Joseph Delaney used to be an English teacher, before becoming the best-selling author of the Spook's series, which has been published in 30 countries and sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide. The first book, The Spook's Apprentice, was adapted into a major motion picture starring Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore.

Joseph Delaney

PublicationStatus

Brand

Format

AgeRange

Series

Imprint

CategoryLabel

Rob Childs

A collection of three fabulous football stories from the BIG series about football-mad brothers Chris and Andrew Weston. The three titles contained are THE BIG CLASH, THE BIG DROP and THE BIG SEND-OFF. Will Danebridge win the Cup? As captain, Chris has to deal with everything from a penalty shoot-out to a shock sending-off!

Big Cup Collection Omnibus

Arthur Ransome

It's great detective work that's needed now. Bill, Peter and Joe are falsely accused of setting boats adrift and the whole river is against them. Only Dick, Dorothea and Tom Dudgeon are there to stand by their friends and they soon set to work to investigate the crimes and trap the real criminals

The Big Six

Paul Howard

Gordon D'Arcy

Gordon D'Arcy - the only kid at school with a Six Nations medal hidden under his pillow! Though helping Ireland to win the Grand Slam feels like it was just a dream. 
 
Now, he's been given a brand new challenge - the chance to play for Leinster. 
 
After learning so many lessons playing for Ireland - including how to make a complete eejit of himself in front of millions of people - fitting in at Leinster should be a breeze. Right? 
 
Unfortunately, not. After his first training session, he sees why the team is mocked for being 'soft' (those stories about players wearing fake tan? All true!). Now he knows why so many people from Leinster support Munster. 
 
But Gordon settles down to work under an inspiring coach named Joe Schmidt. Joe promises that, with hard work, discipline and a bit of self-belief, Leinster can win the European Cup. 
 
Maybe another dream can come true!

Gordon’s Game: Blue Thunder

It’s time to find out who is your family’s top footy genius. Tackle your parents, your brother, your sister – even your dog – to see who is No.1 in your house when it comes to football knowledge. 
 
1 What is Jurgen Klopp’s middle name? 
 
A Norbert B Herbert C Schubert 
 
 
2 Which of these legends was never named PFA Player of the Year? 
 
A Frank Lampard B Roy Keane C John Terry 
 
 
3 Which international footballer was born in Middlefart? 
 
A Toni Kroos B Christian Eriksen C Erling Haaland 
 
 
The Match of the Day Family Footy Quiz book is the brand-new challenge for footy fans everywhere. Packed with hundreds of brain-busting questions from the Match of the Day team, featuring puzzles, teasers, crosswords, word searches, secrets and much more – this is the ultimate test for any football fan. 
 
Answers 
1 A Norbert, 2 A Frank Lampard, 3 B Christian Eriksen

Match of the Day Family Footy Quiz Book

Tom Palmer

James, Lily and friends have had some bad news - football is now banned at their school. But they all love football! So if they're not allowed to kick a ball the playground, they'll have to find another way to play - in secret . . .

The Secret Football Club (Pocket Money Puffin)

Danebridge School football team are through to the Cup Final and Andrew Weston, who plays in a key position in defence, can hardly wait for the big day. It's going to be the most important match of the whole year. His younger brother Chris is in on the action too, picked to be the team's substitute goalkeeper. 
 
But the Weston brothers suddenly discover that they have a big problem. For the match clashes with an important family occasion - and their mother insists that they must drop out of the match! What can they do? They can't possibly miss the Final...

The Big Day

Jenny Ireland

The third book from Branford Boase award nominated author, Jenny Ireland. This YA sport romance is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Emily Henry! 
 
When Lexie sees Shane for the first time, she’s blown away. Not only by the way he plays football (although that is great), but by his looks, and how he’s not like the other boys. Best of all, he feels the same way about her. Electricity at first sight. 
 
But there's a problem. 
 
New in town, Shane has taken the position in Westing FC's starting 11 that Lexie’s brother, Niall, had set his sights on. Now, they must be each other's biggest secret. Shane's family situation is complicated, so there isn't much space for a girlfriend... or is there? 
 
At first, the sneaking around is exciting: after practice, meeting on the beach, hiding from Niall. But things are about to get complicated... 
 
Also by Jenny Ireland: 
 
THE FIRST MOVE 
"I LOVED IT!! Amazing disability representation. Incredible character development. Gripping, fast-paced plot. This is YA romance at its finest!!" – Goodreads reader 
 
THE BOY NEXT DOOR 
"This book made me cry, laugh and also look at life slightly differently" – Goodreads reader

Matched Up

"THIS IS WHERE WE BELONG - IN THE BIG TIME!" 
Andrew and Chris Weston have both been invited to attend a special summer coaching course at one of the country's top football clubs. The brothers are determined to give it their best shot, hoping to impress United's scouts. Another bonus is the chance to be ball boys at a World Cup qualifying match between England and Holland. But the big event turns out to be even more explosive than anyone could ever have guessed...!

