Barnes & Noble Best Kids Books (September 2025)

50 Books Kids Love Most (The Week Junior Magazine)

Junior Library Guild Fall Selection (2025)

Morning Calm Award (Korea Librarians Association)

Kirkus"Most Anticipated Fall Books for Young Readers"

"A page-turner for soccer-mad readers, whether fans or players." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Nothing is more exciting than finding that book that opens the door for undiscovered readers into the world of stories and personal connection. The Academy by T.Z. Layton is one of those books and deserves to be shared with young sports oriented readers." - Brein Lopez, Children's Book World (Los Angeles, CA)" -- Brein Lopez, Children's Book World (Los Angeles, CA)

"Young readers continue reading this series, asking for the next one and the one after that...Equally important, this series fills a gap in middle grade literature: action filled, fast-paced sports novels featuring young players." -- Maria Salvadore, Politics & Prose (Washington, DC

Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers

Pub date: 2026-05-05

Length: 336 pages