Jo Weston's Netball besties: The disappearing trophy by Jess Black and Sam Loman

Jo Weston scores another win with The Disappearing Trophy, the fourth instalment in the much-loved Netball Besties series. This fast-moving junior novel cleverly blends sport, mystery and friendship into a highly engaging story that will keep young readers turning the pages; right til the very end.

In this story, Jo and her best friend Ava are buzzing with excitement as their team prepares to play in a highly anticipated netball final. Training is intense, nerves are high, and everyone has their eye on the shiny winner’s trophy. But when the trophy suddenly disappears, excitement turns to confusion - and then determination. Jo and Ava spring into action, putting their detective skills to the test again as they search for clues and suspects.

As the mystery unfolds, the story highlights the importance of teamwork both on and off the court. Along the way, new friendships are formed, and deeper connections are made. Together, authors Weston and Black thoughtfully weave these themes through the narrative without slowing the pace, keeping the focus on action, curiosity and fun.

A standout strength of The Disappearing Trophy is the underlying message to consider: is winning a trophy really what playing the game is all about? As Jo and Ava race against time to recover the missing prize before the big match, they begin to reflect on their love of the game and what it all means. Is winning a trophy really the most important part of playing sport?

Loman’s intermittently sprinkled black-and-white illustrations add energy and fun, helping support the storyline and making the text more accessible for emerging independent readers. Clear chapters, lively dialogue and relatable characters ensure the story remains captivating from start to finish.

Perfect for readers who enjoy netball, mysteries and adventurous stories. The Disappearing Trophy is, without a doubt, another crowd-pleasing addition to the Netball Besties series - one that celebrates curiosity, connection and the true spirit of sport.

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

Michelle O'Connell