There has been a real surge in sports-related junior fiction novels in Australia over recent years, no doubt due to how popular these types of books are with kids. A great new series that I was introduced to recently is Ball Stars, published by Random House Australia.

The humorous series, based around basketball yet suitable even for children who have little interest or ability in sport, is written by fantastic comedian, presenter and author David Lawrence, and illustrated by the talented James Hart. 

You can take a look at my thoughts on the  first book in the series, The Bench Warmers (which also deals with bullying, friendship, winning and losing, appreciating difference, and school dynamics), here, on Just Write for Kids.