The Academy: A Middle Grade Soccer Adventure — A New York Times bestselling series. An inspiring, action-packed soccer story for ages 7–13, following a journey from the playground to the Premier League.
What does it take to chase a dream when the odds—and the competition—are stacked against you?
In The Academy: A Middle Grade Soccer Adventure by T.Z. Layton, young players from different backgrounds come together at an elite soccer academy, each carrying their own ambitions, fears, and determination. For these kids, earning a spot on the team isn’t just about talent—it’s about proving they belong.
Set in a high-pressure training environment, the story follows a group of aspiring athletes as they navigate intense drills, rivalries, and the challenge of working as a team. Friendships begin to form, but so do tensions, as competition pushes everyone to their limits.
The real conflict emerges when personal struggles—self-doubt, pressure from family, and fear of failure—threaten to derail their progress. On the field, every mistake matters. Off the field, every decision shapes who they are becoming.
As the season builds toward a निर्णающий moment, the stakes rise: only a few will succeed, but all will be tested.
Fast-paced, inspiring, and full of heart, this story reminds readers that greatness isn’t just about winning—it’s about growing, together.
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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