Pocket Rocket: Ellyse Perry Book One, (Sherryl Clark & Ellyse Perry, Random House)

Not content with being one of the youngest sports stars to have represented Australia in cricket and soccer, Ellyse Perry can now add author to her impressive CV. In Pocket Rocket, Perry and co-author Sherryl Clark introduce us to a young Ellyse and her quest to do what she wants most of all, play cricket. No doubt based on real-life events, the story documents the hurdles faced when starting a new school, how friendships withstand new surroundings, and balancing (school) work and play. Pocket Rocket depicts an encouraging scenario where it is common for girls to participate in what is a predominantly male sport, and this is one of its great strengths. Ellyse’s relationships with her friends and family, especially her dad, are also well portrayed. This book will resonate with readers aged 11 and up as they start high school, particularly with girls who want more books that have strong female characters who are passionate about sport. Pocket Rocket is book one in a series and I’m eager to read the soccer-focussed Magic Feet next.

Katie Haydon is a former assistant editor of Books+Publishing and is completing a Graduate Diploma in Adult Language, Literacy and Numeracy

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