Keep Smashing It: Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Confident: by Jodie Ounsley - also known as being Fury from Gladiators!

by Jodie Ounsley, Dane Thibeault (Illustrator)

Be brave, be confident and keep smashing it with everyone's favourite Gladiator - Fury!

Jodie Ounsley is a Gladiator, an England Rugby player, an inspirational role model for deaf people, and now an author too! In her debut book, Jodie wants to show young people everywhere that anything is possible when you believe in yourself. Content

- Being a role model to children – in sports and beyond – offering important representation to the deaf community.
- Jodie's experience as a professional rugby player – a woman in a ‘man’s game'
- Showing young people the value of being a physically powerful and strong woman; just because you’re strong doesn’t mean you’re not feminine!
- The importance of family and having a strong team around you
- Getting girls into sport!

Genres: Audiobook

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 27, 2025

Reviews

[Justine Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Very positive
Written in a varied & interesting way to keep you engaged.
Will inspire you to back yourself, believe in yourself & smash the barriers in your way to reach your goal whatever that might be

[Tom Jonesman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 40th birthday present for me, as Fury is one of my favourite Gladiators, being so supportive and encouraging of the contenders and the other Gladiators.

This was such a sweet, inspiring and fun book, outlining Jodie's story of putting everything towards achieving her dream of becoming an Olympian, through playing Rugby for England, gaining confidence and overcoming anxieties and adversity to succeed at becoming a role model for girls, for profoundly deaf people, and pretty much for anyone who has a long-term dream, or who wants to change the world for the better! I read it to my 5-year old daughter at bedtime, and then again at breakfast when she came running downstairs clutching "The Fury Book", begging me to read it to her while she eats her breakfast! She also got some motivation from it, having recently watched a documentary about the plight of the pangolins, my daughter said she wanted to help the pangolins survive, being encouraged by Jodie's insistence that individuals can change the world for the better if you find a cause, pursue it and have the courage and persistence to work towards achieving your goals pertaining to that cause.

It is written in such an engaging and entertaining way for children of all ages, and is both a fascinating insight into Jodie's story, as well as a motivational tool for children!

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Books for this eCopy to review

I read Keep Smashing It with my 9 year old daughter who loves watching Gladiators. Jodie Ounsley, a deaf British rugby player and motivational speaker, brings her incredible journey to life in this book. Through her personal anecdotes and experiences, she offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to overcome challenges, build confidence, and stay resilient in the face of adversity.

The book is structured in a way that is both engaging and easy to follow, with each chapter focusing on different aspects of personal growth and empowerment. Jodie's writing is authentic and relatable, making it feel like you're having a conversation with a supportive friend who genuinely wants to see you succeed.

We liked how Jodie blended her personal story with actionable tips and strategies. She shares her struggles and triumphs with honesty and vulnerability, providing a realistic and inspiring perspective on what it takes to achieve your goals. Her advice is practical and down-to-earth, making it very accessible.

The book also touches on important themes such as self-acceptance, mental health, and the power of community and support networks. Jodie emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself and finding strength in your unique qualities, which is a powerful message for anyone looking to boost their confidence and resilience.

[Rachael Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that I read in one sitting. It's full of helpful tips and life advice on building confidence, learning from mistakes, taking things slowly, and sometimes knowing when to give up on something that you thought you were definitely going to be able to do. There's a lot of repetition but I think that only serves to emphasise what's being encouraged here. And though it's aimed at children, I definitely found myself motivated and affirmed in making some choices of my own.

[Leesa T · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and well written book. Myself and my 8 and 11 year old were hooked from the start! So motivational and interesting. A brilliant book to share in key stage 2. Full of positive words and encouragement. So glad we pre ordered this!

[Eve Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring! Made me want to work hard towards my dream career! Thanks for all the advice Jodie! Hearing all her anecdotes about her past has really helped me dream big and eventually pursue my dream job. Incredible if you are not sure about what to do as your career. Thank you!! ☺️🥳

[Kirsti Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book to see more about what it like living as deaf person. but also help to give you idea to improve your own confidence and self believe

[Belle Sharpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

liked this book 😀

[Rob Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

An empowering and inspirational read.

[Evie Sharlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspires myself

[Liv · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book quite inspiring. As someone who watched Gladiators every Saturday it's on, i knew i had to read this book. I'm also learning sign language so having the signs in the book really helped.

The only downside is the fact the book is aimed at primary early secondary school kids and as someone who's in year 11 i got a bit bored but i still loved it

[Norah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story because of how it really got a message through to me. As soon as I saw it lying on the bookshop shelf I knew that I was going to buy it. At the end of each chapter it gives you some activities about that chapter. This book also really inspired me to be confident and to keep going when times are tough! This really helped me bring out the best me!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to see if it would be any good for my students and because I love seeing fellow Yorkshire lasses doing well!