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The Dummy Pass
William loves to play rugby in the back garden with his dad and wants to try out for the school rugby team. His friends, Tom and Finlay, think that it’s a great idea, but the school bullies, Stephen and Harry, think he’ll never make it.
But while William is excited about the rugby, his parents are having more rows and the tension at home is getting worse.
Can William make the school team? Will he play well? Will his parents’ relationship survive?
And who is the mysterious Billy?
A book for any child or parent that is going through, or has gone through, a divorce or separation. The Dummy Pass offers one example, one route, of how this trauma can be overcome and a path can be plotted through to a happy conclusion for all.
William realises that his parents’ break up is not his fault and that he must leave them to resolve their own issues. He learns that they can love him independently, even if they no longer love each other. His parents learn to develop new lives and loves while always co-parenting and keeping William at the centre of their thoughts.
William also has great friends that he can talk to, play with and rely on. We learn the power of friendship and how friends can provide different kinds of support. We also learn that new people – unexpected people – can become friends.
The book centres around William’s desire to play for the school rugby team and to play in the cup final. Rugby offers an outlet to William and he grows and develops as a boy as he improves as a rugby player.
An alternative reality is also part of the story with Billy and the adult rugby matches that William takes part in – or does he?
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"This book perfectly plays out the difficult reality of being a child whose parents are separating and the challenges that life and school throws at you at a young age. It covers the topic with honesty and will be a necessary tool for anyone who is struggling to put into words or relate to their child around the complexities that separation gives. The book provides you with someone you can relate to and empathise with whether you’re an 8 year-old or a parent going through a divorce."
Stone Priestley-Nangle
Sale Rugby Club
"Written from the heart, The Dummy Pass is aimed primarily at young readers and explores some of the consequences of marital breakdown as seen through the eyes of a keen, young rugby player. It is thought provoking yet reassuring, and will strike a chord with anyone, young or old, who finds themself in a similar situation."
Mary Ballingall
Retired Teacher
But while William is excited about the rugby, his parents are having more rows and the tension at home is getting worse.
Can William make the school team? Will he play well? Will his parents’ relationship survive?
And who is the mysterious Billy?
A book for any child or parent that is going through, or has gone through, a divorce or separation. The Dummy Pass offers one example, one route, of how this trauma can be overcome and a path can be plotted through to a happy conclusion for all.
William realises that his parents’ break up is not his fault and that he must leave them to resolve their own issues. He learns that they can love him independently, even if they no longer love each other. His parents learn to develop new lives and loves while always co-parenting and keeping William at the centre of their thoughts.
William also has great friends that he can talk to, play with and rely on. We learn the power of friendship and how friends can provide different kinds of support. We also learn that new people – unexpected people – can become friends.
The book centres around William’s desire to play for the school rugby team and to play in the cup final. Rugby offers an outlet to William and he grows and develops as a boy as he improves as a rugby player.
An alternative reality is also part of the story with Billy and the adult rugby matches that William takes part in – or does he?
- -
"This book perfectly plays out the difficult reality of being a child whose parents are separating and the challenges that life and school throws at you at a young age. It covers the topic with honesty and will be a necessary tool for anyone who is struggling to put into words or relate to their child around the complexities that separation gives. The book provides you with someone you can relate to and empathise with whether you’re an 8 year-old or a parent going through a divorce."
Stone Priestley-Nangle
Sale Rugby Club
"Written from the heart, The Dummy Pass is aimed primarily at young readers and explores some of the consequences of marital breakdown as seen through the eyes of a keen, young rugby player. It is thought provoking yet reassuring, and will strike a chord with anyone, young or old, who finds themself in a similar situation."
Mary Ballingall
Retired Teacher
300 pages, Paperback
Published November 17, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 3, 2022
The Dummy Pass follows young William as he struggles to find his way in life, there’s family issues but also bullying to contend with.
These kind of events happen to many children and the bullying aspect really hits home. Some may not think what the other children do is really bullying but where do we draw the line? it has a real effect on William, and we ultimately see him encouraged to join the rugby team.
William soon notices a change in himself, true friendship and love from his family has help build his confidence.
The Dummy Pass is the perfect read for any young child going through the ups and downs of life, it helps to remind you that things will be ok.
A particularly liked that they have chosen to tell this tale from a boys perspective. Even growing up 20 year ago, boys didn’t cry or get upset, if you did that just made things worse, I think it’s good to show anyone can feel down, alone, forgotten and the feelings we have are natural.
My children are 7 and they really understood some of Williams feelings and helped them open up about things that maybe they haven’t liked in life and that its ok to not to be ok with something.
It’s a lovely read with an even better message. 5/5 Stars
These kind of events happen to many children and the bullying aspect really hits home. Some may not think what the other children do is really bullying but where do we draw the line? it has a real effect on William, and we ultimately see him encouraged to join the rugby team.
William soon notices a change in himself, true friendship and love from his family has help build his confidence.
The Dummy Pass is the perfect read for any young child going through the ups and downs of life, it helps to remind you that things will be ok.
A particularly liked that they have chosen to tell this tale from a boys perspective. Even growing up 20 year ago, boys didn’t cry or get upset, if you did that just made things worse, I think it’s good to show anyone can feel down, alone, forgotten and the feelings we have are natural.
My children are 7 and they really understood some of Williams feelings and helped them open up about things that maybe they haven’t liked in life and that its ok to not to be ok with something.
It’s a lovely read with an even better message. 5/5 Stars
March 19, 2022
This is a book aimed at 8-12 year olds to help with separation and divorce especially boys(or any rugby lover). The author explains that males sometimes find it more difficult to express their emotions sadly due to the enduring stereotype of “ boys don’t cry”.
William is 10 years old and is being hassled at school- not exactly bullying but certainly being picked on occasionally. His friends are very supportive and encourage him to try out for the rugby teams he has been playing and practising with his father. He finds that whilst practising in the back garden he suddenly becomes Billy and that he is playing with much older boys, even men. In real life he soon finds that playing is not only hel[ing him concentrate on his school work more but also giving him confidence to stand up to the teasers who soon leave him alone.
I enjoyed reading this and felt that it goes through many issues that children may encounter at school and at home. To show them that they are not alone in any situation- others have been through it before them and can help guide the way. Talking things out may be the first step to help and reassurance. A wonderful read for any child experiencing these situations
William is 10 years old and is being hassled at school- not exactly bullying but certainly being picked on occasionally. His friends are very supportive and encourage him to try out for the rugby teams he has been playing and practising with his father. He finds that whilst practising in the back garden he suddenly becomes Billy and that he is playing with much older boys, even men. In real life he soon finds that playing is not only hel[ing him concentrate on his school work more but also giving him confidence to stand up to the teasers who soon leave him alone.
I enjoyed reading this and felt that it goes through many issues that children may encounter at school and at home. To show them that they are not alone in any situation- others have been through it before them and can help guide the way. Talking things out may be the first step to help and reassurance. A wonderful read for any child experiencing these situations
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews