Dino expands bestselling ‘Football Heroes’ series ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Dino, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, is expanding its bestselling ‘Football Heroes’ series with four new titles — Kirby, Marta, Morgan and Smith — published 20 May ahead of the Fifa Women’s World Cup (RRP: £5.99).
The ‘Football Heroes’ series has sold more than 382,000 copies through TCM and has been widely praised for encouraging reluctant readers.
“Every woman that has walked onto the pitch in the past century has done so against a backdrop of hostility. We celebrate their determination, skill and strength and hope that these powerful books go some small way to encouraging new generations to engage in the game whether playing, watching or reading about it.”
Helen Wicks, Executive Publisher, Studio Press
Evoking all the excitement and passion of the pitch, the books are written in a narrative style that brings each player’s unique journey to life – from their first footballing experiences as children to their greatest moments playing for club and country. As well as their stories, each book features fantastic additional content including player profiles, statistics and quizzes.
Helen Wicks, Executive Publisher, Studio Press said: “In a year that sees women’s football finally stepping out of the shadows cast by the FA’s 50-year ban back in 1921, Dino is delighted to be publishing the stories of four inspirational sportswomen. Every woman that has walked onto the pitch in the past century has done so against a backdrop of hostility. We celebrate their determination, skill and strength and hope that these powerful books go some small way to encouraging new generations to engage in the game whether playing, watching or reading about it.”
Fran Kirby is the dynamic striker who carries the future of English football on her shoulders. Having been hailed ‘mini Messi’ by one former manager of England, Kirby’s powerful runs and clinical finishing have made her a deadly goal scorer. Read the story of how the girl from Reading earned a big move to Chelsea and took on the world with a ball at her feet. The sky is the limit for Fran Kirby.
Marta is the best footballer in the history of the women’s game. The Brazilian has jaw-dropping flair and skill. She has scored more World Cup goals than any other player and has won FIFA World Player of the Year six times. But pure talent alone was never enough — this book tells the story of how Marta chased her dreams with determination and a never-give-up attitude to earn the right to be called the best player ever.
Alex Morgan is co-captain of Team USA and the face of women’s football right across the world. As the star who leads the American attacking line, her height, speed and skill make her impossible to defend against and have helped drive USA to World Cup and Olympic glory. Alex Morgan is footreal-lifeal life ‘Captain America’!
By the time Kelly Smith was nine years old, she was already so good she was running rings around the boys at her local club and scoring goals for fun. But angry parents complained she was making their sons look silly, and Kelly had to move to a girls’ team. From that day, she knew she had to be twice as skillful and brave as any boy to succeed in the game she loved. Smith is the story of how the girl from Watford refused to be held back, and became an Arsenal superstar and the England women’s national team’s top scorer.
Kirby, Marta, Morgan and Smith will publish in May 2019.
The four new titles follow the release of the series’ first audio editions: Kane, Messi and Ronaldo. Narrated by Joe Jameson, the audio editions are available through all major retailers. With immersive sound effects, the audio editions aim to transport the reader to the pitch, capturing the excitement of the moment.
“… the ‘Football Heroes’ audio books take us from children’s ball games in the back garden, to stadiums around the world, telling the stories of our favourite international football stars in an all-encompassing immersive experience, making us feel as though we’re really there.”
Lauren Hurrell, Audio Assistant, Bonnier Books UK
Lauren Hurrell, Audio Assistant, Bonnier Books UK, added: “Brought to life with exhilarating sound effects and enthralling narration from Joe Jameson, the ‘Football Heroes’ audio books take us from children’s ball games in the back garden, to stadiums around the world, telling the stories of our favourite international football stars in an all-encompassing immersive experience, making us feel as though we’re really there.”
A sample of the audio edition of Kane is available to listen to here (4:00).
