring fans.

City Boy by Alan Combes

Josh is crazy about football, but he hasn't been performing well on the

pitch. His grandad, a retired pro, decides to train him. The training

methods are a little unorthodox... But will they help?

Georgie's War by Narinder Dhami

Georgie's known for her passion - and her temper! Will her sparks turn

into fireworks when a new team coach arrives?

Bend It Like Beckham (14+) by Narinder Dhami

Jess' parents want her to be a nice, conventional Indian girl. They pray she will settle down, study

for law school, and learn to cook the perfect chapatti. But Jess has other plans. She wants to play

soccer like her hero, David Beckham. After all, anyone can cook aloo gobi, but who can bend it like

Beckham?

Unstoppable by Dan Freedman

Secrets and lies . . . secrets and lies . . . Fourteen-year-old twins, Kaine and Roxy, used to be close,

but now they can hardly bear to be in the same room. Roxy hates the way her brother behaves -

Kaine might be brilliant at football but he's always in trouble and cares nothing about his family.

And Kaine despises the way his supposedly perfect sister, dominates their parents in her

ambition to reach Wimbledon. But the twins are both hiding dangerous secrets of their own,

secrets that could destroy everything they are working towards - and both Roxy and Kaine's

survival hangs precariously in the balance. Gripping, twisting, and real

Kick-Off by Donna King

A family move from sunny Florida to the cold north of England leaves Tyra Fraser lonely and

troubled. Out-going, fun-loving Tyra wants to fit in by playing football for the school team, but

they need a new coach and a lot of hard work if they're going to win a single game. With her

little sister causing trouble at home and problems fitting in at school, Tyra's got a lot to deal

with...

Respect! By Michaela Morgan

The gripping and moving story of Walter Tull, premier league football player and the first black

officer in the Army in the First World War.

Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

Messi Rules by Simon Mugford

Is Lionel Messi your ultimate football hero? Messi was the youngest player to score 50 goals in

the Champions League, won the Ballon d'Or five times and once entertained the crowd by doing

1,200 keepy-uppies! Discover how he went from being the smallest player on the field (as a

young boy he was so tiny all the other players called him 'Titch') to being widely known as the

'Greatest of All Time'.

I Beat the Odds by Michael Oher (American Football)

The football star made famous in the hit film (and book) The Blind Side reflects on how far he

has come from the circumstances of his youth. Michael Oher shares his personal account of his

story, in this inspirational New York Times bestseller. Looking back on how he went from being

a homeless child in Memphis to playing in the NFL, Michael talks about the goals he had to

break out of the cycle of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness that trapped his family.

Eventually he grasped onto football as his ticket out and worked hard to make his dream into a

reality. With his adoptive family, the Touhys, and other influential people in mind, he describes

the absolute necessity of seeking out positive role models and good friends who share the

same values to achieve one's dreams. Sharing untold stories of heartache, determination,

courage, and love, I Beat the Odds is an incredibly rousing tale of one young man's quest to achieve the American

dream.

Kante: From the Playground to the Pitch by Matt Oldfield

N'Golo Kante is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, but life

hasn't always been easy for the Chelsea superstar. Growing up in the Paris suburbs, N'Golo had

to work hard to overcome other people's doubts about his small stature and prove himself on

the pitch. This is the story of the small boy from the streets of Paris who grew to be an

essential member of any team he plays on.

Boys United 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.

Girls F. C.: Do Goalkeepers Wear Tiaras? #1 by Helena Pielichaty

Girls United is the best team for football and friendship. Nine-year-old Megan Fawcett loves

football and is desperate to be on her school team. That means getting her school football coach

to notice her. She tries everything, from volleying to dribbling to even wearing a tiara, but

without success. Then she has a brainwave - she'll set up her own team. An all-girls team! Now all

she needs is a pitch, a coach...and ten other players

T. J. and the Cup Run by Theo Walcott

T.J. and his friends get a shock when their old teacher, Mr Potter, returns from illness to take

over from Mr Wood as P.E. teacher at Parkview School. Worse still, in the semi-final of the

cup, Mr Potter's tactics nearly lose them the match. With everything they've trained for

hanging in the balance, can T.J.'s team turn things around?

