Keeping Possession

Author: Ainsworth, Eve

Interest age: from c 9 years

Published on 12 March 2026 by HarperCollins Publishers (Barrington Stoke Ltd) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 104 pages, 14 b/w, illus
198 x 129 | 180g

---

Talented defender Eboni navigates balancing new friendships with her passion for football in this sensitively told tale from acclaimed author Eve Ainsworth.

Eboni’s decision to join the Lightmoor Lionesses has led to a falling-out with her closest friends on her old team. They feel betrayed and Eboni is frozen out at school.

Feeling isolated, she’s delighted when she forms a new friendship with popular Olivia, quickly realising they have loads in common. But there’s one problem. Olivia isn’t interested in football and can’t understand Eboni’s dedication to the sport that she loves.

Will Eboni stay true to herself or will she sacrifice her footballing dreams for friendship?

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.