The Academy (The Academy Series)

I bought it for my 12 y.o. and I asked him to review, that's what he wrote: The Academy I “So, I just finished reading The Academy I by T.Z. Layton, and honestly, it’s such a solid start to the series! The story follows Leo, this talented but kind of raw soccer player, as he joins a super competitive academy. What I loved most is how relatable his struggles are—balancing his dreams, self-doubt, and those intense rivalries with his teammates. The soccer scenes are written so well, whether you’re into the sport or not, and the relationships feel super real. It’s not just about the game but also about personal growth, and that’s what kept me hooked. The pacing slows down in a few spots, but by the time I hit the cliffhanger at the end, I was ready to jump straight into the next book. If you love sports fiction or just a good story, this one’s worth checking out!”

Leo is the best soccer player on his local team. He lives in small-town Ohio but has always dreamed of playing somewhere else, somewhere bigger. He has a legend’s name for goodness sake. During one of his games, a professional scout catches some of his moves and extends an invitation to try out for The Academy, a feeder to one of the best youth squads the London Dragons. As he travels across the ocean for the first time, he is faced with other kids who are also the best on their team. Many have more training. Most have more confidence. But Leo may have the most heart. Will heart, new friendships, and a fast-speed approach to learning everything he can about professional soccer be enough to land him a spot on the Academy? As a soccer fan, I picked this book up a few times and then put it back down. I really wanted to read it with one or both of my boys who recently started playing club soccer, and when I couldn’t convince either of them, I went ahead on my own. I am so glad I did. I loved reading about Leo and his journey to London. While making the team was his goal, I loved all of the other things that happened while he grew as a soccer player. As a reader, I enjoyed the character development, especially reading as Leo learns more about himself every step of the way. The only reason I did not give the book five stars was due to the technical aspect of the book. Personally, I loved all of the soccer theory and verbiage, but I fear it could turn off some readers who may not know enough to understand it. Regardless, it is an excellent middle grade book, especially for soccer players and reluctant readers.

Great book, purchased for our 8 year old who loves soccer. He read it to himself and really enjoyed the characters and plot.

My son loves soccer and this book has been a hit. It is an essential that he carries around the house. He enjoys the storyline and is often seen smiling while reading.

As a parent, finding a book that captures my son's attention is a rare and wonderful thing, and "The Academy" by T.Z. Layton has done just that! My son, an avid soccer player, was immediately drawn into the world of a young American boy navigating the challenges of an English professional soccer academy. The detailed soccer play, combined with a relatable and compelling main character, kept him turning pages eagerly. What impressed me most was how the book balanced technical soccer terms with a storyline that was accessible and engaging. Yes, there are many characters and soccer jargon, but my son found this added to the realism and excitement. The secondary plot, including a subtle love interest, was a nice touch that added depth without overwhelming the main story. This book is not just for young readers; I found myself enjoying the story too, making it a great shared reading experience. It's well-written, informative, and perfectly pitched for young sports enthusiasts. I highly recommend "The Academy" for young readers, especially those with a passion for soccer. It's a game-changer in YA sports fiction!

My grandson likes this series.

Read this book with my young soccer player and enjoyed the fast paced narrative and the positive message of perseverance and determination in working towards a goal.

My 10 year old, soccer obsessed grandson absolutely LOVES this series. He keeps checking to see if another book has been added to the series. Couldn't put the books down. Don't be fooled by other series-- same premise, similar cover art, but not nearly the same quality.

My kid enjoyed the read

Muy buen estado, a mi hijo le está gustando mucho la historia.

A must read for all the budding football teens

My son loves it 10 yo and he is waiting for the 6th book. in the meantime he asks for more and more like these stories

The young reader enjoyed the book.