I am absolutely delighted that publishers are finally waking up to the fact that people want to know about female footballers and the rise of the women’s game. These four latest additions to the Ultimate Football Heroes series have been released just in time for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 (kick off is the 7th June) so that readers can learn about some of the game’s most brilliant players.

Kirby – follow the story of Fran Kirby, the super-striker and England star who played in my hometown of Reading and is an ex-pupil of my mum’s school (cue much excitement when she saw this book!) Dubbed as the ‘mini Messi’ by a former England manager, Kirby’s powerful runs and clinical finishing have made her a deadly goal scorer.

Morgan – Alex Morgan is one of women’s football’s most famous faces, known across the globe.  Co-Captain of team USA and star of The attacking line, her speed and skill make her a formidable opponent and have played major roles in propelling Team USA to World Cup and Olympic Glory.

Smith – Kelly Smith became one of Arsenal’s star players and the England women’s national team’s top scorer. But did you know that, aged nine, she was out-classing all the boys at her local club and had to move to a girl’s team following parental complaints? Her determination from that day on to become twice as skilful as any boy lead her to be the megastar that she is.

Marta – possibly the best player in the women’s game, Brazilian Marta has scored more World Cup goals than any other player and has won FIFA World Cup Player of the Year six times! However, she had many obstacles to overcome to be there: her family was too poor to afford enough to eat, let alone a football, and Marta was constantly being told that, as a girl, she should find a more suitable career. Luckily for us, she ignored her doubters and perused her dreams.

As well as profiling the players from playground to pitch, each book is packed with extras. Read player profiles, stats and timelines, learn how to dribble like Marta or to perfect the Alex Morgan ‘rainbow flick’ in the ‘Play Like Your Heroes’ section.

I am such a massive fan of this brilliant series and have seen it engage readers of all persuasions aged 7+ and am so pleased that women are now being represented.  There’s also a similar series about musical heroes such as Beyoncé and Taylor Swift amongst others.

If you’d like to find out more about the other titles in this brilliant series, click HERE

Another great fiction title for readers aged 9+ is Lily and the Rockets. Set in the Arsenal munitions Factory and following the rise of women’s football during the First World War, it’s a fantastic read.

Come on you girls!

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to John Blake Books for sending me these titles to review*