![]() ![]() ![]() The exciting match with its fluctuating fortunes of play will keep young football fans completely enthralled. The fact that the rival team is made up of girls adds another layer to the plot and I think this book could well prompt thought and debate. This story raises interesting questions about loyalty and teamwork and children will be intrigued to see how Scott handles his tricky situation. Scott is horrified when his name is pulled out of the hat and he has to play against his friends. Then on the day itself an accident results in the girls being a player short and it is decided that one of the boys will play for the opposition. Scott and his team are already bracing themselves for a challenge as the charity match against their rivals, the school’s girls football team, approaches. Full of football action this will appeal to readers who prefer their reading to be fast paced and relatable.įriendships are put to the test in this story. The final instalment of this action packed series sees Dale Juniors football team captain Scott face a dilemma when an unexpected event forces him into a position where his loyalties are put to the test and the expression ‘a good team player’ takes on a special meaning. Football Mad: Teamwork! by Paul Stewart illustrated by Michael Broad I would highly recommend this for readers aged 8+. The drama of a closely fought football match between school boys is conveyed with all the importance of a premier league top of the table clash! The friction between those of a competitive nature and the importance of positive male role models are also incorporated without this feeling like an ‘issues book’. Despite these emotionally charged topics this is an exciting and enjoyable read. When Ash, a local football coach, notices Lewis practising he sees the young boy’s potential and Lewis can’t keep his secret from Mum any longer.Įve Ainsworth has thoughtfully centred this story on the inequalities that exist in society and sensitively brought in the subject of family loss and grief too. ![]() Despite her opposition Lewis can’t stop, his love for the game makes it impossible for him to give up his hopes and ambitions despite his close and loving relationship with his mum. Lewis’s mum doesn’t want him to play football partly because it is expensive to buy the kit, pay for the training and get to the games but maybe more importantly because she blames football for the death of Lewis’s dad. The problem is that he has to practise in secret, in his “happy place” the strip of grass behind the block of flats where he lives with his mum and he uses an old football given to him by his friend. He needs to have a ball at his feet, to run with it, to practise getting his shots right. A positive and rewarding read that is just right for footie fans and may convert others to the beautiful game. The illustrations can be just as important or even more important than the words.Ĭlick on the picture and our Amazon affiliate links below to find out more information about the book.All to Play For tackles themes of poverty and grief threaded through a story of one boy’s love of football and his desire to achieve his ambition somehow. ![]() The illustrations help tell the story and describe the parts. They can take a picture walk to predict what the story is going to be about, describe the parts of the story such as the characters or setting, and work on concepts of print.Ī picture book is simply a book that has pictures. Using the illustrations is a great way for pre-readers to explore and “read” independently or with you. ![]()
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