In a nutshell: football-set story, accessible to all readers
Jackson Law is a talented footballer, newly signed to the United youth squad. Real life carries on though, and a budding romance with the girl he’s always fancied brings him up against her thuggish ex. Jackson’s got a lot to lose now which lays him open to the lad’s threats and blackmail, but he discovers that his team mates are there to support him on and off the pitch. There’s just the right mix of footballing action and domestic drama and the story unfolds at a pace that will keep all readers turning the pages. An enjoyable and exciting contemporary story. ~Andrea Reece
This exciting coming of age story follows a boy from a tower block as he joins a premier league football academy. This seem to be going well for Jackson - he has signed for United and finally has the chance to go out with Lauren, the girl of his dreams. But when her ex-boyfriend finds out, Jackson is forced to choose between Lauren and his United team-mates. Can he still find a way to make it as a professional footballer?
Bloomsbury High Low books encourage and support reading practice by providing gripping, age-appropriate stories for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with English as an additional language.
Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font and illustrations, The Football Trials is aimed at readers aged 12+ and has a manageable length (80 pages) and reading age (9+). Produced in association with reading experts at Catch Up, a charity which aims to address underachievement caused by literacy and numeracy difficulties.
This series will interest older readers towards the end of primary school or beginning of secondary school and any football fan. The Reader Teacher, @MrEPrimary
Author
About John Hickman
John Hickman grew up on a council estate in Wolverhampton. He studied animation at university before moving to Newcastle upon Tyne and training as a social worker. After gaining a distinction in his creative writing MA at Newcastle University, John now writes page-turning fiction for children as well as projects for the stage and screen. His first novel, Freaks United has been shortlisted for the Hull Book Award. John likes to spend time with his family and friends, play old video games, watch bad movies and read good books. He is an avid football fan and supports Manchester United.
