Bobby Bains Ain’t Playing: An uplifting tale of football and community (Dyslexia-friendly) - Softcover

Rai, Bali

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0008773068 ISBN 13: 9780008773069

Publisher: Barrington Stoke, 2026

Synopsis

When the girls are banned from the five-a-side tournament, young Sikh footballer Bobby Bains rallies his teammates to make a stand in this uplifting tale of solidarity from Bali Rai.

Football-mad Bobby and his friend Maisie are excited to hear about a new five-a-side tournament – especially as it’s happening on Diwali, or Bandi Chhor Divas as Sikhs call it!

After getting their teams together, however, Maisie is told she’s not allowed to take part. Hers is the only girls’ side to have entered and they’re not allowed to play against the boys. How unfair is that?

Bobby can’t believe it, and he comes up with a plan to make a stand. But will he be able to convince anyone to join him?

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

About this title

About the Authors

Multi award-winning author, Bali Rai, has written over fifty young adult, teen and children's books. Extremely popular in schools across the world, he is passionate about the promotion of literacy and reading for pleasure. His first novel, (Un)Arranged Marriage, was published in 2001. He is currently working on two new projects and his latest title, The Royal Rebel, is out now.

Daniel Duncan is a children’s book illustrator who likes to create vibrant characters within detailed environments, using earth colours and textures. He studied illustration at Middlesex University and now works from his home in leafy Amersham on the outskirts of London.

Edition details

• Publisher: Barrington Stoke
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0008773068
• ISBN 13: 9780008773069
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Duncan Daniel
• Number of pages: 96