BooksforTopics Reading for Pleasure Recommendations

Book Title: Roy of the Rovers: Scouted (available here)

Author: Tom Palmer

Publisher: Rebellion Graphic Novels

Publication Date: October 2018

Most Suitable for: Years 5-8

Reviewed By: Emma Hughes, School Librarian

Roy of the Rovers star Roy Race is back and he has just moved up to the U18s football team. At only 16 years old he is finding it physically and emotionally draining.

With determination, Roy follows the advice of his coach to improve his strength and stamina. It is not easy to fit in the additional training when he is a part-time carer for his disabled father. Whilst he is able to make the huge effort to get his dad to see a Melchester Rovers game in his wheelchair, it looks like he’s not going to have time to play in the local cup-final, where he might be seen by a talent scout from his favourite team.

This book has so much to offer. It has everything that a football fan needs… match day action, local club rivalry, modern football politics, trials, crunching tackles, tricks, misses and goals. But this is much more than a book about the beautiful game, because it also has everything that today’s children need as they grow up. It is jam-packed with positive role models, girls involvement in Women’s Football, respect, mental well-being, good work ethic, education and aspiration. Tom Palmer expertly weaves all of this together with friendship, family and a great little plot.

This book is likely to engage both active and reluctant readers in school years 5, 6, 7 & 8. Also in the series is Kick-Off, a graphic novel by Rob Williams & Ben Willsher (available here) that picks up the action where Scouted finishes.

——————–

You can order Scouted online or from your local bookshop or library.

Many thanks to the publisher for sending us a review copy of this book and to Emma Hughes for reviewing the book.