Mary Fowler: Mary's game by Mary Fowler

Mary's game loosely links Mary Fowler’s childhood to a story involving Maz (Mary when she is in trouble) and her home-made football. Maz has come up with an idea to solve the problem of not being able to do headers at school and mostly her creativity has helped. However, a mishap requires a new set of problem-solving skills. Will Maz’s homemade ball provide the right enjoyment for lunchtime play? 

This early chapter book, connecting the fame of Mary Fowler to a childhood Year 2 iteration of the football superstar, is a gentle story. It connects Year 2 life, school and friendship, to the football-loving recess and lunch activities that are enjoyed by both boys and girls. The addition of a problem-solving or creative activity highlights thinking skills needed by young students and sports lovers. This is an enjoyable book for 5–7-year-olds who are newly engaging with chapter books. Even those without a soccer interest will enjoy Maz and her friends and their solutions to the real issues of school life.

Themes: Football/Soccer, Creative thinking, Friendship, Cooperation, Problem-solving.

Carolyn Hull