- Chapter Books
- Ages 8–12
- Sport
The Academy II: The Journey Continues
Book 2 of 6 in The AcademyView the full series
Leo has made the roster, but he is a benchwarmer on the worst team in the league — and unless they turn things around, the squad faces disbandment. A homesickness-and-hard-graft sequel that keeps the football drama coming.
- Best for8–12
- FormatChapter
The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Conversational
Tone
- Exciting
- Inspirational
- Heartwarming
Themes
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
Leo Doyle earned his place at The Academy — but making the team turns out to be only the beginning. Stuck on the bench of the league's worst-performing side, homesick for Ohio and clashing with a demanding coach, Leo must juggle punishing training, unfamiliar schoolwork and the sinking feeling that he may never get his shot. Worse, his struggling team is under threat of being disbanded altogether, and it will take every ounce of grit, teamwork and self-belief to prove they belong. The action-packed second instalment of the New York Times bestselling Academy series picks up right where the first left off, following Leo deeper into the high-pressure world of elite youth football. Full of nail-biting matches, dressing-room rivalries and hard-won lessons about resilience, it's an irresistible read for any child who dreams of going pro — and a reminder that talent only gets you to the starting line.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
Best for football-mad 8–12s reading on their own, especially reluctant readers drawn in by fast match scenes and short chapters. Emotionally gentler than book one, with homesickness and teamwork at its core.
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- Best fit · 8–12
- Read aloud · 8–11
- Independent · 8–12
Prose load
Moderate
Visual support
None
Reluctant-reader friendly
Very
Read-aloud quality
Workable
Works well for
- Gift-buying
- Reluctant readers
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
2 / 5 · Better outside bedtime
Sensitive-child
4 / 5 · Good fit
Graphic intensity
1 / 5 · None
Best for
- Football fans
- Sports stories
- Reluctant readers
- Underdog stories
Avoid if
- No interest in sport
Particularly good for children who are…
- Reluctant reader
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
Leo has his place but he's stuck on the bench of the worst team in the league, so every match is a chance to finally shine — or to see the whole squad disbanded. The pressure is huge, the matches are gripping, and you'll be desperate for Leo to get his shot.
- Proving yourself
- The underdog winning
- Making a difference
- Friendship and belonging
Why parents love it
The sequel keeps reluctant readers turning pages with short chapters and constant match tension, while modelling perseverance through setbacks, homesickness and self-doubt. A wholesome, motivating read that rewards effort over easy talent.
- Conversation starter
In the series
The Academy.
6 books · open the series →
About the author
T.Z. Layton.
If you liked this
Three ways out of this book.
If you liked this, try…
Lateral matches. Same shelf, different texture.
Come into this from…
Easier or preparing reads — perfect lead-ins.
Where to go next…
Escalation reads — a step up in scale, silliness, or stakes.
More like this…
Books that share themes and topics with this one.
