Barrington Stoke Front Foot: Book 2 (The Underdogs) - Friendship, Sports Fiction | Ages 9+

Navigating life in England, Azeem hopes to share his passion for cricket with his new friends in this action-packed sports story from award-winning author Tom Palmer. Azeem’s father dreams of one day seeing his son play cricket on an English cricket pitch wearing English cricket whites. Getting to grips with his new life in the UK, Azeem can’t understand why the children on his estate would rather kick a ball than bowl one.

As he anxiously awaits news from his mum and sister, who are stuck in a refugee camp in Pakistan, Azeem distracts himself with teaching his new friends how to play cricket. He takes a chance by inviting some intimidating, older boys in the local park to play with them and soon enough, a team is formed. But with worry for his family worsening, will Azeem be able to play on his Front Foot?

Key Features/Benefits:

• Action-packed sports story focusing on friendship and overcoming challenges.
• Features themes of cultural integration and family separation.
• Written by award-winning author Tom Palmer.
• Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 7.

Specifications:

• Brand: Barrington Stoke
• Author: Tom Palmer
• Illustrator: Robin Boyden
• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• Page Count: 80 pages
• Reading Age: 9 years and up
• Publication Date: September 10, 2026
• Dimensions: 12.86 x 0.48 x 19.84 cm
• Weight: 140g
• ISBN-10: 0008695717
• ISBN-13: 978-0008695712
• EAN: 9780008695712
• Release Date: 10 Sep 2026

This engaging story is perfect for young readers who enjoy sports fiction and tales of friendship and resilience.