Back of the Net

By Author / Illustrator
Eve Ainsworth, Luna Valentine
Genre
Bullying
Age range(s)
9+
Publisher
Barrington Stoke
ISBN
9781800903142
Format
Paperback / softback
Published
04-07-2024
Synopsis
Facing up to fears of bullying, Eva finds the courage to take to the field in this heartwarming tale from acclaimed author Eve Ainsworth.
Eva's football skills make her stand out while playing at break-time at school, so her friends can't understand why she's reluctant to join them in playing for their local team, the Lightmoor Lionesses.
Horribly bullied at her last school due to a painful skin condition, Eva is terrified that the same thing will happen again if her new friends find out. Her instinct is to hide away, but can she find the courage to take to the field and play the game she loves?
Reviews
Ruth
Back of the Net is a joyous book which, ultimately, celebrates the value of true friendship. Eva, the main character, is a skilled football player who is forced to change schools due to her father's job but this has advantages for her too, as it means she can escape the bullies who made her life miserable.
At her new home Eva loves practising with her older, equally talented brother. Despite Cam's encouragement, Eva is considering sacrificing the sport she loves for anonymity as she has a skin condition which the bullies previously taunted her mercilessly about. Giving up her beloved sport would enable her to hide her insecurities as she tries to settle into her new school. When she is finally persuaded to have a go, and tries out for the local team, once again it looks like the bullies might win.....
This relatively short book packs a big emotional punch, making it a brilliant addition for both the sports and friendship genres. The dyslexia friendly presentation from publishers, Barrington Stoke, offers an accessible format with buff coloured pages, easy to read font and exciting, dynamic illustrations by Luna Valentine. Eve Ainsworth has written a delightful story, full of empathy, and one which is must-have for the school library. Highly recommended.
96 pages / Reviewed by Ruth Cornish, school librarian
Suggested Reading Age 9+