Nice Garry #2: In a Spin by Nathan Lyon and Michael Wagner,
illustrated by David Williams (Harper Collins) BPB RRP $14.99 ISBN:
9781460761359
Reviewed by Kellie Nissen
We all have our own special talents – even if we haven’t found them yet. Ten-year-old
Garry Keenan loves cricket. He plays in the backyard with his older brother,
Jamie, and is a great commentator to boot. What he doesn’t realise – until he
tags along to his brother’s tryout for a spot in the Under 16 Youngstown
Yabbies team – is that he has an extraordinary talent as a spin bowler.
What’s more, after the tryouts, it’s Garry, not Jamie, who is offered
the spot on the team. All he was doing was bowling a few balls while he waited
for his brother. And he’s only ten!
With the support of his coach and teammates, Garry manages to quell his
nerves and rise to the occasion. However, a ten-year-old playing in an Under
16s side is not without its problems, including the jealousy of his brother.
The first book in the Nice Garry series, Bowled Over,
follows Garry as he trains with the team and plays his first competitive game.
Book 2, In a Spin, picks up where Bowled Over left off.
The brothers are mates again and working harder than ever to see Garry overcome
several obstacles that are put in his way, not the least of which being when
Garry innocently manages to get on the wrong side of the captain of opposing
team, Falcon’s Nest.
Inspired by Nathan Lyon’s Australian Test cricketing career and
memories, author, Michael Wagner has worked with Lyon to create relatable
characters and a strong storyline that will keep younger readers engaged and
cheering for Garry throughout.
The illustrations by David Williams add to the story and give life to
the characters and their emotions.
If you love cricket, you’ll love Nice Garry. Even if you’re not
into cricket, you’ll soon be cheering Garry on and, perhaps, even a little
inspired by his passion and resilience.
The Nice Garry books are ideal for independent readers aged 7+
but will also appeal to younger children who are ready for shared reading
experiences with their parents or teacher.
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