The Galaxy World Cup - Alan Joyce

 

Following an after-school detention where they were used as football target practice, Nick and his classmates are accidentally mistaken for being the best footballers in the world (probably due to the names on the back on their football tops) and are abducted by aliens in order to compete in an intergalactic football competition.  But can these misfits, who happen to be terrible at football, actually win a game?

This book is a great read.  Full of fun and laughs, there are also some important messages about friendship, working together and resilience woven into the action.

Nick and his fellow detentioners (probably not a real word!) really haven't had the best day, and when they are told they have to run laps of the park, they are even more fed-up than they were. And that is when they discover that there is actually an invisible space ship standing in front of them!  Within minutes they are abducted and transported to the planet Bigpu where they will face football teams from other planets in a major competition that could have dire consequences for Earth if they lose!

This team really are the worst footballers ever and now they have no choice but to compete against teams of different aliens in conditions that would test even the best footballer.  They have no choice but to learn to work together and, as the tournament unfolds, friendships begin to form.

Nick, Mia, Eddie, Sanjay and Phil are all very different but wonderful characters whom I enjoyed getting to know.  They made me laugh and also made me think at times; each have their own things they are dealing with and it reminds readers not to judge people until you know know them.  

From bouncy pitches to exploding team tops, The Galaxy World Cup is a great read that will appeal to fans of football as well as fans of Oliver's Great Big Universe and the Sam Wu series.  

The Galaxy World Cup is out now. 

Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Stinky Stolen Toenails - Kaz Penney

 

Will Shakespeare is a young boy solving crime in Tudor Stratford-upon-Avon.  In his first case, he and his best friend, Tybalt, are on the hunt for Henry VIII's incredibly smelly toenail clippings which have been stolen from the Moundsofgoo family.  If they aren't found and returned then Ronaldo won't be able to marry the love of his life, Judy Catapult, for the toenails (also known as the Moundsofgoo Treasure) are required as the dowry.  Can Will and Tybalt find the magic toenails with their mysterious healing properties before its too late?

The Stinky Toenails is a whole heap of fun from beginning to end.  Whether it's Will and Tybalt's antics, the character names or the humour that is woven through everything, I know that the book is going to be a big hit, especially with fans of Loki and Wimpy Kid.

Will is a master at avoiding doing his chores and helping out at home which is why he ends up trying to help Ronaldo in his quest to marry Judy.  Together, Will and Tybalt are a force to be reckoned with as they try to discover who the thief is.  Readers will be able to guess along as they laugh their way through the book.  With bits of history in the mix and wonderful illustrations from Sammy Elgie, The Stinky Stolen Toenails is a book that is bound to be a huge hit when it publishes on the 26th March.

Pearl Beach - Beth Steiner

Billie has spent every summer she can remember at Pearl Beach at the seaside home that belongs to her elderly Aunt Edith.  Days are spent in the pool with her friend Andy, her best friend, and Billie is very excited to be heading back there.

However, this year everything is different: Andy is now more into fashion, make-up and boys, and Billie feels uncomfortable with the changes. On top of that, Aunt Edith has decided to spend the summer at the beach with them.

Written entirely in verse, Pearl Beach is a beautifully written book that looks at the challenges of growing up. Despite being teenagers, Billie still prefers to wear board shorts and isn't interested in make-up so discovering a more glamorous Andy who is keen to make an impression with the boys is difficult for her to navigate. All she wanted to do was spend the summer as they usually do and the change in their friendship isa shock to her.

Add to that, Edith's arrival: a holocaust survivor, Billie doesn't know how to talk to her, so when she is expected to accompany her places she once again feels awkward. However, time and the discovery of one of her aunt's old diaries changes everything.  The relationship that builds between the pair is heart-warming to read, and the insight into Edith's experiences sobering and heart-breaking.

Pearl Beach is a beautiful tale of friendship, love and discovering yourself; it's a story of understanding the past and learning to brace the future, and it's a story of resilience.

Pearl beach publishes in the 7th May.