Dear Diary
Am I actually still alive? Would you tell me if I wasn't?
I guess I am writing this, so I must be. Sort of. But you wouldn't say anything anyway, would you?
It's all one-way traffic with you. I tell you everything, but what do I get in return?
***
The Blurb
In the world of football, a blend of physical prowess and mental strength shapes champions.
Jamie Campbell is a talented young footballer whose sporting journey takes an unexpected twist when a family tragedy shatters her dreams and plunges her into a dark, lonely world from which she feels she will never escape.
In the depths of despair, Jamie finds solace and strength in her loyal friend, Robbie Blair.
Sent to the Lake District for a change of scene, Jamie embarks on an epic journey of self-discovery, where she must confront her fears, unlock the past and unearth her true potential.
But will she find all the answers and ultimately … is she enough?
My Thoughts
This was such a nice book to read and will appeal to both girls and boys alike. I think readers of upper middle grade/lower teens would enjoy this.
Much of the story revolves around sport, and football in particular. I am not a sport fan but I enjoyed reading this. It is the second book in the Jump series and not having read the first book did not hinder my appreciation of this.
The main character is Jaime, who following the death of her mother suffers some mental health issues. This had a profound impact on her ability to play football, which had previously been of huge importance to her. In fact, I learnt a lot about OCD from reading this. It also highlights the importance of speaking out and getting help when it is needed. I enjoyed following Jaime's story of self-discovery and ultimately this is a book about hope and self-acceptance.
The book was well-written and I was very engaged by Jaime's story. I admired her enormously and found her to be likable, corouageous and realistic. I enjoyed seeing the impact that her friend, Robbie had on her and the way in which he encouraged her self-acceptance.
It has also been nicely illustrated by Carina Roberts and this really elevates the book.
Also, there are a set of questions at the back of the book which makes this perfect for the classroom. This is well worth reading. There is something for everyone included in this book and I strongly recommend it.
***
Book Details
ISBN: 978 1739208424
Publisher: Sergar Creative
Formats: e-book and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)
No. of Pages: 196 (paperback)
About the Author:
JG NOLAN was born and raised in a sleepy village in Shropshire and loved writing stories and playing football as a child.
He has been a teacher for many years, working mainly with children who have had difficult beginnings in life. He strongly believes in positive thinking and feels most things are achievable if you put your mind to it.
When his football-mad son Robbie was much younger, he kept breaking bones and was told by the doctors that he would never play football again. It was during one of JG Nolan’s many lengthy stays visiting his son in the local children’s hospital that the idea for his first book, Jump!, drifted into his mind.
Following on from the success of Jump! JG Nolan was keen to explore the story of Robbie Blair’s footballing friend Jamie, and this led him to delve into another journey of adversity, determination and recovery.
The first two books in the Jump! series reflect JG Nolan’s deep-rooted interest in sporting prowess, mental strength and history.
When he’s not busy battering away at his old computer, conjuring up new tales, JG Nolan can either be found playing squash or strumming his guitar. For many years he tried to “make it” in his indie rock band, The Poet Dogs.
He still writes songs now. When he has the time.
Connect with JG Nolan on TikTok and Instagram @JGNolan3
Why Not Check Out Some of the Other Bloggers on the Tour:
(book and media courtesy of Random Things Tours)
(all opinions are my own)
(buy links unaffiliated)
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