**Not Cricket** by Raewyn Caisley serves up the perfect blend of sports drama and real-life grit that'll keep young readers glued to every page. This engaging non-fiction explores the messy, complicated world of cricket beyond the pristine whites and polite applause – diving into controversies, scandals, and the human stories that make the sport genuinely fascinating. Perfect for sporty kids aged 8-14 who love their facts served with a side of drama, this book tackles themes of fairness, competition, and what happens when the rules get bent. Caisley, known for her honest approach to children's literature, doesn't sugar-coat the tough stuff – making this ideal for young readers ready for more complex storytelling. This preloved copy from Patina Paperbacks brings you quality children's non-fiction at an unbeatable price. "Finally, a sports book that doesn't pretend everything's sunshine and teamwork! My cricket-obsessed nephew devoured it in one sitting." - Sarah M. "Brilliant way to get reluctant readers interested in both sports and non-fiction. Educational without being preachy." - Tom K.
