Alan Gibbons

A talented new goalie faces problems at home in this thought-provoking football story, accompanied by fascinating facts about famous goalies and the history of goalkeeping. New boy Shane Logan has a temper, but he’s also a talented goalie. When Peter and his friends invite Shane to join their football team, he delivers a star performance in the first match. But...

Jack must find the courage to stand up for his friend in this poignant story about intolerance and bullying. The Blokes rule Jack's school. They're bullies, racists and meaner than anyone around. And they've targeted Jack's new friend Hassan as their latest victim. Hassan has escaped war in his homeland only to be faced with the wrath of the Blokes....

Fact and fiction intertwine in this heartfelt tribute to football, honouring victims of Hillsborough and other disasters, and celebrating trailblazing black players. The Beautiful Game follows Lennie, for whom football is life, just as it was for his dad and grandad before him. However, Lennie becomes involved with some fans who want to cause trouble at a game. His dad...

Can the advice of five of Manchester United's greats help Jimmy achieve his dream of becoming a professional footballer? Featuring facts about Best, Beckham, Cantona, Robson and Ronaldo, this is a must-have for young fans. Football is Jimmy's life. When he gets into the Man U Academy, it's a dream come true – but he still has lots to learn....

Bengo is the best player Smithy's ever seen, so why is he always left on the bench? An action-packed football story accompanied by fascinating facts and historical detail about famous substitutes. New boy Smithy can’t understand why everyone is so excited about a player on the football team called Super Sub. He’s been absent for the first few games of...

Family drama set during World War II. When Jimmy and Molly lose their mother in an air-raid, their father has no choice but to leave them in the care of their Nan when he goes to fight. Will the children ever see him again? Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+ Family drama set during World War...

A timely and thought-provoking football story about prejudice and acceptance, including facts about refugees and the role football can play in welcoming new members of the community. Sam's football team are struggling this season. They keep losing matches and captain Jordan's bad attitude isn't helping anyone.When Sam spots Hasan playing for the refugee team on the next pitch, he can...

Ali takes inspiration from his hero Muhammad Ali in this engaging story about standing up to bullies and overcoming the odds, packed with facts about the iconic boxer. Chris has been picking on Ali for ages. Ali knows he needs to stand up for himself. And so he turns to his hero for inspiration … Muhammad Ali – the boxer...

Fact and fiction intertwine in this exciting celebration of African football, with a strong message of ambition, hard work, and determination at its heart. Football is Jimi's biggest love and he dreams about playing for the Lions of Senegal. But Jimi's teammates say he's just a cub. Does he have the fight to make it as a star? But Jimi...