posted on 18 Apr 2021

Offside by Paul Stewart

If, like me, you know the work of Paul Stewart from the wonderful fantasy series, The Edge Chronicles which he writes in conjunction with the always excellent Chris Riddle, the prospect of a series called Football Mad is an engaging prospect. ‘Offside’ is number two in this Barrington Stoke ‘super readable’ collection and follows on from ‘Own Goal’ and with at least another two planned for later this year and into 2022.

Dale Junior Under 11 football team – nicknamed The Paint Boys because of their sponsors, Platt’s Paints – is on the verge of getting into  the Langton Town Junior Cup Final and their success is partly due to Lee, a new boy at the school who has some silky football skills. But Lee’s presence has upset the apple-cart for Jack Taggart who has been dropped down to the substitutes bench. Jack is trying very hard to accept this and to be a team player but he’s disappointed that his partnership with his two best friends in the team, Scott and Danny has been broken up. But there’s something even bigger bothering Jack – he thinks he’s the only one who has spotted that there’s something not quite right about Lee.

Soon Jack’s suspicions take on a much more disturbing reality because he overhears Lee seeming to plot throwing the final. What’s going on? Why does Lee seem to be in league with his ‘cousin’, the thuggish Billy? What does Billy have on Lee that would make it worth betraying his new team mates?

Well, you’re going to have to read the book and find out for yourself – you will discover that there are plenty of twists and turns in the story and a shocking truth to be revealed. Football action mixes creatively with stories of friendship, betrayal and a good dollop of social realism to help create a page-turner that will have the reader hooked.

Paul Stewart’s story has been supplemented by illustrations courtesy of Michael Broad who provides a liberal sprinkling of black and white drawings – some of which are full page and give the characters and story personality.

Girls and boys who are besotted by football will love the book and they will find the descriptions of the football matches just as exciting as the unfolding story of how Jack solves the mystery of Lee’s odd behaviour.

Available this month, you should be able to order a copy from your favourite independent bookshop or go directly to the Barrington Stoke website.

Terry Potter

April 2021