Jo Weston’s Netball Besties 2: Foul Play by Jess Black and Sam Loman

Foul Play is the second instalment in Jo Weston’s much-loved series, Netball Besties, written by Jess Black and brought to life with illustrations by Sam Loman. Combining the excitement of sport, the warmth of friendship and a touch of mystery, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy real life, relatable stories with plenty of heart.

The story follows Jo, who lives in the Talma Valley and divides her time between playing her beloved netball, helping out on the family farm and spending time with her loyal dog, Billie. Together with her best friend, Ava, Jo begins working on a school project for Harmony Day. Their task is to celebrate cultural diversity, so they decide to interview the workers on Jo’s family farm.  

Everyone is super busy preparing the nuts for a big new market that could provide much-needed business. However, disaster strikes when the hulling machine breaks down and it appears the damage may have been done deliberately. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Jo and Ava use their school project to take on a little detective twist, piecing together clues and considering possible motives behind the sabotage.

The book balances this light mystery with themes of teamwork, resilience and curiosity, making it both entertaining and interesting. Jo and Ava’s friendship shines through, as they support one another both on the netball court and in their investigation.

With an easy-to-read font, accessible layout, and occasional black-and-white illustrations, Foul Play is especially well-suited to readers who are moving into longer, independent chapter books. The illustrations add extra attraction and visual interest, breaking up the text and helping to carry the storyline forward.

Overall, Netball Besties: Foul Play is a delightful read that combines sport, friendship and a gentle mystery, with important themes of community, culture and farming. It will appeal to young readers who love netball, farm life, or simply a good story filled with heart and adventure.

Themes: Teamwork, Friendship, Farming, Netball, Culture, Investigation, Community.

Michelle O'Connell