Deadly D and Justice Jones: Making the Team by Scott Prince and Dave Hartley

Magabala Books, 2014. ISBN 9781922142184
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Dylan is 11 and has moved from Mt Isa to Brisbane as a result of his mum's new job. On his first day of school, Dylan tries to help a boy being bullied when he is attacked as well. Unfortunately, Dylan is cursed and the bullies get a bit more than they bargained for. When Dylan gets angry, he changes into a huge, hairy man creature. Thankfully, Dylan still manages to make a friend - Justice Jones. There is also another good thing that comes from this curse - he is seen by the Broncos rugby league team and asked to join them as a player.
Deadly D and Justice Jones is an easy to read, quick moving story. The main character is Aboriginal and his best mate is from New Zealand, giving all boys who love reading a positive role model no matter their cultural background. The book has a definitive Aussie flavour, from the slang used by Dylan to the towns it is set in. It would be great for reluctant readers who are a little bit sport mad and the fact this was co-written by a rugby league player is another drawcard. Highly recommended for boys aged 8+.
Kylie Kempster