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The best things in life can be worth waiting for, and that is certainly the case for those with a shared passion of football and fiction.

After a 66-year wait, and in an historic first for the iconic Roy of the Rovers brand,  the final illustrated fiction title in the rebooted series sees Roy's sister Rocky take centre stage in her very own story - Rocky.

And we are delighted to share with you an opportunity to join "Writing Girls into Sport Fiction', a special free Facebook webinar on Tuesday 3 November (20:00 GMT) when you can join Roy and Rocky of the Rovers author, Tom Palmer, and Girls FC author, Helena Pielichaty, as they discuss the ins and outs of writing girls into sports fiction, and explore the importance of reading sports books with female role models.

"Rocky is my 51st book for children," said author Tom. "Out of all the lead characters in those 51 books, Rocky is my favourite by miles.

"I think it's because she has her own fears like all of us, but unlike most of us, she faces and tackles them one by one. Rocky isn't just for girls, it's for boys and girls to read - we need more girls in sports fiction."

In Rocky, we get to read about struggling student and brilliant footballer, Rocky Race, who is many things, but to most people she is just Roy Race's little sister. It's not much fun for her - especially as Melchester Rovers head to the League Cup Final.

Rocky is sick of everyone knowing her through Roy; she's had enough of school with her mental and physical wellbeing affected to the extent she starts to experience panic attacks.

The book explores Rocky's story as she tries  to find her own way - as a person and a player - and the diffciulties that brings.

Don't forget if you want to hear more from authors Tom and Helena, whose equally brilliant Girls FC series is aimed for 7-11 year-olds, join the duo via Facebook this Tuesday by clicking on the link here.

Bobby McGill, brand manager of publishers Rebellion, added: "With the meteoric rise of women's football, it's important that the Roy of the Rovers brand carries on its rich history of being at the heart of British football, and represents all who love and play the beautiful game.

"We're thrilled and extremely proud to launch Rocky, and we think it's only the start for her...and we really hope that you can join Tom and Helena to dicuss how important it is for girls to have visibility in fiction, because positive role models are so important."

* Rocky of the Rovers and the Girls FC series are available on all major online and offline retailers, or you could support your local bookshop and ask them to order you a copy!

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