On the Buzzer

Description

Age range 10+ It's Round 6 and basketball is the next sport in the action-packed Legends series. But the competition takes a back seat when Sandhurst's sporting reputation is put on the line. The odds are against them. The stakes are high. Just how far will someone go to bring the team down? It's thrills and spills as the players hit the court. Who will come out on top? "An authentically Australian series that boys can not only relate to, but actually want to read." BOOKSELLER & PUBLISHER

Attending a conference called Getting Reluctant Readers Reading, Michael skipped lunch to wander over to Victoria Park, home of the Collingwood Football Club. Sitting in the old commentary box on a cold, wintery afternoon, Michael dreamed up a story about a boy travelling back in time to watch footy matches in the past. That particular story never got to be, but the passion to write stories for children burned within. Fifteen years on, Michael is the author of over 35 books, selling more than 150 000 copies over a variety of genres. Sport was the dominant theme early, but The Cursed, The Vanishings and The Immortal attest to a darker side; spooky, sinister action-packed thrillers. Michael, with psychologist and school counsellor, Cathie Thornton, has also co-authored a book called Be Bully Free - an insightful, practical guide for the victims of bullying. Excited by the re-launch of the famous Legends series, Michael also wrote a four book cricket series aligning with the hugely popular BBL and WWBL T20 cricket competitions.

BOOMERANG BLOG Ford Street Publishing has recently revised and re-issued 'The Legend Series' by Michael Panckridge. I remember how appealing it was for primary age children when I read it in 2003 and so was keen to re-read it. The Legends sports competition is held over the course of the year, beginning with surfing in February. The scoring for the winning Legend in each sport is based on skills, knowledge and a game or competitive session. The first book in the series is Chasing the Break and it's about surfing. Mitchell Grady is a new student and is immediately targeted by vindictive bully Travis Fisk. A strong (dirty) athlete like Travis is the perfect antagonist in a series like this. Camp at the beginning of the year is dedicated to surfing, with the ironman and ironwoman competition held at the end of the week. The descriptions of surfing will capture the attention of young sports' lovers, with an added thrill from Travis's underhanded tactics. Mitchell and his new friends work out a ploy to help Mitchell 'find the flag' in the traditional Aussie Nippers' beach race. Jack tries to sacrifice his own chances of winning to help Mitchell in the race itself. Non-sporty readers may find an affinity with Bryce, who is skilled in using technology. Mitchell is probably the best male surfer in the group but Travis is a strong swimmer and sprinter, so the ironman race is up for grabs. As a surfer, Mitchell knows the ocean, and uses it to his advantage. Girls don't miss out. Some of the best athletes are girls. Their talent in both surfing (such as Penny who has just returned from a surfing competition in Sydney) and cricket (the featured sport in Against the Spin, the second book in the series) can supersede the boys' skill. The competition between the girls is also intense, particularly between Mia Tompkins, Katie Chan and Luci Rankin at the start. There is a hint of beginning romance between Mitchell and Luci, who shows an interest in Mitchell by talking to him and watching him surf. Mitchell has probably never spoken more than a few words to a girl before but he enjoys her attention. Tennis follows cricket. Then there are some winter team sports before concluding with athletics and swimming. Each book has a slightly different feel because of the focal sport. There is a quiz about the sport at the end of each book. Reading the series is fun with the points being added up not just in each book but also cumulatively throughout the series to find out who will become the Legend of Sport.