Specky Magee

Specky Magee by Felice Arena and Garry Lyon (Puffin Books) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 97801437777168

Reviewed by Kathleen Grace

TV show host Eddie McGuire says on the back cover of this book that it is ‘encouraging Aussie Kids to read and enjoy Aussie culture.’ This latest book in the best-selling nine book Specky Magee series is a special 20^th anniversary edition. Garry Lyon, co-writer of this (and all the others) book, debuted with the Melbourne Football Club in 1986, at 18 years of age. He retired 14 years later with 226 games under his belt. He and Arena played footy as children.

The book’s protagonist, as with all the books in the series, is Simon Magee, aged 12, and mad about Aussie Rules. His nickname is nicknamed ‘Specky’ because he takes spectacular marks, but his family hates footy. Despite this, there is a baby photo of him dressed in footy gear. Puzzled, Specky is determined to find the truth.

This is a book which is easy to read and fast-moving. It is likely to appeal to footy-obsessed children (mostly boys) who are aged 8 to 12 years.