Golf

The Prodigy by John Feinstein (14+) *

Seventeen-year-old Frank Baker is a golfing sensation. He’s set to earn a full-ride scholarship to play at the university of his choice, but his single dad wants him to skip college and turn pro―golf has taken its toll on the family bank account, and his dad is eager to start cashing in on his son’s prowess. Frank knows he isn’t ready for life on the pro tour―regardless of the potential riches―so his swing coach enlists a professional golfer turned journalist to be Frank’s secret adviser. Pressure mounts when, after reaching the final of the U.S. Amateur tournament, Frank wins an automatic invite to the Masters. And when the prodigy, against all odds, starts tearing up the course at Augusta National, sponsors are lined up to throw money at him―and his father. But Frank’s entry in the Masters hinges on maintaining his standing as an amateur. Can he and his secret adviser―who has his own conflicts―keep Frank’s dad at bay long enough to bring home the legendary green jacket?

Horse-riding

Racing Manhattan by Terence Blacker

Jay Barton has spent her life on the outside, being overlooked and mocked for her tomboy

ways. All she wants to do is ride her favourite pony, which belongs to her much wealthier

cousin. But then Jay shows a talent for winning the illegal pony races her uncle takes her to,

and he starts to push her to take more and more risks. At 15, Jay decides to run away, to live

the life of a stable hand. Her fortunes are changed when she meets Manhattan: a pedigree

grey racehorse who has used up all her chances and is now neglected and despised. Jay

recognises a fellow misfit. She fights to give Manhattan one last opportunity to show she is

the champion she was born to be. Together, they face a world of prejudice and cruelty and

fight back the only way they know by becoming the best.

Mystery of The Midnight Rider #3 Carolyn Keene

Some equestrians are up to more than horseplay in this third book of the Nancy Drew

Diaries, a fresh approach to a classic series. At the prestigious--and competitive--River

Heights Horse Show, the prizes, which range from money to possible placement on the

Olympic Team, are so highly coveted that anyone from the riders to the owners will do

anything to win...even drug the horses! Who's up to no good? Nancy, Bess and George are

on the case!

One Dollar Horse #1 by Lauren St John

Fifteen-year-old Casey Blue lives in East London’s grimmest tower

block and volunteers at a local riding school, but her dream is to win

the world’s greatest Three-Day Event: The Badminton Horse Trials. When she rescues a

starving, half-wild horse, she’s convinced that the impossible can be made possible. But she

has reckoned without the consequences of her father’s criminal record, or the distraction of a

boy with melty, dark eyes, with whom she refuses to fall in love. Casey learns the hard way that

no matter how high you jump, or how fast you gallop, you can never outrun the past.

The Glory by Lauren St John

A girl on the run from the law. When Alexandra Blakewood is sent to a US boot camp for

out-of-control teenagers, she has only one thought in mind: escape. It seems impossible until

she meets Scout, a palomino mustang as wild as she is. A boy on a mission to save a life Hard

times force Will Greyton to give up on his dreams and face losing the Arab mare he loves.

Then his dad falls ill. An operation might save him but there’s no way to pay for it. Until Will

hears about The Glory, a race with a $250,000 purse. A race they both have to win. A deadly

1,200-mile endurance challenge across the American West. Can Will and Alex survive it

without losing their lives or hearts?

Martial Arts

The Book of The Sword #1 by Carrie Asai

When I was six months old, I dropped from the sky -- the lone survivor of a deadly Japanese

plane crash. The newspapers called me Heaven. I was adopted by a wealthy family in Tokyo,

pampered, and protected. For nineteen years, I thought I was lucky. I'm learning how wrong I

was. They say your life begins on your wedding day. Here's what happened on mine: I lost the

person I love most. I learned that everything I knew about my family was a lie. Now I'm being

hunted. I must fight back or die. My life ended that day. The old Heaven is gone. I AM SAMURAI

GIRL.

The Way of The Warrior #1 by Chris Bradford

Jack Fletcher is shipwrecked off the coast of Japan, his beloved father and the crew lie

slaughtered by ninja pirates. Rescued by a legendary master swordsman and brought under

his wing, Jack begins the gruelling physical and psychological training needed to become a

samurai. Life at Samurai school is fraught with difficulty for Jack who is bullied and treated as

an outcast. With his friend the remarkable, beautiful Akiko at his side and all the courage he

can muster, Jack has to prove himself. Will he be able to face deadly rivals and challenges that

will test him to his very limits?

Motor Sport

Lewis Hamilton by Roy Apps

Ever had a dream -- a dream to win? Lewis had a dream -- to be a Formula 1 racing driver. This

is the story of Lewis's early years and his breakthrough into top-level motorsports.

Stunt Riders by David Orme

Zak and Jed are stunt bike riders. Dan comes to see their show and

wants to be a stunt rider too. Zak and Jed do the exploding coffin trick.

They are the best stunt riders in the world, but what is their secret?

Olympics

An Olympic Dream: The Story of Samia Yusuf Omar by Reinhard Kleist (Graphic Novel)

In 2008, 17-year-old Samia Yusuf Omar stood alongside some of the fastest women in the

world on the start line of the Olympic 200m. Four years later, she boarded a refugee boat to

Europe, risking her life on the waters of the Mediterranean. An Olympic Dream tells the

remarkable story of Samia's attempt to compete at the London Games in 2012. Picturing her

life in Mogadishu, a city ravaged by conflict where the female athlete encountered

discrimination and abuse, Reinhard Kleist reveals the challenges she faced both as a

sportsperson and as a woman. In doing so, he shows why Samia, like so many others, would

choose to flee. Following Samia's journey through Ethiopia, Sudan and Libya to its tragic

conclusion, An Olympic Dream is a forceful statement on Europe's response to the refugee

crisis. But it is also a moving account of a remarkable life, best remembered for a single moment: when an unlikely

Olympian, dressed in knee-length leggings and a baggy t-shirt, finished in last place - and the Bird's Nest stadium

erupted.

Ade Adepitan: A Paralympian's Story by Ade Adepitan

A Paralympic medal winner, commentator and a successful TV presenter, Ade Adepitan has led

a remarkable life. Find out Ade’s story, from growing up in Nigeria with a disability, to

developing his passion for sport, to receiving an MBE, in this inspirational autobiography.

Tumbling by Caela Carter

Five gymnasts. One goal. Grace lives and breathes gymnastics—but no

matter how hard she pushes herself; she can never be perfect enough.

Leigh, Grace’s best friend, has it all: a gymnastics career, a normal high-

school life…and a secret that could ruin everything. Camille wants to please her mom, wants to

please her boyfriend, and most of all, wants to walk away. Wilhelmina was denied her Olympic

dream four years ago, and she won’t let anything stop her again. No matter what. Monica is

terrified. Nobody believes in her—and why should they? By the end of the two days of the U.S.

Olympic Gymnastics Trials, some of these girls will be stars. Some will be going home with nothing. And all will have

their lives changed forever.

Kelly Holmes by Andy Croft

Kelly Holmes has battled poverty, injury and depression to become one of the most famous and

successful sportswomen in the world. Gripping insight into an Olympic hero. Barrington Stoke

specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

Kelly Holmes Black White and Gold by Kelly Holmes and Fanny Blake

Kelly Holmes made history when she brought home double gold in the 2004

Olympics, becoming a national hero. She won Sports Personality of the Year,

was given a Damehood, fully backed London's successful 2012 Olympic bid

and became a superstar on the red carpet as well as a much acclaimed and consulted

professional in the sporting world. Now in her staggeringly honest updated autobiography she

reveals the times she fought back tears to battle against injury and win gold, plus the emotional

decision she made to retire from athletics. Including details of her unsettled childhood, trials in

the army and a struggle with self-harm, Kelly's amazing determination carries through to make this inspirational and

powerful autobiography a tale of triumph over adversity and a model for readers of all ages and backgrounds

Tanni Grey-Thompson by John Townsend

This biography of Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson looks at her career as well as her upbringing

and early involvement in athletics.

Rugby

Pride and Penalties by Chris Higgins

Charlotte’s dad wants Charlotte’s brother to be a rugby star. But her brother wants to be a

star of the stage. Charlotte, however, wants to be a rugby player – almost as much as she

needs her father’s approval. In the end she gets both. A great read about girls playing rugby

at a time where the England women’s team are world champions.

Scrum! by Tom Palmer

One Game. Two Codes. Once Choice. Steven's mad for Rugby League.

His dad even reckons he'll go pro one day. Then his mum drops a

bombshell. They're moving down south with her new boyfriend. To

the land of Rugby Union. When the Union team wants Steven and the League scouts come

calling, he faces the hardest choice of his life...

Running

Eat Cake and Run by Jo Cotterill

Hani's spent her whole life training to be a great athlete, just like her grandma. But what if

that's making her ill? Join Hani and her friends as she tackles her Bulimia and tries to figure

out who she wants to be. One thing's for sure: the girls of Hopewell High will take on

everything boarding school can throw at them... together!

