Finding her Feet
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
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.