the books show a wonderful insight into the world of sport and into the lives of those talented people who want to become part of sport at the highest level.

Perfect for teens who have been inspired by the 2012 Olympics, Running Stars and Going for Gold are superb stories

If ever anyone is qualified to write a children's story about young athletes and their adventures it must be Christine Ohuruogu. The silver medal winner at the London Olympics, writing with Paul May, has begun the successful series Camp Gold and her latest story, Going for Gold has the principal character Maxine and her athletic friends training at Camp Gold International. Everything seems to go downhill. Maxine's race times are not good, and even worse, acts of vandalism mean that the camp may have to close. Whether they are couch potatoes or would be Ohuruogus, the nines-plus will find this easy enjoyable reading.

Vivid and funny . . . The graphic format makes it fizz . . . And the contact sport of roller derby makes for a fascinating setting. Expressive, fearsomely physical and dominated by women, the author brilliantly conveys its appeal

A note-perfect middle-grade story of friendships lost and rebuilt, wrapped up in lively graphic novel form. Astrid is a peach of a hero, a likeable misfit desperate to be a great skater like her idol. Her discovery that it's not as easy as it looks will resonate with anyone who's ever dreamed of glory and fallen flat on their face; her response to disappointment will lift the heart

Roller Girl's message of self-discovery, friendship, and perseverance will roll its way right into your heart

Full of charm . . . Don't let this one roll past

Readers will stand up and cheer