Glenn Maxwell: Lucky Break and Academy All-Stars by Patrick Loughlin

Random House, 2015. ISBN 9780857988867
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Themes: Cricket, Sports, Teamwork, Friendship. In Lucky break Twelve-year-old Will Allbright is the captain of the Green Park Rangers. After he leads his cricket team to victory, hitting a six off the last ball, his coach surprises him with a special reward. Jack Jarrett is a selector for Junior Cricket Victoria and he offers Will a place at the T20 training camp. Will is surprised to see that girls are training as well and one girl in particular catches his attention, feisty Zoe. The young cricketer soon realises that he needs to stand out in the camp full of talented players. Cricket legend Glenn Maxwell offers Will much needed insight in dealing with Darren 'Killer' McKinnon's fast paced bowling attacks. Teamwork, resilience, friendship and skill building are key concepts encouraged in this junior novel.
In Academy All-Stars Will has received his selection letter and with the support of his father he prepares himself for training sessions at the T20 Youth Academy Centre at St. Kilda. In an interesting twist he needs to compete against his friend Shavil for the opening batsman position. With the helpful advice of Glenn Maxwell, Will's cricketing future looks bright.
These two novels come packed with cricketing tips, information about Maxwell's career, top tips for batting and bowling and a handy glossary as well. Patrick Loughlin writes a nicely balanced sporting storyline, with realistic characters and gives the reader a great insight into the world of cricket.
Rhyllis Bignell