Specky Magee: Ready to Make His Mark

Specky Magee #1

by Felice Arena

This is a great book by former football great Gary Lyon and author Felice Arena. It is about a young boy, passionate about football. Although football plays a great role in this story, it also talks about the emotional aspects. Specky is on the search for his biological parents, after his parents tell him that he is adopted. It is a great book for children who love football. There are 4 books in the series so far and I highly recommend all of them.

Genres: Adoption, Fiction, Football

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Popular and prolific Australian children’s author Felice Arena is the creator of many best-selling and award-winning children's books for all ages. Some of these include the acclaimed middle-grade historical novels The Boy and the Spy, Fearless Frederic, A Great Escape, and The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan – the bestselling Specky Magee series, the junior series' Sporty Kids and The Besties, and the joyous read-aloud picture books Pasta!, Cheese! and most recently My Big Secret - also illustrated by Arena.
www.felicearena.com Instagram.com/felicearenabooks

Reviews

[Jeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like a kid again wow! When I grow up, I want to play WRFL Div 2 Reserves. Wow! Cheers jecky

[Ben Langdon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good idea. There's definitely a need for books on AFL, especially targeted at kids aged 8-12. I enjoyed the story well enough, and I could see how the parts written by Lyon (tips and strategy etc) work in the format, but I think it needs something more. Seemed a bit straight-down-the-middle. I'll keep reading the series to see how it develops.

Edit: I'm a high school teacher and I have to say that the Specky Magee books are easy to see around the school. They are well-loved and read by Year 7-8 boys especially (ages 12-14). Some of them read the same book over and over.

[Josh Treeby]

The book I am reviewing is the first of 7 books, Speck Magee.

Specky Magee is a 12 year old boy who's number one passion is football. He is 12 years old and he goes to Booyong High. He play footy for his school team with his best mates Danny and Robbo.

The genre of this book Is one hundred percent sport. But, it is mixed in with a bit of love as well. He finds himself in a tight knot where he has to choose between one thing or the other. This book is absolutely great because everybody loves a good sport book! Especially one somebody would be able to relate to. This is a great genre choice because the book comes from the best. They are highly experienced in this type of situation and they have been in it a long time.

This novel is great for everyone! But it is directed to children, teenagers and everybody who loves the game of Aussie Rules Football. This book can be relative to some people when they play footy with their best mates and then they have to make a big decision whether to stay or to go. The authors if this book just based it on the love and passion people share for this great Australian game. And even people who don't even know about the game. They can read it and get a bit more knowledge of the game.

The main character in this book is Simon Magee. Specky is a true hero. He is the biggest Aussie Rules fan ever. He is a champion full forward on the school footy team, but his friends and teammates call him 'Specky' because of his awesome ability to take 'spec-tacular' marks. He is as happy as anything but the nay problem is his family won't go and watch him play footy and when he discovers a photo of himself dressed up as a baby he gets curious and bombards his parents with questions. The other main characters would have to be his best friends Danny and Robbo. Danny is a star midfielder for his school team, but on the other hand, Robbo is a star ruckman and is the captain of the Booyong High Lions. The villain would be Specky's real Father. He started spending time with Specky and he loved it, but one day when he went to watch Specky play footy, he got a call for an acting role and was straight out to the airport. But minutes after he had left Specky was knocked out cold! But, his Dad had been watching from his car and raced over to him and they rushed him to the hospital.

The theme that runs through the story is a sort of sporty theme but, it turns into a love theme between Specky and his adoptive parents. After that day Specky had been knocked out him and his Dad has been spending a lot more time together and his Dad made sure he could get to everyone of Specky's footy games from then on.

The language in this book would be formal, but at its times the authors write something that everyone would say other then just 'Hello there' they would put in 'G'day mate'. The characters spoke very layback as well just like all teenagers and children would!

The Authors of this brilliant book are Garry Lyon and Felice Arena. They both have great sporting backgrounds, whether it be footy or not. Felice Arena was a star swimmer while on the other hand, Garry Lyon was a champion footballer. The pair of them are a great team. They have worked together and have made seven books, and hopefully more to come!

By Josh Treeby

[Cody Connell]

Specky Magee is one of the best novels I have read. The book is written by Gary Lyon and Felice Arena. Gary Lyon is a famous former footy player and was recently on the footy show on channel 9. The book is one of 8 books and the first one which was specks magee was made in 2002 and the last one was produced in 2013. The story is in order from the first book introducing the characters and the last one is concluding the story, so you would have to watch them in order of first to last. The genre of the novel is sport and action since its about footy and problems arise during the story with bullies. There isn't a set date or year in the novel but it is during footy season since he is playing footy. As well as no given date there is also no given specific place but it is set somewhere in Melbourne, Australia.

