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The Wonder Team #1
The Wonder Team and the Forgotten Footballers
A time-twisting adventure from Lioness Leah Williamson, captain of the Euros-winning women’s England team, written with debut author Jordan Glover, including illustrations by Robin Boyden, perfect for children aged 8 - 12!
It's time to kick off a new adventure!
Loosely based on one of Leah Williamson's big inspirations, the Dick Kerr Ladies and their brave protest against the ban on women's football, The Wonder Team and the Forgotten Footballers is a fun adventure that comes from the heart.
When Leah discovers a mysterious time capsule with her two best friends, she opens up a whole new world of adventure! Transported a hundred years back in time, Leah, George and Mimi make an unexpected discovery – women’s football has been banned!
Along with their new friend Dot, Leah and the team must work together to make sure the all-important Championship Cup final still goes ahead. But with a mysterious figure working hard to ruin the team’s chances, Leah is in a race against time to put the clues together and catch the culprit before it’s too late!
The odds are against them, but time is on their side!
It's time to kick off a new adventure!
Loosely based on one of Leah Williamson's big inspirations, the Dick Kerr Ladies and their brave protest against the ban on women's football, The Wonder Team and the Forgotten Footballers is a fun adventure that comes from the heart.
When Leah discovers a mysterious time capsule with her two best friends, she opens up a whole new world of adventure! Transported a hundred years back in time, Leah, George and Mimi make an unexpected discovery – women’s football has been banned!
Along with their new friend Dot, Leah and the team must work together to make sure the all-important Championship Cup final still goes ahead. But with a mysterious figure working hard to ruin the team’s chances, Leah is in a race against time to put the clues together and catch the culprit before it’s too late!
The odds are against them, but time is on their side!
336 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2023
19 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Leah Williamson
10 books33 followersJoin Leah Williamson, captain of the England women’s football team, as she shows you that you can be a leader at any age, and that huge things can happen when you believe in yourself!
In the summer of 2022 Leah led the Lionesses to victory in the European Championships – now she wants to show you that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, both on and off the pitch, no matter what other people say. This positive guide for life will inspire you to lead like a pro, and motivate you to do what you love.
Written with journalist Suzanne Wrack, You Have the Power is filled with stories from Leah’s own life and tons of brilliant advice, to show young girls how to find their strength and empower them to follow their dreams.
In the summer of 2022 Leah led the Lionesses to victory in the European Championships – now she wants to show you that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, both on and off the pitch, no matter what other people say. This positive guide for life will inspire you to lead like a pro, and motivate you to do what you love.
Written with journalist Suzanne Wrack, You Have the Power is filled with stories from Leah’s own life and tons of brilliant advice, to show young girls how to find their strength and empower them to follow their dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 25, 2023
England football captain Leah Williamson's children's book - written with her cousin Jordan Glover, which is quite sweet - has clearly been timed to coincide with the World Cup, which Leah is sadly missing due to injury.
It's a fun read for the 8-12 age group in the ever-popular time-travelling/football genre (ok... this may be the only one). Main character Leah (yup) and her friends Mimi and George, who are all about twelve, find themselves transported back to 1921 after unearthing a mysterious pocket watch. There, they get mixed up with the fortunes of a women's football team, faced with attempts by the powers-that-be to ban them from playing, not to mention possible sabotage closer to home.
I read an interview with Leah where she talked about the suppression of women's football in the 1920s, so it's clearly a subject close to her heart. It's also something I've been interested in for a while after first reading about the successful women's teams of the '20s and the FA's determination to stamp them out. (Can't have ladies doing that sort of thing!)
An enjoyable read which looks set to be the first in a series, with a footballing theme which will appeal to girls and boys in the target age range.
It's a fun read for the 8-12 age group in the ever-popular time-travelling/football genre (ok... this may be the only one). Main character Leah (yup) and her friends Mimi and George, who are all about twelve, find themselves transported back to 1921 after unearthing a mysterious pocket watch. There, they get mixed up with the fortunes of a women's football team, faced with attempts by the powers-that-be to ban them from playing, not to mention possible sabotage closer to home.
I read an interview with Leah where she talked about the suppression of women's football in the 1920s, so it's clearly a subject close to her heart. It's also something I've been interested in for a while after first reading about the successful women's teams of the '20s and the FA's determination to stamp them out. (Can't have ladies doing that sort of thing!)
An enjoyable read which looks set to be the first in a series, with a footballing theme which will appeal to girls and boys in the target age range.
December 9, 2023
This was impeccable, easily one of the best reads of the year! What a truely spectacular middle grade novel. The story is well developed and includes so many good lessons for young ones but also really works as a great entry point to teach kids about women’s rights and how hard won those rights were. The story is engaging and well written and you can feel Leah and Jordan’s love for women’s soccer on every page.
The audiobook was also very well narrated.
This is a must read for kids and adults alike regardless of if soccer is an interest of theirs or not - either way it’s a wonderful romp with some brilliant lessons along the path.
I can’t wait to see what happens in book two!
The audiobook was also very well narrated.
