Standing Tall

by David Harding

Overview

Daniel and Sione have landed in Sydney for the State Championships. This is the biggest stage they have ever played on and the boys are full of nervous excitement. Valley will meet their toughest opponents yet and have the weight of family expectations on their shoulders. Can the team remember all they have learned on their training trip around the country?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780857986672
Publisher:	Random House Australia
Publication date:	04/01/2016
Series:	Israel Folau Series , #4
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.90(d)
Lexile:	720L (what's this?)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Israel Folau is an Australian Rugby Union star whose career has seen him named the Super Rugby Player of the Year and John Eales Medalist. David Harding is a teacher and the author of titles in the Robert Irwin: Dinosaur Hunter series and the RSPCA Animal Tales series.

Editorial Reviews

"This fast-paced story invites readers to experience what athletes can encounter on and off the field, with realistic experiences and shifting moods."  —School Library Journal, June 2016 issue

From the Publisher

06/01/2016
Gr 3–5—In this series installment, readers find Sione, Daniel, and the rest of their rugby team facing the biggest competition of their lives. The state championship game is close yet seems out of reach as the characters face challenges in the game and in the locker room. Heckling from an opposing team, the pressure of making it to the championship round, and the uncertainty of whether a team member's family will show up to support him seem to be too much to handle for the Valley Junior Rugby players. With the help of their all-star coach, professional rugby player Israel (Izzy) Folau, the boys receive a much-needed boost and will find out if determination and hard work are truly all they need to lead them to victory. This fast-paced story invites readers to experience what athletes can encounter on and off the field, with realistic experiences and shifting moods. The alternating chapters share the perspectives of two main characters and are well connected and easy to follow, giving the narrative a consistent flow. The authors' choice to go beyond the story itself and add player profiles, Folau's career information, and professional training tips for rugby players is sure to attract readers who love the game or are just athletes at heart. VERDICT A solid addition, especially where realistic sports fiction—rugby in particular—is in demand.—Nikitia Wilson, Queens Library, NY

School Library Journal