Now a New York Times bestselling series! Leo and his teammates are riding high after their performance in the Tournament of Champions.
Winning once is hard—defending the title is even harder.
In The Academy IV: Title Fight by T.Z. Layton, the team returns not as underdogs, but as champions with everything on the line. Expectations soar as rivals study their every move, determined to take them down.
Set in a season defined by pressure and reputation, the players must adapt to a new reality—one where every match feels like a final. Old strategies no longer guarantee success, and new challengers emerge stronger, faster, and hungrier.
But the toughest battles aren’t just against opponents. Fatigue, self-doubt, and the fear of losing what they’ve earned begin to take their toll. Leadership is tested in new ways as the team struggles to stay united under mounting stress.
As the decisive title match approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher: victory means cementing their legacy, while defeat could unravel everything they’ve built.
Intense and emotionally charged, this installment explores what it truly means to stay on top.
Because being the best isn’t about reaching the top—it’s about proving you belong there, again and again.
Review
New York Times Bestseller
Best Kids Books (Barnes & Nobles)
Junior Library Guild Fall Selection
Morning Calm Award (Korea Librarians Association)
“Most Anticipated Fall Books for Young Readers” (Kirkus)
50 Books Kids Love Most (The Week Junior Magazine)
New England Indie Bestsellers List
“The Best New Books for Kids Published in 2025” (The Strategist)
Best Books of the Year (Indigo)
Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller
“A page-turner for soccer-mad readers, whether fans or players.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“A solid purchase for soccer players and fans who are looking for middle grade books about their favorite game.” ― School Library Journal
“Nothing is more exciting than finding that book that opens the door for undiscovered readers into the world of stories and personal connection. The Academy by T.Z. Layton is one of those books and deserves to be shared with young sports oriented readers.” – Brein Lopez, Children’s Book World (Los Angeles, CA)” ― Brein Lopez, Children’s Book World (Los Angeles, CA)
“Young readers continue reading this series, asking for the next one and the one after that…Equally important, this series fills a gap in middle grade literature: action filled, fast-paced sports novels featuring young players.” ― Maria Salvadore, Politics & Prose (Washington, DC)
About the Author
T.Z. LAYTON is the New York Times bestselling author of the award-winning Academy series, which has been optioned for film and sold translation rights around the world. The author writes adult fiction under Layton Green and is also a soccer dad, youth coach, former collegiate player, and lifelong fan of the beautiful game.
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