The Big Time

The fifth book in the fast-paced Football Academy series. 
 
James has been a junior player at United for a long time. Everyone expects him to follow in his dad's footsteps and play for England one day. But James isn't so sure. He has something he wants to do even more than football. Something that means he would have to give up football. The problem is he doesn't want to disappoint his dad. At a tournament in London, where he is pitched against Arsenal and Chelsea players, James finally makes his mind up.

Football Academy: Free Kick

Jean Adamson

Belinda Worsley

Topsy and Tim are always finding fun adventures in the real world, and this story is reassuring for young children having first experiences of their own. Going to the swimming pool for the first time can be daunting but Topsy and Tim are having fun! Follow the twins on their adventures as they have lessons, learn to swim without their armbands and take part in a swimming competition. 
 
A trusted and well-loved pair who can help guide parents and children through 'first experiences'. This bestselling Topsy and Tim title has been refreshed with a contemporary and fresh style that will appeal to a new generation of readers.

Topsy and Tim: Learn to Swim

James Patterson

Katts and doggs are supposed to be sworn enemies, not . . . in LOVE! Gross! 
 
Wilderness adventurers and expert trackers Molly the katt and Oscar the dogg go camping with their families: parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. One big reunion! It would be fun if there weren't so many rules to follow at the campsite. ATTENTION KATTS AND DOGGS: No crossing the border, or you'll be asked to leave the Eastern Wilderness Reserve. If you're still alive. 
 
Molly and Oscar must outsmart the rule-makers when they discover that their katt and dogg cousins have run away together - for reasons only Molly and Oscar will understand. Now the clever pair must find and warn their cousins before all four of them are in need of a serious rescue mission.

Katt Loves Dogg

Trevor Colgan

Luke is fed up. Just as his football team has made it to the semi-finals of the All Ireland Schoolboys' League, his mother has decided to move him to Dun Laoghaire. For her it means a new job - perhaps a new man. But for Luke it means the loss of his footballing dream and struggling to fit into a new school. Whom can he trust? Cecilia whose bullying boyfriend wants to beat him to a pulp? Ella the quiet Man City Fan he sits next to? And will he be able to create a half-decent football team in Dun Laoghaire?

The Stretford Enders

Ladybird

An adaptation of the classic Topsy and Tim story by Jean and Gareth Adamson. It's Sports Day at school and Topsy and Tim are cross that they are not winning any races. With one race to go, will the twins overcome their differences and work together? 
 
Read it yourself with Ladybird is one of Ladybird's best-selling series. For over thirty-five years it has helped young children who are learning to read develop and improve their reading skills. 
 
Each Read it yourself book is very carefully written to include many key, high-frequency words that are vital for learning to read, as well as a limited number of story words that are introduced and practised throughout. Simple sentences and frequently repeated words help to build the confidence of beginner readers and the four different levels of books support children all the way from very first reading practice through to independent, fluent reading. 
 
Each book has been carefully checked by educational consultants and can be read independently at home or used in a guided reading session at school. Further content includes comprehension puzzles, helpful notes for parents, carers and teachers, and book band information for use in schools. 
 
Topsy and Tim: The Big Race is a Level 2 Read it yourself title, ideal for children who have received some initial reading instruction and can read short, simple sentences with help.

Topsy and Tim: The Big Race - Read it yourself with Ladybird

Level 2

'Swallows and Amazons for ever!' 
 
Rediscover this classic tale of adventure. 
 
 The Walker children - also known as Captain John, Mate Susan, Able-Seaman Titty, and Ship's Boy Roger - set sail on the Swallow and head for Wild Cat Island. There they camp under open skies, swim in clear water and go fishing for their dinner. But their days are disturbed by the Blackett sisters, the fierce Amazon pirates. The Swallows and Amazons decide to battle it out, and so begins a summer of unforgettable discoveries and incredible adventures. 
 
 EXTRA ACTIVITIES INCLUDED: Crack the Swallow's code and learn all about the adventurous author in the brilliant extra educational resources included in this edition.

Swallows and Amazons

The Swallows and Amazons are sailing with Nancy and Peggy's Uncle Jim (better known as Captain Flint) when their hired deckhand tells them a tale of his younger days - a tale to set pulses racing and hopes shooting sky high. Soon their boat is on its way to a Caribbean treasure hunt and they find themselves up against shark, storm, earthquake - and the vilest pirate who ever eavesdropped at a porthole.

