3 Reasons Why You Should Read Dylan Alcott #2: Dylan Alcott Fair Game by Dylan Alcott and Fiona Regan, Illustrated by Nahum Ziersch

What’s the book about?

Dylan loves to come first. From breaking the wheelchair wheelie world record to playing with his little sister to coding amazing games, he’s always trying to win. And with the school sports carnival coming up, he’s sure he’ll nail it on the day. But suddenly nothing seems to be going his way. His parents keep interfering, he’s losing on and off the field, and then there’s the disaster with the Party of the Year.

It takes the people who care about Dylan to help him realise that winning is not always about coming first.

Recommended for: 

Ages 9+

Three reasons to read it: 

1. Dylan Alcott is a Paralympic gold medallist, a Grand Slam tennis champion, and a former Australian of the Year. He’s turned his real-life experiences into a hilarious and inspiring series that shows kids how to face challenges with confidence and courage. If anyone knows about ups, downs, and getting back up again, it’s Dylan, and this book brings all of that energy to the page.
2. Dylan Alcott Fair Game is perfect for kids aged 9 and up, with heaps of funny scenes, vibrant artwork by Ziersch, and moments that feel just like real life. Whether you’re into sports, gaming, or just love a good story with heart, you’ll find something to love in Dylan’s world. The writing is fast, fun, and filled with personality, just like Dylan.
3. This story isn’t just about sport or winning trophies. It’s about learning that being first isn’t the only way to be great. With the help of his family and friends, Dylan starts to see that real winning comes from kindness, teamwork, and believing in yourself, even when things get tough. It’s an inspiring reminder that being a good person matters more than being the best.

Buy a copy of Dylan Alcott #2: Dylan Alcott Fair Game here.

About the author:

Dylan Alcott OAM is an Australian Paralympic gold medallist in two sports – wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis. He is also a radio host, television personality, keynote presenter and motivational speaker, entrepreneur, music festival owner and philanthropist. Dylan has competed in three Paralympics, winning gold and silver for wheelchair basketball in 2008 and 2012, and two gold medals at the Rio Paralympics in 2016 for wheelchair tennis. The current world No 1 in wheelchair tennis, Dylan has won nine Grand Slam singles tournaments, including two US Opens, five Australian Opens, and Wimbledon and the French Open in 2019. In 2017, he founded the Dylan Alcott Foundation, which focuses on helping young Australians who feel marginalised because of their disability fulfil their potential and achieve their dreams.

Fiona Regan lives in Naarm, Melbourne and spends lots of time reading with her kids. She’s been writing stories since she was very young but as a grown-up she mostly told stories through emails and project plans in a range of different jobs. She studied writing and editing and has worked as an editor on several kids series. Her most recent studies were in sustainability, leading to her current work with food relief groups. Fiona also helps to run a toy library, so her house is well stocked with things to play with and read.

Nahum Ziersch is an illustrator and sports designer living in Adelaide, South Australia. He has illustrated and designed numerous covers and internal art for junior novels, readers and educational projects. A highlight from the many books he has illustrated is a series for NBA star Patty Mills called Game Day. Nahum has also worked extensively in the TV and Film landscape as a storyboard artist and in the gaming world. His love of sport has also inspired him to design professional sports logos, team wear and mascots for major national teams, along with designing the 2007 FINA Swimming Championships mascot.