AustLit

'Like a Big Bash League match, this junior fiction series is explosive, entertaining and action-packed!

'Manny and his sister Izzy have just moved from Perth to Adelaide. Both are huge cricket fans, but while outgoing Izzy has already signed up to the local girls' team, Manny is super shy and prefers going to the oval in the evening and bowling in the nets when there's hardly anyone around. He's a gun fast bowler but just can't seem to find his confidence, especially after the family goes to a Perth Scorchers and the Adelaide Strikers BBL game and Manny falters in a speed bowling competition he is chosen to enter. Back practising in the nets the next night, Manny gets the distinct feeling that someone or something is spying on him.

'The spy turns out to be a drone – and weirdly, a drone has just been stolen from Manny's new school teacher! Then, when a dad from the nearby cricket club tries to offer Manny a deal to play for his son's team, Manny knows something fishy is going on. It's time to start making friends and find out who the spying drone really belongs to!

'Will Manny build up the courage to join the local team and let his bowling do the talking?' (Publication summary)