The popularity of this series was very evident last year with my Year 5 boys. Written in an illustrative diary style by Marcus the main character, they tell of the poor boy’s trials and tribulations in the sporting arena.

Marcus is NOT a basketball player but his dad, who writes self-help books, remains deaf to all protests and organises for Marcus to join a team coached by a friend. Marcus is even less impressed to find out it’s a team of girls!

This is the 8^th in the series and while I haven’t seen their impact with a mixed clientele I can safely say that they are a big hit with boys and not just the nerdy non-sporty ones! I suspect that many of my boy readers were laughing a little smugly as they had not suffered such indignities in their various teams and games!

The cartoon style is very appealing and a great support to readers who are not particularly confident or enthusiastic. Sally Heinrich has a real knack for capturing expression with just a few lines.

I would heartily recommend this (series) for your primary libraries, mostly suited for readers around 8 years and up.

You can visit the author’s website here.