3 Reasons Why You Should Read the Mackenzie Arnold series by Mackenzie Arnold

What’s the book about?

Macca is in Year 6 and loving life. She plays fullback for her beloved Seaport Strikers, skates and loves hanging out with her mates – she’s always up for a kick-around in the park and a good-natured prank. But when Macca is late for training one too many times, injures herself skating and has an unexpected run-in with a local resident, Coach questions her commitment to the team and benches her for a big game.

How can Macca make it up to Coach and prove that football is something she’s serious about? When the Strikers’ goalie is too sick to play, Macca puts on the gloves and steps up.

Recommended for:

Ages 7+.

Three reasons to read it:

Mackenzie, known for her prowess as a goalkeeper, brings a fresh perspective to the sports genre, and with her kids series, she delves into the challenges and triumphs of being an athlete, even during her youth in primary school. This is a great resource to learn about the hardships of sport in a fun and easy-to-read collection of stories.
As Australia’s number one goalkeeper, Mackenzie incorporates elements of Australian culture, landscapes, and identity. The series not only celebrates the achievements of the Aussie athlete but also provides a glimpse into her home country’s sporting culture, which in turn, shaped Mackenzie into the person she is today. This cultural backdrop also adds depth and authenticity to the storylines within each book.
The Mackenzie Arnold book series serves as a platform for representation and role-modeling, particularly for young readers. Mackenzie’s childhood tales are great for inspiring kids to pursue their passions, overcome obstacles, and strive for excellence. Her journey could also resonate with aspiring athletes and individuals looking for a strong, positive role model in literature.

Buy a copy of Mackenzie Arnold #1: Finders Keepers here.

About the author:

Mackenzie Arnold is Australia’s number one goalkeeper, earning the nicknames The Brick Wall and Australia’s new Minister of Defence. She was born on the Gold Coast and made her debut for the Matildas in 2012 when she was 18. Since then, Macca has risen to the top both at an international level and throughout her Australian W-League career. In 2023, Macca’s heroic performance in a record-breaking penalty shootout against France to secure the Matildas a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals was watched by millions of Australians. In 2024, Macca will put on the gloves at the Paris Olympics, where the Matildas will go for gold. She is currently goalkeeper and captain of West Ham United in England.