Mini Dual Reviews: Glenn Maxwell Cricket Series & Giveaway

Lucky Break by Glenn Maxwell/Patrick Loughlin
Series: Glenn Maxwell #1
Released: 1st December 2014
Genre: MG Contemporary/Sport
Source: Publisher
Pages: 167
Goodreads | Bookworld

The first Glenn Maxwell book finds a young cricket player hoping to survive a sports training camp where one of the best players is also his rival

Will Albright is a 12-year-old batting whiz and captain of his local cricket team, The Kew Rangers. But when his coach nominates him to attend a T20 Training camp, Will soon discovers that standing out in a sea of young cricket talent won’t be easy. Especially when Darren "Killer" McKinnon, a super quick pace bowler, has taken a deadly dislike to him. Luckily Will’s hero, Glenn Maxwell, is on hand to provide some much needed cricket advice. If Will can survive Killer’s bouncers long enough, he just may have a shot of making it through the camp alive and gaining a place at the brand new T20 Youth Academy.

Academy All-Stars by Glenn Maxwell/Patrick Loughlin
Series: Glenn Maxwell #2
Released: 1st December 2014
Genre: MG Contemporary/Sport
Source: Publisher
Pages: 154
Goodreads | Bookworld

In the second Glenn Maxwell book, an up-and-coming junior cricketer is mentored on his journey by a star Australian cricket player.

Talented young batsmen Will Albright has earned himself a place at the brand new T20 Youth Academy, but in order to prove himself worthy of playing for Victoria, he will first have to face everything the academy can throw at him—including more bone rattling bouncers from his arch nemesis, Darren "Killer" McKinnon. To make things even more challenging, Will must compete with his best mate Shavil for the highly sought-after opening batsmen spot. Can Australian T20 all-rounder Glenn Maxwell help Will adjust his game and earn a spot on the State team without losing his friend—or his head? .

Thank you to Random House Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The first two books in this new series by Australian cricketing legend Glenn Maxwell, in collaboration with author Patrick Loughlin, are sure to be a hit with middle-grade readers who are looking for something with a sporty theme. The great thing about these novels is that they not only stay true to the facts of the sport itself, but also have a positive message at their core. 

With a glossary at the back and profile of Glenn Maxwell himself at the end of the books, even children who play other sports will have exposure to a cricket-education. The cricket-buffs among young readers will also be able to take home some advice from Glenn with his own tips on batting and other skills which he learnt playing in the T20. In all, alongside the narrative itself it was nice to have these extra bonuses which add to the value of the books. 

Another positive element was the fact that these books aren't really bias towards either gender. Although the cover images may suggest that the stories are targeted towards boys, there are some prominent female characters as well who are outstanding cricketers themselves (and definitely put the boys to the test!). Glenn features as a character in the plot, which is an interesting twist which fans of his should appreciate. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

This series would be a promising kick-start to get kids reading if they aren't bookworms already. I'd definitely recommend it to any young hopefuls who are passionate about cricket, and are looking for a story that features an activity they are passionate about.

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