Finding her Feet
by Eve Ainsworth, illustrated by Luna Valentine
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 8+
Published by Barrington Stoke, 2023
About this book
Lily feels very alone at her new senior school. She’s shy and anxious, and finds it difficult to make new friends. Her friend from primary school, Beth, has taken up with Amelia, and they’re always giggling together. Lily can’t talk to her dad about it – he’s been working so hard since her mum left.
When Lily is asked to join the local girls’ football team, this is her chance to fit in. She loves football and often practises skills with her dad. Many of the players are friendly, and Lily starts to make friends. But Beth and Amelia are also on the team, and soon there is a terrible argument. Perhaps there isn’t a place that Lily fits in, after all?
There are facts about the surprising history of women’s football interspersed throughout, and the themes of teamwork and kindness are explored in a gentle way. Lily’s single dad is encouraging and supportive, and the football matches are very engaging! Those readers about to transition to senior school might be inspired to find their own talent and passion after reading this. This is written in a special font, with yellow-tinted paper, making it accessible to all readers, particularly those with dyslexia.
More books like this
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Stupendous Sports: Fantastic Football
by Robin Bennett, illustrated by Matt Cherry
9 to 14 years
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Jellybean
by Eve Ainsworth, illustrated by Theo Parish
11 to 14 years
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All to Play For
by Eve Ainsworth, illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman
9 to 14 years
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Lost
by Eve Ainsworth
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Books featuring single dads for children 6 and up
Parents are not usually the focus of books for children – they’re not the ones having the adventures, after all! Here are some of our favourite stories that happen to have a single dad, including some adoptive dads, in the background. Sometimes this is through death, sometimes divorce, and sometimes the reason is never mentioned. All children will enjoy these fantastic stories for readers age 6 and up.
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Books to help your child get ready for the big move to secondary school
The transition to secondary school can be both exciting and difficult. These books aimed at 11-13 year olds contain themes around friendships and overcoming a variety of challenges, as well as starting at a new school. Many of them are also empowering and affirming, recognising a range of experiences. Lastly, and most importantly, they’re all fantastic reads, sure to encourage children to love books.
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Fantastic football books
They don't call it the beautiful game for nothing! It's no wonder that lots of children enjoy watching football, with its ups and downs and twists and turns.