Our Beautiful Game

A stand-out novel inspired by the incredible true stories of female football legends like Lily Parr and Alice Woods.

They can take our ball, but they can never stop the game.

Polly Nabb is no stranger to trouble.

When her brother Joe is sent to serve in the trenches, all Polly wants is to kick a ball about and forget the war. Mam has other ideas, and makes her stay home to help with endless chores. But football is something Polly is prepared to fight for – it’s her life! She’s determined to do whatever it takes to fulfil her dream and show the world that football is not just for boys . . .

The war years: a time of trailblazing female footballers, like the legendary Lily Parr, who played to sell-out crowds. Polly’s dramatic wartime story celebrates those bold young players who changed attitudes to women on the pitch and salutes the unsung heroes on the Home Front too.

‘Absolutely magnificent! A glorious tale of football, friendship, feminism and social history.’ Emma Carroll

'A very entertaining and enjoyable read.' LoveReading4Schools

‘A powerful story.’ Sophie McKenzie

'A gripping read.’ School Reading List