The Soccer Diaries Rocky Takes the Lead World Book Day 2025 Tom Palmer Collection

The Soccer Diaries - Rocky Takes the Lead: World Book Day 2025 by Tom Palmer is a lively, heartwarming paperback for young readers who love sport, friendship and amusing culture clashes. Perfect for parents, teachers and gift buyers seeking an engaging children's book collection or boxed set addition, this World Book Day 2025 title delivers fast-paced football action, relatable characters and a positive message about teamwork and belonging.

Title in this Set: The Soccer Diaries - Rocky Takes the Lead: World Book Day 2025 by Tom Palmer
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781837864140

Rocky Race is a character readers will root for. Having moved to the United States to train at a high school with a standout soccer team, Rocky has settled into a new life, made close friends and even celebrated a state championship. When her old friends from Melchester, England arrive for a match, sparks fly—not because of the football skills but because of language and culture. British kids call it "football"; Americans call it "soccer." Rocky finds herself caught between two sides, anxious about choosing. But this bestselling-author-style story (Tom Palmer is a trusted, award-nominated writer in children’s sport fiction) shows how a clever plan, empathy and strong leadership can turn conflict into connection.

About the author

Tom Palmer is known for writing children's books about history and sport. He has written multiple series for Puffin Books—Football Academy (7+), Foul Play (9+) and The Squad (9+)—and has penned acclaimed titles for Barrington Stoke such as Armistice Runner and After the War, both nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Tom visits over 150 schools a year running Football and Rugby Reading Games and history workshops, making him a trusted voice in reader development and an ideal author for this children's series.

What’s inside

• Fast-moving chapter story ideal for reluctant readers and sports fans.
• Relatable protagonist who navigates friendship, identity and leadership.
• Humorous cultural conflict about "football" vs "soccer" that sparks conversations.
• Clear, accessible paperback edition perfect for classrooms, libraries and bedtime reading.

This paperback edition makes a great addition to a children's book collection, a thoughtful gift set for young athletes, or a reliable choice for classroom reading. Use it as an ideal bedtime read, a motivational story before match day, or as part of a lesson on empathy and teamwork.

With Tom Palmer’s reputation for engaging young readers and his award-nominated work, The Soccer Diaries - Rocky Takes the Lead is both entertaining and enriching. Whether you’re buying a single paperback edition or building a boxed set for fans of children’s sport fiction, this World Book Day title is a confident, uplifting story—perfect for inspiring future leaders on and off the pitch.