This is a must read for kids and adults alike regardless of if soccer is an interest of theirs or not - either way it’s a wonderful romp with some brilliant lessons along the path.
I can’t wait to see what happens in book two!
August 20, 2023
I love women's football and all the teams do for the children watching them play - so I was anticipating this book from the moment it was announced, knowing it would be done well and have a lot of push behind it. I was so excited - and am still excited about it, as I'll be buying a copy to re-read when it comes out.
Obviously Leah's name is a great pull for reluctant young readers. But even without her name on the cover, this has a unique and interesting pull. Football and time travel? Sign me up! It's an odd mix, but one that works very well - especially because they time travel back to the 20s, when women's football has just been banned.
I finished this book the day of the World Cup 2023 final, when England lost to Spain, and so the final note about loving football (win or lose) was more poignant than ever.
I received an e-book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Obviously Leah's name is a great pull for reluctant young readers. But even without her name on the cover, this has a unique and interesting pull. Football and time travel? Sign me up! It's an odd mix, but one that works very well - especially because they time travel back to the 20s, when women's football has just been banned.
I finished this book the day of the World Cup 2023 final, when England lost to Spain, and so the final note about loving football (win or lose) was more poignant than ever.
I received an e-book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2023
As a school librarian I read a lot of fiction for Young adults I was interested to see what Leah WIlliamsons debut was like. She is following in big footsteps Marcus Rashford is one of our biggest pupil loans so I was curious to see a female footballer take this route.
The wonder team is an enjoyable light read with a time travelling twist. At its heart is the message that women have not always been allowed the freedom to play sport and this is a theme which Williamson has spoken about before so her passion is evident.
I can see that some of my reluctant readers may be drawn in by the cover which is appealing. I think as a current popular figure it’s nice to see her encouraging both sport and reading. I imagine this as part of a set as the possibilities to develop the theme are endless
The wonder team is an enjoyable light read with a time travelling twist. At its heart is the message that women have not always been allowed the freedom to play sport and this is a theme which Williamson has spoken about before so her passion is evident.
I can see that some of my reluctant readers may be drawn in by the cover which is appealing. I think as a current popular figure it’s nice to see her encouraging both sport and reading. I imagine this as part of a set as the possibilities to develop the theme are endless
October 26, 2023
Very good children's book! I loved how Leah was able to introduce feminism in a children's book in such a subtle way. I would have loved to read this as a child
December 10, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it’s certainly one I can recommend to anyone and everyone to read. I absolutely love watching and following women’s football, everything the players and all involved do for the game is exceptional, they are true role models with our England Lioness captain Leah Williamson in many ways leading the way in the UK and beyond.
This books seems like the first in a series (which is great) where we follow Leah alongside her friends Mimi and George as they find a buried magical pocket watch that transports them back to 1921. The trio gets roped into the trials and tribulations of a local woman’s football team that have just been banned by the FA from competing as well as a local thief determined to not let the championship final game be played. Not only that but the watch isn’t playing ball and letting them travel back. With the help of their newfound friend Dot, the adorable spaniel Rolo and the team, will things go their way?
I found the characters to be well realised, had complexity and overall I really enjoyed reading about them. It’s clearly written for a children/middle grade audience and the writing reflects this but it’s still done well. What it possibly lacks in sophistication is made up by the intriguing storyline and characters that moves you forward. I think it’s a perfect read for young boys and girls interested in football, time travel, or just want to read a great engaging book. Williamson, along with her cousin Jordan Glover, put lots of great messages and take aways into these pages that can resonate with many.
The end of the book where the inspiration behind the team, Dick, Kerr Ladies F.C. was a great read. I loved learning about this resilient, and clearly very talented, group of women who made sure they, as well as many others, got to play the game they loved despite adversity and the FA’s ban. I will certainly be doing some more research into the women’s teams of the 1920s and general history of the game.
Overall, this book isn’t a favourite of mine but I certainly enjoyed it and I just hope others can do too. Great one Leah and Jordan! Also Robin Boyden’s illustrations were a great addition as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it’s certainly one I can recommend to anyone and everyone to read. I absolutely love watching and following women’s football, everything the players and all involved do for the game is exceptional, they are true role models with our England Lioness captain Leah Williamson in many ways leading the way in the UK and beyond.
This books seems like the first in a series (which is great) where we follow Leah alongside her friends Mimi and George as they find a buried magical pocket watch that transports them back to 1921. The trio gets roped into the trials and tribulations of a local woman’s football team that have just been banned by the FA from competing as well as a local thief determined to not let the championship final game be played. Not only that but the watch isn’t playing ball and letting them travel back. With the help of their newfound friend Dot, the adorable spaniel Rolo and the team, will things go their way?
I found the characters to be well realised, had complexity and overall I really enjoyed reading about them. It’s clearly written for a children/middle grade audience and the writing reflects this but it’s still done well. What it possibly lacks in sophistication is made up by the intriguing storyline and characters that moves you forward. I think it’s a perfect read for young boys and girls interested in football, time travel, or just want to read a great engaging book. Williamson, along with her cousin Jordan Glover, put lots of great messages and take aways into these pages that can resonate with many.