Peter Duck

A rugby-mad boy. A huge game. And a chance for an epic win . . . or an epic fail! 
 
Gordon D'Arcy is an ordinary boy, but he's not so ordinary once he gets a rugby ball in his hands. He's the star player for Wexford Wanderers and dreams of one day wearing the Ireland jersey. A dream like that means hard work, raw talent and never losing sight of your goals. 
 
But Gordon has a wild streak that often lands him in trouble. Mum and Dad think that if he can just channel his energy, all will be well. Then something utterly mad happens and he gets a chance to live his biggest dream. 
 
Can he stay on his game and do everyone proud? Or will trouble follow him ... like it usually does? 
 
Gordon's Game is a funny and inspiring adventure for rugby lovers of all ages!

Gordon's Game

The hilarious rugby adventure book for children aged 9-12 who love sport

Topsy and Tim find fun and adventure in the real world. Their engaging stories are reassuring for young children having first experiences of their own. In Topsy and Tim Sports Day, the twins take part in their school sport's day. They take part in all sorts of races, and try to prove who is the fastest! 
 
A trusted and well-loved pair who can help guide parents and children through 'first experiences', Topsy and Tim books have been beautifully updated with contemporary artwork. Topsy and Tim remain instantly recognizable to parents while in a fresh style that will appeal to a new generation of fans. These wonderful books deserve a place on every child's bookshelves. 
 
Previously released as Topsy and Tim Go for Gold.

Topsy and Tim Sports Day

Dan Lee

Matt James is thrilled to win a place at the Beijing International Academy. Soon he's learning new moves and making new friends. But in the background, shadowy figures hide, looking for the opportunity to pounce. In this first action-packed adventure, the Tangshan Tigers must unite to stop a thief in his tracks. Can they save their priceless jade trophy before it disappears for good?

Tangshan Tigers: The Stolen Jade

Allan Ahlberg

Coronation Year, 1953, and in Oldbury a Coronation football competition is organized. The boys from the bottom pitch get a team up, but there's no chance they'll win, of course. They're just the odds and sods &ndash; one of them is even a girl &ndash; but they're all football crazy and ready and eager to beat off the opposition. 
 
A funny and moving story of football and friendship in a world when the streets were full of kids and empty of cars. Not only for boys &ndash; and girls &ndash; of 9+, there's a real pull of nostalgia for adults as well. And, of course, for all lovers of football, whether on the pitch or in the park.

The Boyhood of Burglar Bill

Susie Day

Eleven-year-old Pea and her wonderfully wacky family are back for their second adventure in this fabulously funny series. 
 
After securing herself a best friend and settling into London life, Pea is now contemplating her future and what exactly she should be when she grows up. Should she be a writer (like Mum)? An artist (like their crazy new au pair Klaudia)? A footballer? A pet therapist? Join Pea as she attempts to find out the answers - with hilarious results!

Pea's Book of Big Dreams

It's September, and Andrew Weston can hardly wait to get back to school. For this year he is to play in the school football team, and Andrew is sure that his skills in defence will help Danebridge win every match. 
 
But Andrew and his younger brother Chris - a promising goalkeeper - are in action even sooner when they take part in an annual six-a-side football tournament. When a young winger for the Selworth team gives Andrew a few bad moments, Andrew suspects that his debut match for the school team won't be easy at all. For their first opponents are to be...Selworth!

The Big Game

Goalkeeper Chris Weston is stunned when he is asked to captain the Danebridge School football team. But the season gets off to a disastrous start and no-one, especially bullying Luke Bradshaw, can forget the good old days when Chris's brother Andrew and his friends led the team to victory. 
 
There's only one way for Chris to prove himself and his team. Somehow they must beat Andrew and the other Danebridge Old Boys in a very special challenge match. But as the big day draws near, Chris knows that he is facing a vital test...

The Big Kick

Bali Rai

Dal, Chris, Abs and Jason have made the squad for the local youth club under-11s football team. And after their first match (not as successful as they'd have liked), they are determined to prove that they've got what it takes to be winners. 
 
Jason, Dal, Abs and Chris are about to be famous! A TV documentary is being made about their team and everyone wants the chance to shine in front of the cameras. But what is more important - looking like a star, or playing well as part of the team? When Abs takes his posing a bit too far, is he getting too big for his boots?

Soccer Squad: Stars!

Liz J. Plum

Scarlet Tucker is the queen of high school. At Royal Eastwood High, money determines social status - and if Scarlet's family have one thing, it's money. She hangs out with the popular crowd and is dating Jack, star quarterback and heartthrob. 
 
But behind the scenes, things are a little different. Scarlet loves studying, which her classmates would think is lame. She works as a mechanic in her spare time, because she wants to earn her own money. And she doesn't think much of Jack's incessant bullying of Elijah Black, the school outcast. 
 
