From the critically acclaimed author of Amina's Voice comes the first book in an exciting new middle grade series about a fourth-grader with big dreams of basketball stardom. Fourth grader Zayd Saleem has some serious hoop dreams. He's not just going to be a professional basketball player. He's going to be a star. A legend. The first Pakistani-American kid to make it to the NBA. He knows this deep in his soul. It's his destiny. There are only a few small things in his way. For starters, Zayd's only on the D-team. (D stands for developmental, but to Zayd it's always felt like a bad grade or something.) Not to mention, he's a bit on the scrawny side, even for the fourth grade team. But his best friend Adam is on the Gold Team, and it's Zayd's dream for the two of them to play together. His mom and dad don't get it. They want him to practice his violin way more than his jump shot. When he gets caught blowing off his violin lessons to practice, Zayd's parents lay down the ultimate punishment: he has to hang up his high tops and isn't allowed to play basketball anymore. As tryouts for the Gold Team approach, Zayd has to find the courage to stand up for himself and chase his dream.

High school sophomore Annie Smith is just hoping to live a normal life after she moves from Arkansas to the quiet little town of Reston, Texas. But it does not take long for her new friends to figure out that Annie is anything but normal. Annie's goal is to fly under the radar drawing as little attention to herself as possible. But she soon discovers that being normal does not always bring happiness.

Melinda "Chip" Fullerton is a gifted athlete with two wishes-to be taller and to be on a good team for once. As she starts her junior year of high school, it looks like both her wishes will go unfulfilled-until Annie shows up. Immediately suspicious of Annie's baggy clothes and athletic abilities, Chip enlists Luke Slowinski, sports editor for the school newspaper, to do some undercover sleuth work that eventually reveals the truth: Annie is not who she appears to be.

This is a story that illustrates the importance of building character as well as talent, Annie soon learns that a new beginning is all she needs to finally embrace her true self.

The seventh book in the Jamie Johnson football series - as seen on CBBC! Before the packed stadiums. Before he became a huge star. Jamie Johnson had to learn from the best. Jamie is the top player at his school but there's something missing from his game. He needs that bit of extra flair. He wants that touch of magic. Can the once-in-a-lifetime chance to train on the beaches of Brazil give Jamie the skills he needs to become a legend? Sensational Brazilian setting and full of fantastic football action Perfect books for every young football/soccer fan Author Dan Freedman has been a writer for the FA, the Premier League and attended two World Cups. PRAISE FOR The Kick Off (Jamie Johnson, book 1) "An inspiring read for all football fans" GARY LINEKER. "Dan knows his football" OWEN HARGREAVES. "You'll read this and want to get out there and play" STEVEN GERRARD. "If you like football, this book's for you" FRANK LAMPARD. "Pure class - brings the game to life"OWEN COYLE.

Ages 9 to 12 years It's not easy being captain of the Jags - especially when your team-mates are also your best mates! Someone special is coming to the Jags' next game. But who is he watching, and what does he want? What could be better for encouraging reluctant boy readers than a series of football fiction by footie enthusiast, writer and radio presenter Tom Watt?

When Sheldon spends the day with his aunt, he has no idea he's about to enter the fast-paced world of go-kart racing. Sheldon's not keen on sports, but the combination of technical skill and adrenalin, along with an opposing bully, pulls him onto the track. Will Sheldon cross the finish line first, or will his dreams of go-kart racing break down?

With her checklist in hand, Apricot sets out to make sure everything is ready for Splatter and Friends annual Bat it! Splat it! baseball game. But as the day goes on, Apricot soon discovers one key item hasn't been finished. Apricot Saves the Day! teaches your child about the importance of friendship, sharing, and working together through an entertaining story that will keep your child asking questions.Apricot Saves the Day! is a fun to read rhyming children's story.Splatter and Friends is an educational children's book series that promotes creative learning, self-awareness, and the secret recipe for silliness. The color of Splatter and each of his friends symbolizes personality traits. Determine which character your child identifies with and encourage them to express their full splaterific color!