The end of the book where the inspiration behind the team, Dick, Kerr Ladies F.C. was a great read. I loved learning about this resilient, and clearly very talented, group of women who made sure they, as well as many others, got to play the game they loved despite adversity and the FA’s ban. I will certainly be doing some more research into the women’s teams of the 1920s and general history of the game.
Overall, this book isn’t a favourite of mine but I certainly enjoyed it and I just hope others can do too. Great one Leah and Jordan! Also Robin Boyden’s illustrations were a great addition as well.
May 9, 2024
Enlightening women’s football time travel story.
I actually liked this much more than I was expecting, maybe because it was much more about the players going back in time and their adventures there than football itself - though I really loved hearing about the true stories of women's football teams, before totally unknown to me.
Written 'with' her cousin, Leah Williamson's name will certainly make this a big draw, and actually that it definitely a plus. As this story gives the reader some very interesting history about women and sport, attitudes to them a hundred years ago, a glimpse into life in the 1920s and a small snippet about the young footballers today looking at the past and their own problems - as well as starting a series of other historical /sport adventures.
Based on a real team, the story really kicks off (ha ha) when Leah and two friends end up accidentally using a time capsule they find to transport themselves back a hundred years in the past.
While trying to work out how to get home before a big match, they also find they could be of use to the locals they meet - the women's football team has lost its rights to play due to the unseemliness of women daring to kick around a ball in front of an audience. Someone is out to stop them for good, and the friends might be able to help find out who.
With mystery elements as well as the historical adventure, this will be much enjoyed by readers who will inadvertently learn loads about both sport AND history.
Well set up for further episodes, this was a lovely surprise from a debut writer and I'd definitely put it out on a school library shelf for 9-13 year olds.
I actually liked this much more than I was expecting, maybe because it was much more about the players going back in time and their adventures there than football itself - though I really loved hearing about the true stories of women's football teams, before totally unknown to me.
Written 'with' her cousin, Leah Williamson's name will certainly make this a big draw, and actually that it definitely a plus. As this story gives the reader some very interesting history about women and sport, attitudes to them a hundred years ago, a glimpse into life in the 1920s and a small snippet about the young footballers today looking at the past and their own problems - as well as starting a series of other historical /sport adventures.
Based on a real team, the story really kicks off (ha ha) when Leah and two friends end up accidentally using a time capsule they find to transport themselves back a hundred years in the past.
While trying to work out how to get home before a big match, they also find they could be of use to the locals they meet - the women's football team has lost its rights to play due to the unseemliness of women daring to kick around a ball in front of an audience. Someone is out to stop them for good, and the friends might be able to help find out who.
With mystery elements as well as the historical adventure, this will be much enjoyed by readers who will inadvertently learn loads about both sport AND history.
Well set up for further episodes, this was a lovely surprise from a debut writer and I'd definitely put it out on a school library shelf for 9-13 year olds.
August 25, 2023
Perfect timing to coincide with the Women's World Cup, Leah Williamson and her cousin, Jordan Glover, have written a time-travelling football adventure.
When Leah, George and Mimi stumble across a time-travelling device, they are transported back 100 years to a time when women's football was banned. Along with their new friend Dot, can they save the cup final?
This was a fun adventure story and ideal to capitalise on the success of the Lionesses. Ideal for a key stage 2 classroom.
Review copy received from Net Galley.
When Leah, George and Mimi stumble across a time-travelling device, they are transported back 100 years to a time when women's football was banned. Along with their new friend Dot, can they save the cup final?
This was a fun adventure story and ideal to capitalise on the success of the Lionesses. Ideal for a key stage 2 classroom.
Review copy received from Net Galley.
September 12, 2023
My daughter in nine years old and football (particularly the Lionesses) mad! She is less interested in books, and I struggled to find one that will hold her attention. However, she happily sat and read this on my Kindle, hooked by the pull of Leah, but held by the great action storyline. I read it with her afterwards, and we both agreed it was a brilliant way of bringing the story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.
October 15, 2023
Honestly I only read this because one of my favorite soccer players wrote it and it was her first fictional book she wrote and I wanted to support. I also wanted to get the signed copy version!! Anyways, since I got it shipped from England (Leah Williamson is the captain of the England's women's soccer national team) and written by someone from England it was interesting to see how some words differed since England English is a different sort of dialect from American English.
May 15, 2024
✔️ 7. A book about women's sports and/or by a woman athlete
Arsenal prep hehe
Slay that this was written by Leah and illustrated by her cousin, Jordan :')
There was a lot happening but I loved how it wove history with modern day football, and a little bit of mystery in a feminist voice.
Arsenal prep hehe
Slay that this was written by Leah and illustrated by her cousin, Jordan :')
There was a lot happening but I loved how it wove history with modern day football, and a little bit of mystery in a feminist voice.
Read
December 30, 2025took me a while to ‘finish’ as i kept putting it off, definitely for a younger audience as i got to chapter 18 and just couldn’t finish it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews