Stories for Footy Fans: Read an extract from Champion Charlies: The Mix Up by Adrian Beck

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Everyone at Jindaberg Primary has seen the front page of the local newspaper, namely because it has been plastered around the school since it appeared last year: Charles ‘CJ’ Jackson and Charlotte Alessi are grinning under the headline ‘Champion Charlies’ after taking out the winning title in the girls and boys tournaments.

This year however, things are a little bit different. Just as the two winning teams are getting ready to start the new season, the principal announces the school won’t be entering a team in the competition unless the two teams merge and create a Jindaberg Jets mixed team.

It’s the only way forward but the big question is, which of the Charlies will be team captain?

Determined to maintain his position as captain, CJ starts to put the pressure on his team mates to vote for him. Although he may have been the best player in the boys’ team, he wastes a lot of time on strange schemes and pranks that get him into trouble.

Charlotte is equally determined and her attention to detail and focus on strategy could get her over the line, but does her over planning take all the fun out of the game?

When it’s decided that they will co-captain there’s no telling what the outcome will be.

Yet despite their differences, Charlotte and CJ were once friends. Can their love of football help them overcome their different approaches to the game?

Read our full review of the series | Purchase a copy of The Mix Up | Purchase a copy of Boot It

Australian author Adrian Beck has created a fast-paced entertaining series that may just help your sport crazed but reluctant reader to pick up a book after their game. This is a great second instalment and you’ll be happy to know that your 5+ football mad little one can keep reading about Charlotte, CJ and the Jets as a third one comes out in September.

Adrian Beck is a TV producer who has worked on shows such as The Footy Show, The Logie Awards, Carols by Candlelight, Prank Patrol and Kids’ WB. He is the author of the Kick it toNickseries, a collaboration with AFL Hall of Famer Shane Crawford, and Dale in the Stuff Happens series.