It follows Specky through his love for Aussie Rules. Upon discovering an online friend, CHRISkicks, who turns out to be a girl In this book, Specky becomes curious about an old photo of him being dressed in AFL gear, even though his family hates AFL. He wonders whether he is adopted. There is a lot of characters in this novel such as
Simon “specky” Magee
Josh “Robbo” Roberts (friend)
Danny Castellino (friend)
Christina Perry (friend)
Samantha “tiger” Sheperd (friend)
Derek “screamer” Johnson (friend)
Ben “Gobba” Higgins (friend)
Johnny Cockatoo (friend)
Brian Edwards (friend)
Maria “Gladiators” Testi (friend)
Sanjay “bomber” Sharma (friend)
Paul “smashing sols” solomon (friend)
coach Sandy Pate (coach)
Mr Rutherford (teacher)
Alice Magee (sister)
David and Jane magee (mum and dad)
Gus “Einstein” Turner (friend)
Jack Magee (brother)
Ken Magee (Grandfather)
Specky Magee is my favourite in this novel because he persists through tough times and never stops training to be the best he can be. Also I relate to him because i have had different injuries for 1 year and haven't been able to play properly. My favourite part of the novel was when he found out he was adopted because he worked through it and got over it straight away. There was a lot of twists in the novel and whenever you are going to put the book down, something happens and you have to keep on reading. Something I didn't like about this novel was all the problems weren't really big problems such as getting his spot taken so he has to play somewhere else and they seemed very mature for a 12 year old.

Overall this novel is a great book and is aimed at kids under 15 and aimed at kids who like footy and understand the sport. Specky Magee is the only popular novel that has been about Aussie rules because it is only an Australian sport so not many people write it about it in their novel people that people in school would relate to some problems going on in the novel.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 13 year old has been bugging me to read this book for years, and I've finally read it. As someone who doesn't like AFL, or any sport, I wasn't sure that I'd like this book, but I did.

It's the story of Simon 'Specky' Magee. By accident he discovers something huge that explains why he loves footy and his family doesn't. Throughout the story, there are hints and tips about AFL that are helpful to explain the footy terms to someone who doesn't know about footy.

I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. It's good for kids who love AFL, as well as looking at family relationships.

[Aston Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

It really awesome that he tries to find his dad.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Specky Magee is the first in the series. It follows Specky through his love for Aussie Rules. In this book, Specky (12 years old) becomes curious about an old photo of him being dressed in AFL gear, even though his family hates AFL. Whist at training, he often wishes his father would be intersted in sport. He is called "Specky" because of his spectacular marks. Upon discovering an online friend, "CHRISkicks", who turns out to be a girl, he wonders whether he is adopted.

It turns out that his biological father is his Dad's brother - "The brother you don't keep in touch with and have nothing to do with?" - p157. This time Specky's mum spoke. Your biological parents are Bob and his girlfriend at the time, Lisa. Sadly, Lisa was involved in a terrible car accident and unfortunately she died, leaving Bob to look after you. Your Uncle Bob was so devasted by Lisa's death that he couldn't cope with raising a baby by himself. He was a mess. He didn't have a job - he was unemplyed actor waiting for a big break. He begged us to take you in while he treid to get his life together. We urged him to get a job; but, he couldn't. He packed up and left for Sydney and he wanted us to be your legal parents for good.

[Shadow Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh Specky Magee. Back in the mid 2000’s 1 of my old primary school teachers asked have I read Specky Magee I said nope & was recommended to read Specky Magee. So I borrowed it from the library I read it & it’s actually good. Haven’t read it in years though

During my op shopping I spotted a Specky Magee book at salvos. So happy that I added this book to the collection as it follows the story of a 12 year old kid called Specky Magee being a huge afl fan who’s playing football while finding out who he is actually related to

The writing from Felice Arena is just great plus with tips from former Melbourne Demons captain Gary Lyon this makes a perfect novel for not just footy fans but for those aged 12-14 who are into footy at their schools & of course Auskick

Specky Magee is a must read so it’s actually 4 & a half from me

& btw… GO PORT ADELAIDE!!

