Fear

Kian has to face his fears of footballing failure in order to support a friend in this action-packed sports story from bestselling and award-winning author Tom Palmer. Kian's best mate Azeem is desperate for them both to join the local football team. He can't understand why Kian's reluctant as he's one of the best players on their estate. But a bad experience with a former coach has robbed Kian of all his confidence. He wants to support his friend, but he doesn't think he can face the pressure of being part of a team again. Can Kian overcome the Fear? Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 7.

"With big bold wording and fun illustrations, this book is really accessible. Whether you're more confident or finding your feet as a reader, everyone can enjoy this heartfelt book ... We all know what it's like to feel "the fear" and how other people's actions can have a huge effect on us. Themes of friendship and determination are carefully placed in this powerful, page-turning book." - Juno "This story of football and conquering one's fears is accessible and engaging, perfect for sports fans and reluctant readers ... Palmer's gentle and plain-speaking tone shows that feelings of fear and anxiety are not only normal, but manageable and something it is okay to talk about ... shows that sporting stories can have powerful emotional themes as well as action and excitement." - Books for Keeps "Speaks so honestly and realistically about the pressures of being in a team and of anxiety ... it's also a tale of friendship and the strength you get by opening up to others." - Check 'Em Out Books, blog "An absolutely brilliant book for helping young people recognise and cope with anxiety ... The Fear highlights the responsibility held by all adults who work with children, building them up and helping them understand themselves." - Scope for Imagination, blog "Not only does [Tom Palmer] love football himself he knows how to write about it in a way that will hook youngsters into the reading habit ... With thoughtful understanding this story explores themes that are important to all children; self-esteem, friendship and resilience and the importance of considering others." - A Library Lady, blog.

Reviews

Tom Palmer was a reluctant reader as a child and credits articles about football with getting him into reading. He is now the multi-award-winning author of many books including the acclaimed reboot of the Roy of the Rovers series and the Carnegie Medal longlisted After the War. In 2019 Tom was awarded the National Literacy Trust's Ruth Rendell Award in recognition of his significant contribution to literacy work in the UK.