It was a pleasure to be ask to be part of the blog tour, as Baller Boys is set to be a fabulous new accessible series with the focus on the very popular subject of football.
When we meet best friends and football fanatics, Shay and Frankie, they are just finishing Year 3 and heading into the summer holidays. So imagine their excitement when they find out that the best local team (AC United) are holding trials. After lots of extra practice, the boys head off to the trial full of hope and excitement. The story follows their trial, the other boys they meet along the way, their disappointment and elation, families, friendship and their commitment to the game.
I loved the diversity and inclusivity of the book, not only covering ethnicity but also the challenges children face - none of which defines or hinders the young people in this story. The characters/families in this book are warm and relatable which is sure to make them very popular. I am aware that these books are written with reluctant readers (especially boys) in mind, but I believe that any child aged 6-9 years (with an interest in football) will find enjoyment in the Baller Boys.
Vanessa Taylor has used her education background to create the first of an accessible and relatable series of football books, which I am looking forward to sharing with lower KS2 but also our SEND.
