It's so refreshing to read a book that has such a diverse range of relatable characters. I love the message that if you are determined and don't let set backs pull you down, you can be successful. Each character has their own challenges but with care and support of the the team they do not let the challenges get in their way. This book will grab the attention of any football crazy young person, but will go on to help them see that kindness and understanding can make a huge difference to someone's life.

A great read for kids that love sports especially soccer. I how she wove important topics that kids deal with more
Than ever - competitive sports teams - ADHD - friendships.keep
These sports books coming!

Solid football/soccer book that will do just what literacy-focused Venessa Taylor intends: give reluctant readers a fast-paced, high-interest book that will keep them engaged until the end. The characters feel authentic and are diverse in ethnicity, family composition, and obstacles. Shay and Frankie, best friends since they first started school, both set out to make a select team and the book leads readers through the ups and downs of competition and the complications caused by factors like absent parents, asthma, ADHD, and the usual social friction that arises amid 9 year old boys. Without being heavy-handed, Taylor includes clear messages about teamwork, striving for excellence, acceptance, and succeeding despite barriers. The story progression is fairly predictable, but that fact will be reassuring to those new to chapter books or who are uncertain readers. Target age group is likely 2nd-4th grade. Note: Author Vanessa Taylor writes from her London background and several phrases, in addition to the football-soccer thing, will sound odd to US students’ ears. Thanks for the dARC, NetGalley.

I really enjoyed Baller Boys. Although I live in the U.S., I know that my soccer obsessed ELL students would love this book!

It was a pleasure to be ask to be part of the blog tour, as Baller Boys is set to be a fabulous new accessible series with the focus on the very popular subject of football.

When we meet best friends and football fanatics, Shay and Frankie, they are just finishing Year 3 and heading into the summer holidays. So imagine their excitement when they find out that the best local team (AC United) are holding trials. After lots of extra practice, the boys head off to the trial full of hope and excitement. The story follows their trial, the other boys they meet along the way, their disappointment and elation, families, friendship and their commitment to the game.

I loved the diversity and inclusivity of the book, not only covering ethnicity but also the challenges children face - none of which defines or hinders the young people in this story. The characters/families in this book are warm and relatable which is sure to make them very popular. I am aware that these books are written with reluctant readers (especially boys) in mind, but I believe that any child aged 6-9 years (with an interest in football) will find enjoyment in the Baller Boys.

Vanessa Taylor has used her education background to create the first of an accessible and relatable series of football books, which I am looking forward to sharing with lower KS2 but also our SEND.

Absolutely a delight of book. As a mother on a little boy, I am actually concerned about books for boys to read, with proper stories and with real characters. Books that make the boys read more and have a good core, and the Baller Boys is one of those good books. My son has been loving the book.
Thank you Venessa for the excellent book and keep on writing.

I just read Baller Boys by Vanessa Taylor, great fun #UKMG All about friendship & family...& a bit of football!

Shay and Frankie are pumped up about football tryouts - they can't wait to bring the dream team of their friendship to a real team! But what happens when only one of them makes the team...

A classic dilemma but with diverse and interesting characters - all set in an early chapter book that sports lovers will devour. I feel like early chapter books sometimes lack on story in order to be simpler for readers - but even younger readers crave good story! Thankful for this new book that will be on my library shelves!

This highly engaging football book I'm sure will become a family favourite. The characters are diverse and interesting and. not the standard boys we would normally meet in a book like this. Shay one of the main characters has asthma, however he is not going to let that hinder him from pursing his passion playing football, Likewise many of the boys have their own difficulties with ADHD, nut allergies, confidence and navigating school and family life.
I love that the focus of the book is on always trying your best, being determined and committed to improving. A great understanding of children shines throughout the book. There is some great dialogues between the adults and the children and I feel this would make a great book for Book clubs at libraries and schools to discuss all the issues written about.
Just the right amount of illustrations helps to draw us into the book and move the story along. This is perfect for reluctant readers!
Highly recommended, plus football cards, football paradise that children can relate to their own experiences of school and home life.

Baller Boys by Venessa Taylor is a lovely little book to add to your TBR shelf.


We follow a young soccer player, Shay, in this middle grade chapter book. Since it's summer, Shay and his buddy Frankie are going to try out for football (soccer) tryouts! They meet Coach Reece and work hard to try out for this soccer team! Shay and Frankie's friendship will be tested, when they learn not everyone is able to make the team.


Books like these are why I enjoyed reading as a kid. Not only does it talk about something fun and exciting, football/soccer, but it's an easy and fun read! Reluctant readers will love this book! It's packed full of fun and just an overall great read. Young boys and girls alike will be able to dive into this sport themed book and see kids just like them! Every character has their own quirks and unique family situations, which makes this book relatable too! I remember back in my young days, I loved a book that was similar to this but was about hockey. It got me totally enchanted with reading and helped me stick to it. It's awesome seeing more books come out that feature sports and are fun to read!


Also, shout out for Shay having asthma! As someone who has asthma, it's nice to see it being represented in this book!


I am totally obsessed with the cute trading cards at the front of the book. That alone gave this book so much personality and made it way more fun than I expected it to be. Little features like that are what we remember books by! Brava!


The cover is gorgeous - colourful, draws attention to the main character, and gives a bit of insight into what the books about. It's exactly what you want a cover to be. There's also small illustrations scattered throughout the book as well to help move the story along, and they are just as cute as the cover!


Add in the personal touch of this story that the author shares at the beginning, and you've got yourself a winner. Not only will kids love this story, but parents can appreciate the loving nature behind it as well. I have to admit, I had a wee tear in my eye reading who this book was dedicated to.


Overall, this book is just superb! It's a great book to introduce to reluctant readers. I highly recommend it!


Five out of five stars!


Thank you to NetGalley and Hashtag Press for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.