The Academy - by T Z Layton

Book Synopsis

FROM THE PLAYGROUND TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE.

The inspiring, action-packed first book in The Academy series perfect for young readers 7-13 and sports fans of all ages.

Born and raised in a small town, twelve-year-old Leo K. Doyle has never seen the ocean or stepped foot on a plane. But Leo is a star soccer player with big dreams in life.

Rock star, Olympic gold, dragon-slaying dreams.

While Leo longs to make the pros one day, he has no idea how to achieve this goal--until a professional scout pays a chance visit to one of Leo's games and extends an invitation to try out for the London Dragons youth squad, known as the Academy.

Leo is stunned. The London Dragons isn't just any old soccer team. It's a world-famous English Premier League team. Soon Leo is off to a whole new country, embarking on the greatest adventure of his life. The downside? Only eleven players can make the team.

Eleven out of two hundred of the very best twelve-year-old players on the planet.

Along with the grueling competition, Leo must also face a bully intent on torpedoing his summer, a roomie who doesn't know how to have fun, a terrifying camp director, and, most of all, Leo's own lack of formal training and the fear he'll never succeed.

By the end of the summer, Leo will become a much better player and forever changed by his experience. But will he be good enough to make the Academy?

Keep score with the other books in The Academy series:

• The Academy II: The Journey Continues
• The Academy III: Tournament of Champions
• The Academy IV: Title Fight
• The Academy V: Cup of Nations

Review Quotes

"Nothing is more exciting than finding that book that opens the door for undiscovered readers into the world of stories and personal connection. The Academy by T.Z. Layton is one of those books and deserves to be shared with young sports oriented readers." - Brein Lopez, Children's Book World (Los Angeles, CA)" -- Brein Lopez, Children's Book World (Los Angeles, CA)

"Young readers continue reading this series, asking for the next one and the one after that...Equally important, this series fills a gap in middle grade literature: action filled, fast-paced sports novels featuring young players." -- Maria Salvadore, Politics & Prose (Washington, DC

"A page-turner for soccer-mad readers, whether fans or players." -- Kirkus Reviews