Off the Bench by Tom Mitchell (Big Cat Read On)

Big Cat Read On supports fluent readers to improve their reading skills and nurture a love of reading. Consisting of a wide range of engaging chapter books, the Big Cat Read On series improves reading stamina and comprehension, develops vocabulary, and introduces children to more sophisticated narrative structures and themes.

Hi, I’m Alfie. I’m in the Fulwood Rangers Under-11 football team (well, I’m on the bench mainly – sub number 2, that’s me). We’re playing in the Sheffield Youth Cup football tournament, and do we have a chance of winning? Nope. Our coach is an ex-pro, but all he does is get us to run round the field. We’re never going to lift the cup unless we use some new tactics, on and off the pitch.

Ask the author and Book talk questions invite the reader to think more deeply about the themes in the book and reflect on their reading experience. Online lesson plans provide guidance in using this book in a range of settings, including independent, social and whole-class reading – all designed to support the reader to connect with the book and encourage a positive attitude to reading.