Night Runner by Alan Combes

Greg wants to win the race. Every night he trains in secret on the school field. But he sees a

spooky shape in the moon light. What is it? Should he run for his life?

Running on Empty by S E Durrant

AJ’s grandfather has always been the one to keep his unusual family

together, so when he dies things start to unravel at the edges. AJ is

worried about his parents, but they don’t really seem to notice. In

order to deal with his grief and to keep his anxiety at bay, AJ does what

he and his grandfather did best: running. Round and round the Olympic Park, aiming for the

nationals, running to escape, AJ only seems to be heading ever closer to disaster. Running on

Empty is a beautiful book about false starts and emotional journeys, with hope as the

ultimate finishing line.

Armistice Runner by Tom Palmer

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?

Now is the Time for Running by Michael Williams

Deo is a great footballer, a fierce protector of his older brother,

Innocent. His brother is easily nervous, easily happy but good at keeping score on the dusty

fields of Zimbabwe where the boys play. Then Mugabe's soldiers come, destroying the only

home the boys have known. Now, Deo has nothing but his brother, and a football stuffed

with billions of worthless dollars. And so, starts their journey to find their father. But with

soldiers everywhere, they have only one chance to cross the border, one chance to escape. In

face of such a challenge, it is Deo's brotherly love that endures, his belief that he will lead

them both to safety. Michael Williams's is a masterful storyteller who pulls you along the

journey of a lifetime. Deo and Innocent's journey is a universal story of hope in the face of

despair, and the search for a better life.

Sailing

The Voyage of the Frog by Gary Paulsen

Slowly, David opened his eyes and looked around the horizon, wincing again with the new movement. There was nothing sticking above the water as far as he could see. He was alone.

Fourteen-year-old David Alspeth intended only to fulfil his uncle's last wish when he set sail in the Frog, but when a savage storm slams the tiny sailboat, David is stranded. No wind. No

radio. Little water. Seven cans of food. And the storm is just the first challenge David must face... An American Association Best Book for Young Adults

Swallows and Amazons #1 by Arthur Ransome

To John, Susan, Titty and Roger, being allowed to use the boat Swallow to go camping on the

island is adventure enough. But the four explorers find themselves under attack from fierce

Amazon Pirates, Nancy and Peggy, who claim the island as their own. The first title in Arthur

Ransome's classic series, originally published in 1930: for children, for grownups, for anyone

captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Swallows and Amazons introduces

the lovable Walker family, the camp on Wild Cat island, the able-bodied catboat Swallow,

and the two intrepid Amazons, Nancy and Peggy Blackett.

Swimming

Fig Swims the World by Lou Abercrombie

Fig Fitzsherbert is good at a lot of things: making lists, playing the piano, advanced mathematics.

But it's never quite enough for her high-flying mother, who every New Year's Day sets Fig an

impossible resolution. So, one year, Fig decides to set her own challenge instead: she's going to

swim her way round the world. There's just one tiny problem... Fig can't swim. Taking it one

length at a time, Fig embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. But with her mother closing in, will

she be able to keep her head above water and complete her challenge? A quirky coming-of-age

story, perfect for fans of Katy Birchall, GEEK GIRL and SUPER AWKWARD.

Boy Underwater by Adam Baron

Boy Underwater is a heart-breaking story about family, friends and secrets. And it’s very, very

funny. Cymbeline (yes, really!) has never been swimming – not ever, not once – so he’s a bit

nervous at the prospect of his first school swimming lesson ever. But how hard could it be?

He’s Googled front crawl and he’s found his dad’s old pair of trunks. He’s totally ready for

this. But he’s not ready for an accident at the pool to reveal a family mystery that turns his

life completely upside down. Only Cym and his friends can solve it because, as usual, the

grown-ups aren’t telling them anything. For the answers you really need, sometimes you

have to go deep...

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

It's peculiar how no-words can be better than words. How silence can say more than noise, or

a person's absence can occupy even more space than their presence did. Suzy is 12 when her

best friend, Franny, drowns one summer at the beach. It takes two days for the news to reach

Suzy, and it's not something that she can accept: Franny has always been a strong swimmer,

from the day they met in swim class when they were just 5. How can someone all of a sudden,

just no longer be there? Suzy realizes that they must have got it wrong: Franny didn't just

drown - she was stung by a poisonous jellyfish. This makes a lot more sense to Suzy's logical

mind than a random drowning - cause: a jellyfish sting; effect: death. Suzy's journey to

acceptance is quiet - she resolves to either say something important or say nothing at all. But

it's also bursting with bittersweet humour, heart-breaking honesty, big ideas and small details.