[Mable · Rating 3 out of 5]

Specky Magee

Specky Magee is a book about sports. Especially AFL. After Specky accidentally ruins his dad’s eggshell museum tour, he find a photo of him wearing Geelong AFL accessories. Knowing his parents hated AFL, he knew something was wrong. After going to the MCG and chatting with Chriskicks, he realises he’s adopted. After looking for his real parents, he finally finds out that his real dad is his currents dad’s brother. His real dad’s name is Bob and Bob explained his wife was a die hard Geelong supporter. But she died in a car accident so he gave Specky to his brother.

Good book to read but not as good as the other ones I read so 7/10 and I recommend to AFL or sport fans because it is a good sport book.

[Judy Wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon loves football, Aussie rules. Lives for football, practice and is the team’s best full forward. He takes spectacular marks – that’s how he got his nick name Specky. Kicking goals is his speciality. What he struggles to understand is why he’s so good at football and his family aren’t even interested. His dad doesn’t come to watch his games like other dads.
Specky finds a photo of himself as a toddler in a Geelong football outfit. That prompts questions and a huge family reaction. What has Specky discovered?
I enjoyed the pace and the different characters reactions to the issues that had to dealt with.
Recommended for Middle Grade 8+

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prolific author Felice Arena teams up with former Melbourne footballer Gary Lyon in this the first of a series of books about the Australian Rules football playing youngster nicknamed of course Specky Magee. The plot is pretty football heavy, but at the core of it is family and friendship. What makes a family? What makes friends? It is also about the support of parents for children and the differences and similarities that make us all who we are.

[M ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this and I’m 20 years old so it’s definitely not aimed for me but still enjoyable

[Rob Miglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. I rate it 5 stars because the plot is interesting. I could not put this book down.

-4RM

[Darcy Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve ever read. Encouraged me to pursue a career in AFL, just finished the other day with 3 premierships, 1 norm smith and 15 all Australians

[jay★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super interesting and great book for footy lovers. I liked the part when he met up with Christina at the game show thing.

[Maddy custard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't you hate it when I nice read that's not supposed to be full of metaphors, symbolism or any of that fancy stuff is totally beaten in reviews? I mean, this book is a kids book for starters. It's not supposed to be the next To Kill a Mockingbird, and it's not trying to be.

Anyway, it's a great read especially for kids who love footy. I am probably getting too old to read these novels, and I don't know if a new one is coming out or not ever, after the Battle of the Young GUns. Apparently there is, Specky Magee and the Best of Oz. Should a 17, nearly 18 year old read this? Why not? :)

I love the series, mainly because it's fun to read. It's fun for books to be predictable but you still smile when he jumps, lands his knees on the defenders back, marks the ball and kicks the sixpointer. Why read it if you are expecting anything else?

And go the swannies!

That's all I can think of.

:)

[Miranda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to read this for children's lit. By about the third chapter I was bored SENSELESS and could not go on. I find footy a dull enough game to watch, let alone have described in agonizing detail. And to add insult to injury there were GAME TIPS and ADVICE FROM AFL PLAYERS and other such gems of wisdom studded through the text at regular intervals. I mean, I can see how it would appeal to a huge number of footy-obsessed aussie kids and that's great if it gets them reading, blah blah, but in my opinion popularity with the masses does not necessarily equal literary merit and I was aggrieved that we had to study it.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Specky is a gifted football player and the star of his high school football team, but he feels like his parents and sister hardly notice. His family don't care about football. In fact, he can't help notice he has hardly anything in common with his family at all.

After finding a photo of himself as a toddler dressed head-to-toe in Geelong Cats clothes, he starts to become suspicious - they're not telling him something... but what?

A great book with lots of tips about how to play great football. This story should appeal to football fans aged 8-14.

[Nat Frankli · Rating 4 out of 5]

the first specky magee is about a young boy who loves footy he is one of the most talented players in his side becuase of his awesome marking ability, but his dad and family dont like watching him play he doesnt know where he got his love for footy from when one day he finds a photo of him dressed up in footy gear, so he investegates, he is not pleased in what he finds!

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book appeals to all those who enjoys AFL, usually for teenagers between our age. Written by Gary Lyon & Felice Arena, it entails the story of a young kid named Specky and his football career. It gives the audience real life insights into the life of footy players and what they go through. It's a really pleasant and fun book to read.

[Oliver Burnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first specky magee book to be written, it was a very sporty book with lots of aussy life in it, but ofcourse there were hugeissues for specky to solve, i have now finished the 2nd which i couldnt wait to read after the first one.

Great book for teen readers into sport

[Chandler Liang · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for children who love sport and footy.

[Denis · Rating 4 out of 5]

beast

[Flynn Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book. sequels are definetely better than the first one.

[Will Biddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a really good book for footy lovers and i recommend this book to everyone the footy community