Grace back on court by Maddy Proud

Grace back on court is the 2nd in a series by Maddy Proud. However, it works as a stand-alone book too. This was an enjoyable and wholesome story about 14-year-old Grace who is excitedly hoping to be selected for the Under 15 South Australian State Team. She encounters some mean girl behaviour in the process as well as bullying at her high school. Her mother and twin brother provide much needed support. In turn Grace provides friendship and encouragement to another potential state team member called Daisy. Daisy is indigenous and a boarder and misses her family in Ceduna. Grace frets over whether Seb, an aspiring rockstar friend of her brother, is actually her boyfriend and whether they will kiss. Her friendships, romance, and further success in netball, drive the story.

The author, Maddy Proud, is a successful netball player for the NSW Swifts and her experience is very evident in the way she writes about the play and tactics used in netball matches. The story also shows some good and not so good court behaviour. It is aimed at tweens who are netball fans but it is also a terrific story about Grace’s believable self-doubts, confidence, and her friendships. At times her anxieties are nearly overwhelming but she finds ways to focus when needed. She has strong emotional intelligence and empathy as she makes friends with Daisy and willingly talks to her friends to resolve disagreements. There are great role models here. It may be a bit idealistic but who doesn’t need a positive story? The ending sets things up for another Grace story.

Themes: Netball, Friendship, Love, Kindness.

Jo Marshall