Description
Set in the year leading up to the AFL Draft and following the experiences of six teenagers who are in its orbit, this YA novel is unique, compelling, authentic and full of footy. Perfect for sporty kids.
Summer. Winter. Autumn. Spring.
As the year unfolds, AFL footy season starts and the dreams of six teenagers play out on and off the field.
Elias. Team player. Running keeps him calm.
Zac and Fletcher. Best mates. Top 5 Draft picks?
Mason. Perfect practice with Dad makes perfect play.
Dane. Great footballer. Terrible boyfriend.
Beth. It's always been 'Dane and Beth'. What does 'just Beth' look like?
Plans unravel and life bounces in unexpected directions. A brilliant YA novel about coming of age, and the love of the game with all its triumph, heartbreak and hope.
Review
This book goes through the year leading up to and including the AFL draft through the eyes of five hopefuls, and one girlfriend.
We see the varying stress levels of the different players, with some doing quite well at school and others really relying on getting picked for their future to pan out. They all have their own challenges, with one losing his Dad to cancer.
It also shows the downside for many hopefuls, who through injury or just being not quite good enough do not get drafted. This can be a devastating time for some, and hopefully this book will illustrate that it is best to have a plan B.
This is an important book that looks at a pivotal time in the life of many teenagers that I have not seen covered like this before, and taking us on five very different individual journeys. Best suited to readers aged from 13 to 18 years, with a topic that may appeal to some readers who are not usually library borrowers!
