Picture a British storyteller who turned his love for football into a literary touchdown for kids—meet Tom Palmer! A reluctant reader turned award-winning children’s author, Palmer has enchanted young audiences with his thrilling blend of sports, history, and detective tales. From the pitch to the pages, his stories inspire kids to embrace reading with the same passion he discovered as a boy.
The Making of Tom Palmer
Born in Leeds, England, Tom Palmer wasn’t always a bookworm. As a child, he struggled with reading, finding school a challenge until his adoptive mother sparked his interest with football articles. This ignited a lifelong love for stories, leading him to night school at 21 and a degree in European Literature by 24. Before penning his own tales, Palmer worked as a bookseller, librarian, and even a milkman, earning the Bookseller of the Year Award in 1997. His varied career, including recording books for the Royal National Institute for the Blind, shaped his commitment to accessible storytelling.
Tom Palmer’s Unforgettable Stories
Palmer’s bibliography, boasting over 60 books, is a vibrant mix of sports and historical fiction. His Foul Play series, a gripping football detective saga, was shortlisted for the 2009 Blue Peter Book Award, blending fast-paced crime-solving with the thrill of the game. The Football Academy series captivates younger readers with tales of teamwork and triumph, while Roy of the Rovers reimagines the classic comic strip with modern flair, spotlighting both Roy and his sister Rocky. Palmer’s historical novels, like After the War, longlisted for the Carnegie Medal, explore heavy topics like the Holocaust with sensitivity, drawing from real places and meticulous research. His latest, Resist, inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s childhood, illuminates the Dutch Resistance in World War II. Known for engaging reluctant readers, Palmer’s accessible style and vivid settings make history and sports leap off the page.
Palmer’s writing is grounded in authenticity. He travels to story settings—like Ghana for Off Side—and collaborates with experts, from RAF Museums to children of forces families, ensuring his narratives resonate. His books often feature strong family ties, reflecting his own experiences as a father and his complex childhood with three dads by age 10.
Why Tom Palmer Matters
Tom Palmer’s impact extends beyond his books. A champion for literacy, he visits over 150 schools annually, running Football and Rugby Reading Games that make reading fun and competitive. His work with the National Literacy Trust, Booktrust, and the Premier League has motivated thousands of kids, especially boys, to pick up books. Recognized with the 2019 Ruth Rendell Award and over 30 UK book prizes, Palmer’s legacy lies in empowering young readers. His stories, blending adventure with empathy, teach kids about resilience, history, and the power of a good tale.
- Born: Leeds, England
- Key Works: Foul Play, Football Academy, After the War, Resist
- Awards: Ruth Rendell Award (2019), Carnegie Medal longlist for After the War
- Fun Fact: He’s a passionate Leeds United fan and fell runner!
About Tom Palmer
Ready to score a literary goal? Grab Foul Play or After the War and dive into Tom Palmer’s thrilling world of sports and history!