Tom Palmer
Personal Information
Description
Palmer was born in Leeds. He cites football articles for getting him interested in reading as a child. He was encouraged to read by his adoptive-mother, who died in 1992 at the age of 54. He graduated from university and worked in libraries and book shops before becoming a published author. He published his first book in 2002. His first children's book for Puffin, Foul Play was shortlised for the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award in 2009. In 2018, Palmer wrote a new book for the Roy of the Rovers series. In 2019, he received the Ruth Rendell Award. In 2020, he published his 50th book. In 2021, Palmer's book After the War was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal. Palmer currently lives in Halifax. He is a supporter of Leeds United F.C. and has written a book titled If You're Proud to be a Leeds Fan.
Books
Helena
The life of the Empress Helena coincided with the recognition of Christianity as the religion of the Roman Empire. Helena made the historic pilgrimage to Palestine, found pieces of wood from the true cross, and built churches at Bethlehem and Olivet.
Free Kick
The fifth book in the fast-paced Football Academy series.James has been a junior player at United for a long time. Everyone expects him to follow in his dad's footsteps and play for England one day. But James isn't so sure. He has something he wants to do even more than football. Something that means he would have to give up football. The problem is he doesn't want to disappoint his dad. At a tournament in London, where he is pitched against Arsenal and Chelsea players, James finally makes his mind up.
Dead Ball
Russian billionaire Dmitri Tupolev and a mystery Englishman agree to fix an important match in Russia's favour by intimidating the England goalie, Alex Finn. But Alex goes against their wishes. His punishment: an 'accidental' car crash and he's out of the return game in Russia.Something is going on with England's replacement goalie, and Danny soon finds himself caught up with the criminals of the footballing underworld. Will he unravel the match-fixing mystery?
Striking Out
Yunis can't believe that he's United leading scorer. It should be the happiest time of his life, but his father wants him to give up football and work hard at school. Can Yunis convince his dad that he can do both, or will he have to hang up his boots forever? Stay on the ball this season with all the action from Football Academy.
Captain Fantastic
An exciting football series, following the adventures of United's under-twelves side.Since Ryan Flynn got into trouble for bullying, he's been determined to pull his socks up and be the best captain United's ever had. So when team-mate Craig causes problems on - and off - the pitch, Ryan knows he must get to the bottom of it or he'll lose a talented player. But Craig's worries are much bigger than Ryan realized - can he help Craig and stop him from being shown the red card?
Reading the Game
Ben is at his happiest playing for United and is getting top marks from the coach. But every day at school is a trial for Ben, as he struggles to hide a huge secret from his teachers and classmates.Ben's secret is starting to affect his game – can he swallow his pride and ask for help before he sidelines himself – for good?
The real thing
H1650 Cleone Aston had always thought she was happy and contented enough, with her pleasant job as a reporter on a local newspaper, and marriage to her boy-friend Ivor in due course — until she was offered, out of the blue, the job of editor on a fashion magazine. It would mean a move to London, a lot more money, an exciting life among exciting, sophisticated people — and a lot of challenge. But the biggest challenge of all, Cleone soon found, was her new boss — Ellis Firse. It was not long before thoughts of Ivor faded fast, to be replaced by an overwhelming love for Ellis. But why should Ellis think of her at all, except as a rather recalcitrant employee? How could she ever hope to compete with the other girls in his life — the Karins and Annabelles and Marias who had so much more to offer him.
Football Detective: Foul Play
Danny is obsessed with two things: football - especially City Football Club - and investigating crimes. So when England and City footballing hero Sam Roberts is reported missing the day after Danny saw him being taken, blindfolded, into the bowels of the City FC stadium late at night, he's determined to get to the bottom of it. But is Danny getting into something he can't handle?
Boys United
Jake loves football and dreams of becoming a professional footballer. He's worried about his height though – what if he's too small for football? But on the day of his trial Jake is quick on the ball and scores – he's made it! Jake can't wait to pull on his shirt and join the team. But someone at the club wants to make his life difficult. Can Jake face up to the bullies and become man of the match again? Stay on the ball this season with the first four stories following the boys in United's under-twelves.