A shy but talented footballer navigates challenging friendships and anxiety at school in this touching tale from acclaimed author Eve Ainsworth. Lily always feels a little bit le ft out. Shy and anxious, she finds school really hard, particularly as most of the other girls all seem so confident. Most of the time, Lily wishes that she could just disappear. But during a game of football in PE, Lily's teacher spots her natural talent and invites Lily to join the local girls' team, where she starts to make friends with some of the other players. Finally, she thinks she's found a place where she fits in, but will a vicious argument with one of her teammates put all her progress in jeopardy?

The second, highly anticipated novel from Carnegie-shortlisted author Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock. Come on a journey across the rural American West . . . Meet the teenagers who live in the small towns across these states, separated by distance, but whose stories are woven together in the most unexpected of ways. Whether they are brought together by the spread of wildfire, by the priest who's moved from state to state or by the hunt for a missing child, these incredible tales blaze with secrets, rage and love. A novel like no other, this intricate, intense and beautiful book will take your breath away. 'A clever and unusual novel . . . powerful.' Sally Nicholls 'Gorgeous and compelling . . . breathtaking.' Katherine Webber 'A beautiful literary writer.' The Bookseller 'It's cut like a gemstone. Turn the pages, and facets gleam.' Hiliary McKay 'Beautifully observed and deeply satisfying.' Lisa Williamson 'Breathes life into wonderful, complex characters.' Lisa Heathfield 'A heartbreakingly brilliant tangle of teenage voices.' Judith Eagle Content warning: child abuse, arson, bereavement, addiction

This charming collection of ballet stories has been specially selected and retold for younger children. A delightful way to discover five classic ballets: Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Coppelia, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker.

Some folks think Brian the mouse is too small. He may be a tough little fella, but they are not sure Brian has what it takes. The Mouse Who Played Football, by former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook Sr. and sports reporter Lesley Van Arsdall, shows how Brian the mouse proves everyone wrong with unyielding confidence that his small size can be his strength. This charming children's book, featuring appealing and dynamic illustrations by Mr. Tom, demonstrates how Brian the mouse overcomes what others see as a "big problem." His determination-as well as speed and toughness on the gridiron-helps him become a star player in high school, college, and eventually, the MFL, the Mouse Football League. The Mouse Who Played Football, based on Westbrook's own experiences,is an inspiring story that encourages young readers to believe in themselves and make their unique differences their strengths.

This exciting coming of age story follows a boy from a tower block as he joins a premier league football academy. Jackson is surprised when he gets a call-up to play with United's under-eighteen team, and when everyone starts raving about his playing. But he's in for an even bigger shock when his dad turns up on his doorstep for the first time in years. Can they repair their relationship? Or is his dad out for what he can get? Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language. Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font and illustrations, The Football Trials is aimed at readers aged 12+ and has a manageable length (80 pages) and reading age (9+). Produced in association with reading experts at Catch Up, a charity which aims to address underachievement caused by literacy and numeracy difficulties.

A highly illustrated middle-grade series that celebrates new friendships, first crushes, and getting out of your comfort zone-now in paperback Ever since they can remember, fifth graders Kenzie (aka Kenzilla) and Shelly (aka Bomb Shell) have dreamed of becoming roller derby superstars. When Austin's city league introduces a brand-new junior league, the dynamic duo celebrates! But they'll need to try out as a five-person team. Kenzie and Shelly have just one week to convince three other girls that roller derby is the coolest thing on wheels. But Kenzie starts to have second thoughts when Shelly starts acting like everyone's best friend . . . Isn't she supposed to be Kenzie's best friend? And things get really awkward when Shelly recruits Kenzie's neighbor (and secret crush!) for the team. With lots of humor and an authentic middle-grade voice, book one of this illustrated series follows Kenzie, Shelly, and the rest of the Derby Daredevils as they learn how to fall-and get back up again.

From Geoff Herbach, the critically acclaimed author of the Stupid Fast series, comes a compelling new YA novel about basketball, prejudice, privilege, and family, perfect for fans of Jordan Sonnenblick, Andrew Smith, and Matt de la Peña.

For Adam Reed, basketball is a passport. Adam s basketball skills have taken him from an orphanage in Poland to a loving adoptive mother in Minnesota. When he s tapped to play on a select AAU team along with some of the best players in the state, it just confirms that basketball is his ticket to the good life: to new friendships, to the girl of his dreams, to a better future.

But life is more complicated off the court. When an incident with the police threatens to break apart the bonds Adam s finally formed after a lifetime of struggle, he must make an impossible choice between his new family and the sport that s given him everything.

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... Twelve-year-old Nick is a football-mad boy who absolutely hates books. In this graphic novel adaptation of the acclaimed verse novel, football, family, love, and friendship take centre stage as Nick tries to figure out how to navigate his parents' break-up, stand up to bullies, and impress the girl of his dreams. These challenges - which seem even harder than scoring a tie-breaking, game-winning goal - change his life, as well as his best friend's.