When a chance encounter between Scarlet and Elijah sets sparks flying, the two unlikely classmates discover they have a lot more in common than they thought. But sparks can catch fire, and some secrets are better left buried. 
 
Who will be caught in the destruction? 
 
A young adult romance perfect for fans of Riverdale and Pretty Little Liars.

Fight For Her

Neil Arksey

Imagine having a Premier league and England striker as your dad! Lee Brooks loves it, until his dad - 'Brooksie' - loses form and goes downhill embarrassingly fast. Lee hates Brooksie for letting him down. And Lee hates having to move to a grotty new home without his dad. With his own on-pitch confidence at an all-time low, he even begins to hate football. But then he meets Dent and his mates and the chance is there for him to play again - with a team of seriously talented players. They've just one problem - no pitch!

Brooksie

Noel Streatfeild

A series of children's modern classic novels by renowned 20th century children's writers. All the titles in this series have the A Puffin Book logo, contemporary-style covers, and child-friendly endnotes.

The four Heath children, with tennis in their blood, join the competitive tournament circuit and battle hard to win.

Tennis Shoes

Bluey

Bluey is on a family camping trip, where she makes a new friend, Jean-Luc. 
 
Even though Bluey and Jean-Luc don't speak the same language, they teach each other how to camp, plant trees and hunt a "wild pig". 
 
This lovely picture book is all about the magic of friendship.

Bluey: Camping

Jonathan Kebbe

RESPECT. That's what Lewis wants from his classmates. Nicknamed USELESS LEWIS or LOO BRUSH, he's fed up with his stammer, fed up that he can't pluck up the nerve to join the drama club - and fed up that the only football he gets to play is pretend matches with his collection of bottle-tops at home. 
 
Then Lewis' gangly mate Zulfi puts together a team for a five-a-side charity tournament. And he wants LEWIS to play! Can the bottle-top king burst out of his shell and show everyone the hero inside? 
 
A fresh, deliciously humourous story from a downtrodden pipsqueak who knows deep down he's a genius!

The Bottle-Top King

Tom Dudgeon has cast off a motor cruiser from its moorings to protect a coot's nest, but now the cruiser is searching high and low for him - even offering a reward. Tom accepts an invitation for a week's cruise to teach his new friends, Dick and Dorothea how to sail. You couldn't get a better sailor than Tom but can he really stay one jump ahead of his pursuers long enough to complete the voyage?

Coot Club

Lear Disappear is Book 25 of 28 in Actiphons Level 2, and is designed for an adult and child to read together. This story is also available as part of Actiphons Level 2 Box 3. 
 
Lear Disappear is playing a game of hide and seek with her friends. Who will find the best place to hide? 
 
Actiphons is an energetic phonics series for children who are learning to read. These lively stories practise 70 letter sounds, each with its own fun character and action, to help children become confident, fluent readers. 
 
Every book contains simple activities and tips, as well as a unique code which unlocks a collection of free online resources, including a song, audiobook and animation for each story. 
 
Visit the Ladybird Education website and use the Get Set! reading check to find the perfect Actiphons book for every child.

Actiphons Level 2 Book 25 Lear Disappear

Learn phonics and get active with Actiphons!

biblio.categories.code

biblio.publicationStatus

biblio.brand

biblio.workEditions.format

biblio.ageRange

biblio.series.seriesName

biblio.imprint.description

biblio.type

About us

About Us (Header 4)

Best-Jane-Austen-quotes_Online-Desktop_Penguin

James-Baldwin

Marian-Keyes

haruki-murakami-320×320-1

Richard-Osman

Malorie Blackman

Lisa-Jewell

Charlie-Mackesy

Authors (Header 3)

Children&#039;s

Company

Discover

Fiction

Non-fiction

Penguin Classics

Penguin Shop (Header 5)

Useful links

Work with us

Search Results

The Fall of the West

Hunt the Villain

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Fight or Flight (Book 21)

The Mortons

Watch a trailer for The Spook's Blood

A photograph of Ben Barnes in character for Shadow and Bone Netflix series.

Interviews

Shadow and Bone’s Ben Barnes on tear-jerking books and what he’s reading

An image showing a selection of adventure stories for 9-12 year olds on a bright yellow background with orange doodles that include a hashtag, flag, danger sign and speech bubble

Children's reading lists

16 books for 9 to 12-year-olds that love adventures

An image of a selection of books for 9-12s on a blue background with a large splodge and striped print

24 must-read books for 9-12-year-olds

A picture of several different children's books on a pink to blue ombre background; each book has a bright yellow shadow

Showing results for: ‘joseph delaney’

Filters

Category

Age

Publication Date

Format

Series

Imprint

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter