Just So Stories

Penguin Australia

• ISBN: 9781761348532
• Imprint: Penguin
• RRP: $14.99
• July 2025

• ISBN: 9781761348556
• Imprint: Penguin
• RRP: $14.99
• October 2025

Jess Black has real skill in creating these sporty adventures based on the life and career of various notable players in their field. And all the netballers in your cohort will love these. The first one was released early this year but for whatever reason passed me by, but the next two did arrive and though I’m no netball player, never was, nor were my girls, these are super enjoyable.

They are not just about the game, though there is enough detail, including subject specific vocabulary and plays, to make all the kiddos very excited. They are also largely about friendship, teamwork, being proactive, kindness and a level of integrity – all of which we want to empower in our readers.

Foul Play takes us inside Jo’s family business, the nut farm, where the camaraderie among the workers and the family is excellent and the business itself successful. But when there appears to be some sabotage to an important piece of machinery, which threatens the success of the biggest market of the year, things are fraught.

Jo and her netballing neighbour bestie, Ava, are onto the case determined to crack it wide open, just like a walnut. At the same time, the girls and their team are training hard for their upcoming match against their toughest roughest opponents, the Ogres. It will be a remarkable feat if they manage to achieve success with both. Can they do it?

Double or Nothing showcases opportunities for young netball players, as the girls travel to the big city. It’s the school holidays and their team has been invited to play a half-time game at the big event in which The Southern Flames are playing.

On the train trip to the city, the girls have fun guessing what and who other passengers are, but the real surprise comes when it turns out that Jo’s suitcase is not actually hers at all.

It clearly belongs to someone else and upon investigation, it seems that the owner was a gold medallist at the Manchester Commonwealth Games – what on earth? It’s one thing to be hot on the trail of a medallist who’s lost her luggage and her precious medal, but arguably more important to Jo is getting back her own suitcase with her all-important shoes for their big game.

With the surprising aid of a mystery clairvoyant, the girls not only are able to trace the owner of the medal but get to meet this illustrious player in person, have photos with her AND the Southern Flames and play like champs themselves in their half-time exhibition game. What a coup!

Without a doubt, your confident younger readers will enjoy the action and adventure, fun and friendship of these whether they are or are not netballers. For those who are one of the legion of players in almost every town, no matter how small, the addition of the netball game and players, and the name Jo Weston, are a real bonus. Jess Black’s always reliable story telling, the dynamic fonts and short chapters along with the great illos from Sam Loman make these a standout for your lower school kiddos.

Big 5 🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀 rating for another really excellent wholesome and inspirational series that will engage readers from around 7/8 years upwards.