By: Alex Barber and Kayleigh Barber
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Alex and Kayleigh have been together for over 10 years.
They are parents to three beautiful girls. They have both spent most of their professional lives trying to help others.
Alex, whose grandparents come from Gibraltar, can often be found coaching a football team or behind a camera lens in his spare time.
Kayleigh is passionate about equal opportunities and, along with her day job, also helps at the local school and football club as treasurer.
Ella loves playing football, whether she is at training, playing a video game, or dreaming about participating in the World Cup one day. However, not everyone thinks that girls should be able to play football, and many people are not afraid of making their opinions known. When Ella tries out for the school team and the boys jeer at her for being a girl, Ella becomes despondent, wondering whether she belongs at all. But with the support of her family, friends, and a special mentor, Ella finally embraces the fact that she can do anything she sets her mind to. This uplifting picture book follows the path of one young girl as she seeks to find her space in the world of football (or soccer). Colorful illustrations appear throughout the book, connecting young readers to Ella’s story in engaging and memorable ways. The text weaves in and out of the images, much like Ella does on the football field, requiring readers to pay careful attention to where the narrative is going next. While this design challenges the typical presentation of a picture book, varied font size and approachable language help readers better internalize the text. Photographs appear at the beginning and end of the book to connect readers to the true Ella upon whom the book is based. Supportive, approachable, and engaging, this book is a useful addition to library collections for young children, especially because it encourages acceptance and understanding outside of traditional gender expectations.
I liked this short children story, based on a young girl who was bullied because of her love football. Nice easy read and showing a great outcome, positive energy.
Really good book for children to read, boy or girl, good display of pictures and illustrations, brought this book for my niece, she loved it, it’s already motivated her to play more sports
A great little story based on the real life struggles of Ella to be accepted playing football. A strong message to all youngsters that you can do whatever you want if you persevere. A must for parents to show their youngsters.
A great story and one based in fact. As the father of two girls, this sadly tells the tale of some of the struggles they’ve faced. Well told and well illustrated. Thoroughly recommended.
Very good read and encouraging for children to be team mates.
My two year old daughter loves her books and she also loves kicking her football around the garden, so when I saw this book I had to buy it. I knew she’d like it, but it’s already become her favourite bedtime story. Whats also great, is we often find her sat down flicking through the pages herself… trying her best to recite the story haha. From a parents perspective it’s a lovely story, with a powerful message of inclusion that I definitely want my daughter to take on board. Highly recommend it!
A lovely book for girls or boys.
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