Perfect for fans of Wonder, Counting By 7s and My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece.

River Boy by Tim Bowler

Jess and her parents take her grandfather back to his childhood home so that he can finish his

last painting River Boy. While out swimming, Jess meets a boy who challenges her to swim down

the river to the sea. Then she discovers that this was one of her

grandfather's childhood ambitions.

The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan

Armed with a suitcase and an old laundry bag filled with clothes, Kasienka and her mother leave

Poland and head for the UK to find her father. Life is lonely for Kasienka. At home her mother's

heart is breaking and at school Kasienka finds it impossible to make new friends. While the

search continues, Kasienka is kept afloat by William, a boy she meets at the local pool who

understands what it means to lose someone and who swims with Kasienka towards her new

life.

Splash by Charli Howard

Molly is in her final year of primary school, with secret dreams of becoming an Olympic

swimmer. Having always lived in the shadow of her manipulative friend, Chloe, Molly finally

has the chance to compete in a regional swimming contest and define herself on her own

terms. But with the pressure of fitting in, and the sudden arrival of her mysterious mum, will

she give up on her dreams for a shot at popularity? A hugely exciting debut with a classic

underdog story, a wonderfully relate-able protagonist, and an important message of

friendship, body positivity, and celebrating who you are.

Dark Water by Cindy Jefferies

Sarah keeps her swimming a secret. She's scared of people teasing her - even though she has a

good chance of getting into the Olympic team! But she can't hide her skill forever. And when

danger strikes, she's the only one who can help.

My Box-Shaped Heart by Rachael Lucas

Holly's mum is a hoarder, and she is fed up with being picked on at school for being weird . . .

and having the wrong clothes . . . and sticking out. All she wants is to be invisible. She loves

swimming, because in the water everyone is the same. Ed goes to the swimming pool to escape

the horrible house he and his mum have been assigned by the women's refuge. In his old life he

had money; was on the swim team; knew who he was and what he wanted. In his old life his

dad hit his mum. Holly is swimming in one direction and Ed's swimming in the other. As their

worlds collide, they find a window into each other's lives - and learn how to meet in the middle.

My Box-Shaped Heart is a powerful story of an unlikely friendship from Rachael Lucas, author of

The State of Grace.

Tennis

A Term at Trebizon by Anne Digby *

Set in a boarding school with a cast of characterful girls. In this, the sixth book in the series,

Rebecca has been picked for the tennis team and has high hopes of being selected. But then

there’s a hoax phone call and a fake fire alarm, and Rebecca’s prospects are suddenly in

danger.

The Extraordinary Life of Serena Williams by Shelina Janmohamed *

The story of a game-changing tennis champion. Serena Williams began playing tennis when

she was just a child and is now an Olympic champion who's won more Grand Slam singles

titles than anyone else. Throughout her life she's battled many things, from life-threatening

illnesses and sports injuries, to sexism and racism in the tennis world. Now she's an icon in

sport, fashion and activism, an inspiration to every young person who has dared to dream

big.

Prince of Tennis vol 1by Takeshi Konomi*

This series of popular graphic novels will appeal to fans of Manga. Set in Tokyo, the first

volume features Ryoma, a tennis prodigy who, at 12 years old, is about to enter a

competition for 16-year-olds. But no one knows that he’s the Prince of Tennis and destined

to be the greatest player in the world. If you get hooked on the book, there are a whole 40

titles in the series!

Andy Murray: Tennis Ace by John Murray

This is Andy Murray’s story; from the first time he picked up a tennis racquet, to his Grand

Slam win at the US Open. Did you know that Andy was approached by a major football club?

Or that he used to play doubles with Novak Djokovic? Follow the Scot's rise to stardom in this

brand-new biography of our tennis ace.

Tennis Shoes by Noel Streatfeild*

In this classic children’s book, by one of the UK’s best-loved 20th-century authors, the Heath

children are expected to follow in the footsteps of their father and grandfather and become

top tennis players. But Susan hates the spotlight, Jim prefers to swim, and David wants to

become a singer. Youngest child Nicky could have what it takes, but can she overcome her

rebellious nature to become a champion?

Jan 2021