The remarkable story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies is brought to young readers for the very first time by award winning and CILIP Carnegie nominated Eve Ainsworth. It's 1917, and Britain is at war. Shy teenager Hettie wants to help the war effort, and signs up to work in the local Dick, Kerr & Co. munitions factory. She's nervous, but she has no idea quite how much her life is about to change ... For, inside this factory are young women who are about to make sporting history. Can Hettie find the courage to join them, and in doing so, find her own place in the world? Based on the thrilling true story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies team - football's forgotten legends.

The second book in the series, based on the remarkable story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies. With the end of WW1 being declared, Hettie's brother Freddie should be feeling relieved, but unfortunately his personal war has only just begun. He is still crippled by nightmares and guilt about a mistake that led to a man's death in the war. He tries to distract himself by helping Hettie support the Dick, Kerr team, and his love for photography sees him quickly become their unofficial photographer, taking team shots and getting to know the girls. Can the introduction of a new key player, Jessie Walmsley - a brave heroic woman, help Freddie to face his demons? And will a new job opportunity giving him the chance to travel the country, reporting on the Dick, Kerr Girls, finally appease his Dad? As the girls embark on their first domestic and international tour against the French Ladies team, Freddie finds he is on a journey of his own, facing up to his mistakes and taking a step to correct them. Can he learn from the vital lesson that the Dick, Kerr Girls have to offer? That team work, communication and friendship can overcome just about anything.

Each Reading Book in the Rapid Plus stages 10-12 series is finely levelled for KS3 students, and includes: engaging texts with mature topics and themes to appeal to older readers accessible layout with a dyslexia-friendly font and colour scheme a diverse range of characters which all students can identify with quiz sections and recap pages to help learners develop their comprehension skills and reading stamina

The third book in the series, based on the remarkable story of the Dick, Kerr Ladies. It's 1920, and the Dick, Kerr Girls football team have a new member training with them... Martha, little sister to Hettie and Freddie, has finally been given her chance to swap street kickabouts with the local lads for the chance to play alongside the world's best female footballers. But Martha has more to worry about than keeping up with the older girls. She's dealing with new and confusing feelings, things at home are hard, and the future of women's football is under threat. Are Martha's dreams - both on and off the pitch - too far out of reach?

From the beginnings of the women's game, the sexist ban that lasted 50 years, to its glorious rise again and brilliant footballing heroes past and present, this is a celebration of all things women's football! Do you think you're a football-fan? Challenge your knowledge with this ultimate pocketbook of your Lioness footballing heroes. Young aspiring footballers will discover: The history of the beautiful game Meet amazing star players like Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly, Alex Scott, Steph Houghton and their incredible trophy-winning manager Sarina Wiegman Learn your favourite players' best moves Pick your dream team using any player throughout history Compare fact files and the stats that make these players the best in the game Packed full of phenomenal wins, screaming goals, and extraordinary saves - this is everything you need to know about these history-makers, record-breakers and gamechangers. It's the perfect Christmas gift to inspire every young fan who cheered on as football finally came home.

Each Reading Book in the Rapid Plus stages 10-12 series is finely levelled for KS3 students, and includes: engaging texts with mature topics and themes to appeal to older readers accessible layout with a dyslexia-friendly font and colour scheme a diverse range of characters which all students can identify with quiz sections and recap pages to help learners develop their comprehension skills and reading stamina

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?

Lewis loves football more than anything else in the world, so he's thrilled when his talent is spotted by a local coach. But there are some big obstacles in his way. His mum doesn't want him to have anything to do with the game because of what happened to his dad on the pitch. And even if Lewis can persuade her to let him give it a go, there's no way they can afford the kit. Can Lewis beat the odds to have a chance of following his dream?

A teenager's longing for family and a place to call home is poignantly portrayed in this heartfelt and ultimately uplifting story of life in the foster-care system from bestselling author Eve Ainsworth. Feeling betrayed when her long-term foster placement breaks down, Amy is sent to live with a new family, the Dawsons. Although initially reluctant to trust them, she eventually starts to let down her guard. But just when it seems like she's found her forever family, she hears a telephone call that suggests things aren't going to work out. Will Amy be abandoned again - or does she dare hope that she might finally have found home?

Poppy's life has turned into a nightmare. Mum's new boyfriend is moving in, along with his daughter, Kayleigh - the most popular girl in school. Poppy's dad is never around and appears to be drifting further and further away. And when it seems like things can't get any worse, Poppy becomes the target of the spiteful school bullies. As the vicious online comments and humiliating pranks escalate, with even her friends joining in, it looks like Poppy has no one left to turn to. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 12+

Violet's mum hasn't been herself for a while. A few too many glasses of wine in the evening. Mornings when she can't get out of bed. Now Violet's the one looking after her little brother and looking out for empty bottles in Mum's bag. But it's just another little blip. Mum will be fine again soon. She has to be ... How long do blips last for? Bestselling author Eve Ainsworth tackles the difficult subject of alcohol addiction in this stark, honest and deeply moving novella. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 13+

My name is Maisy Malone. I'm seventeen years old, live in a ratty council house with my 60 year old near-alcoholic Dad and a dog with a leaky bum. This is my blog. You can either like it, or you can...well...blog off!!;o) Maisy is seventeen and has reason to be seriously fed up. Her Dad spends his days stagnating in his armchair, watching re-runs of Bargain Hunt, shouting abuse at their neurotic dog, Dave, or nursing his pint down at the Pride. Her mum fled the place years ago, on the back of a clapped-out old bike, and is now planning the wedding of the year, to a man so damp you could grow mushrooms on him. And now Maisy has dropped out of sixth form in an attempt to bring some money into the family home. But will a range of eye-opening temporary assignments provide Maisy the freedom she is searching for? And what secret is her idiot older brother hiding? Is she better going alone? Or is home really where the heart is?

Duckling's a nickname Lucy has never been able to shake off. And, if she's honest, maybe it suits her. She just isn't the type to socialise with other people. You might say she's reluctant to leave her nest. Lucy's life is small, but safe. She's got a good routine. But all that's about to change... When Lucy's neighbour asks her to look after her little girl for a couple of hours - and then doesn't come back - Lucy is suddenly responsible for someone other than herself. It takes courage to let the outside world in, and Lucy's about to learn there's much more to life - but only if she's brave enough to spread her wings... ________________________________ Praise for Duckling 'A poignant read' Woman's Own '[I] loved this gorgeous, funny, poignant and very human book' Rowan Coleman 'Underlines the importance of friendship, community and family while maintaining a galloping plot that keeps you gripped until the last page' Sarah J Harris 'A lovely, heart-warming story about the importance of friendship and family, the power of forgiveness and about learning to love yourself' Clare Swatman 'Duckling is joyous, life-affirming and refreshing' - Joanne Harris 'Combines uplifting and poignant moments with a plot that is so gripping it had me feverishly turning the pages!' Jessica Ryn 'Charming and compassionate, dark at times yet peppered with joy' Eleanor Ray

It has been a long time since Alice has felt safe. Because of him. Ross. But now she, Mum and her little brother Henry have finally moved far away, where Ross will never find them. It's a fresh start, Mum says. This time, she is never going back. Slowly Alice starts to build a life for herself, at a new school with new friends. But she can't escape the feeling she is being watched. That he might be lurking, waiting to ruin everything again. That Mum might be about to break her promise. That, just when Alice is starting to feel safe, everything will be taken away from her. A story about healing, home and new beginnings from acclaimed author Eve Ainsworth.