The Academy (The Academy Series)

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.

I constantly search for books my 9 year old will have a great interest in and him being a soccer lover I gave this book a try and I was actually blown away at how good it is! We are now starting book 3 of the series and I enjoy it just as much as him! Get this series for your young, preteen or teen who loves the game and they will be excited about reading. So well written and the play by plays are so detailed! It also gives great sports and life lessons throughout. I need this author to write more series for sure! 1000000% recommend!!

My son has been reading this to me out loud before we go to bed. We're both enjoying it. It's interesting for him, a fan of soccer and speaks his language. I'm glad we discovered this book and we will certainly purchase the others.

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!”

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!

Enjoyable story for elementary-school-aged kids.

My soccer fanatic son devoured this series. I finished a book one night and needed something to read and picked up Academy I. I went on to read the entire series myself! It was fantastic. Great story lines, soccer lessons, and lots of good moral lessons sprinkled in there. Highly recommend!!!

My 10 year old son loved this book. It is the first series that he devoured and kept him interested the entire time. Can’t wait for the 6th book!