The Academy VI: Rise of the Scorpions
by T.Z. Layton
The Academy 6 Book Review
-Book Review for Kids Ages 7-12-
Get a Copy
Buy The Academy VI on Amazon | Check your local library
New release — check your library but it may not be on shelves yet.
AGES
7-12
PAGES
283
SERIES
Book 6 of 8
READ TIME
About a week
REVIEWED BY
Grey, age 11
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links in this post are affiliate links — if Grey recommends it here, he read it and meant every word.
THE BACKSTORY
Why Grey Picked It
I started the first book a few years ago and got hooked right away. I’m obsessed with soccer and want to play professionally one day — so reading this series is like reading my own dreams. When Book 6 dropped, I wasn’t waiting around.
Ready for The Academy 6 Book Review? Read on!
THE MAIN CHARACTER
The Lead
The main character is Leo K. Doyle, a soccer player from Middleton, Ohio. He played for the YMCA until a scout found him and invited him to play in England — but I won’t go into those details here, because you’ve got to read Books 1-5 to get the full story!
WHAT HAPPENS
The Story
In this book, Leo is 16 and just returned to England after training with the US junior national team. He moves up to the U16 squad — which means he’s the younger, smaller kid again and the pressure is real. On top of that, there’s a new rival team: Southwark FC Scorpions. These guys are mean and want to win no matter what it costs — they cheat every game. How will Leo handle it? You have to read it to find out.
THE FEEL OF IT
Book Style
This is a sports fiction book but it’s got a lot more going on than just soccer. There’s friendship, rivalries, handling pressure, and what growing up actually looks like. The author describes the soccer action really vividly — like you’re watching the match while you read.
INTERESTING WORD OF THE BOOK
Nutmeg + Rabona Pass
This book’s interesting word is actually TWO soccer terms. A nutmeg is when you kick the ball through another player’s legs and then collect it on the other side. A rabona pass is when a player crosses their kicking leg behind their standing leg to make the kick. Both are super tricky — and now you’ll know exactly what they mean when you read them.
IS THIS THE BOOK
Who Will Love This
Any kid who loves soccer is going to love this series. I’d say start with Book 1 and work your way here — it’s way better when you know Leo’s whole story. This is also a great pick for upper elementary schoolers who like fast-paced stories, even if they’re not into soccer yet. The action pulls you in either way.
FLIP THE PAGE RATING
9 out of 10
The Academy 6 did not disappoint. I loved it — and if you’re already a fan of the series, it won’t disappoint you either. If you haven’t started yet, go back to Book 1. You won’t regret it.
Get a Copy
Buy The Academy VI on Amazon | Check your local library
New release — check your library but it may not be on shelves yet.
FOR THE GROWN-UPS
A Note for Parents, from Grey’s Mom
This book has have some rough sports play, poor sportsmanship in the rival team, and a hospital visit from one of the kids on the team (everything ends up fine, but it could be upsetting to younger readers). Also, Leo meets a girl he likes in this book, but it’s very light and age-appropriate. The overall message is built around teamwork, resilience, and good sportsmanship.
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