When Jay discovers a talent for computing, will he pursue his newfound passion or follow the crowd? A heartwarming story from the multi-award winning author of Anisha the Accidental Detective. Can you be true to yourself without losing your friends along the way? Jay is excited about a game-design project being worked on by the Computing Club at school. He wants to join in, but there’s a big problem.

Jay’s friends think Computing is only for nerds and they want him to join a new football team with them. Both activities happen at the same time, so Jay has to choose. Can he find the courage to tell his friends how he really feels, and if he does, will it mean their friendship is over …? Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

• Author: Serena Patel
• Illustrator: Louise Forshaw
• Publisher/Imprint: Barrington Stoke
• ISBN: 978‑0‑00‑873672‑9
• Publication Date: 11 September 2025
• Interest Age: 9+ (upper primary / early secondary)
• Reading Age: 8 years (supporting children who read below chronological age)
• Design Features: Dyslexia‑friendly layout — carefully selected vocabulary, short length, accessible reading format.
• Key Themes: Computing & game‑design; peer pressure; identity; friendship; courage to be yourself.

FAQs

Q1. Is this book suitable for children with dyslexia or reading difficulties?

Yes — the book is published under Barrington Stoke, a specialist inclusive‑reading imprint. Its layout, design and reading age make it particularly appropriate for readers who may find standard texts challenging.

Q2. What age group is this book aimed at?

The interest age is 9+ (upper primary/early secondary), and the reading age is around 8 — meaning it is ideal for children older than 8 but who read at a lower level.

Q3. What is the story about?

Jay emerges as a talented gamer and computing club member, but his friends push him towards football. He must face his own truth: pursue his passion or follow the herd. It’s a story of self‑belief, identity and friendship.

Q4. Can this book be used in schools or for reading‑intervention settings?

Absolutely — with its accessible format and relatable themes (school, friends, computing), it is excellent for classroom libraries, intervention groups, reluctant readers and home reading programmes.

Q5. Does the length make it feel “too easy” for older children?

No — although the reading age is lower, the interest age is 9+ and the theme is age‑appropriate. The shorter length and accessible format are designed to enable reading success rather than feel “babyish”.