Initially written to inspire his own children to put down their iPads and read, the Jack Harvey novels have proven a hit for Jersey-born author James Hewlett. He spoke to TOM OGG about the third book in the series, released this month, and his decision to focus on a new hero: Jack’s younger sister, Izzy
READERS of a certain age will no doubt be familiar with Roy of the Rovers.
First introduced in the Tiger comic in the 1950s, the British comic strip followed the triumphs and travails of Roy Race, a fictional footballer – and later football manager – who played for the Melchester Rovers, and who proved so popular with young boys and teenagers that a weekly Roy of the Rovers comic ran for almost two decades, from 1976 to 1995.
And among the young Roy of the Rovers fans who eagerly raced to the newsagents each and every week, pocket money in hand, was James Hewlett.
“Oh, Roy Race was my hero during childhood,” says Jersey-born James, a Customs and Immigration officer who previously worked for Jersey Fire and Rescue Service for almost two decades.
“The comic only came out once a week and I was always so excited to get hold of the latest issue. Today, everything is instant, but back then you’d have to be patient and wait. I’d read the comic and then go thump a football against the garden shed for a couple of hours and relive all the Roy of the Rover adventures I’d just been reading about.”
And it is memories of Roy of the Rovers – and the sense of excitement the comics imbued in his pre-teen self – that inspired James to create his own fictional footballing hero: Jack Harvey.
The teenage sportsman is the central character in an ongoing series of paperback children’s novels, all written by 47-year-old James, with two books – Jack Harvey: Breakthrough (2023) and Jack Harvey: Believe (2024) – having been published by Burton Mayers Books in Scotland.
And now a third book in the series has been newly released – only this time the focus is on a different member of the Harvey household: Jack’s younger sister, Izzy.
Described by its author as “a heart-racing, empowering story for readers aged eight to 14”, Izzy Harvey – Rise of the Falcons shines a spotlight on a new kind of hero(ine), or as James puts it: “It’s about breaking barriers, finding your voice and believing in yourself even when the whole world says you don’t belong”.
“The book is perfect for fans of sport, fans of strong female leads and fans of stories that celebrate courage and teamwork,” he says.
“But, most of all, it’s just a captivating, fun story to which many young kids will be able to relate.”
To celebrate the launch of the book, which is available in Waterstones and from Amazon UK, James will hosting a book signing event in the BookWorm and Poets Corners in the Harbour Gallery on Wednesday 16 July, during which he will also be reading aloud from the book.
Without giving away too much of the plot, what can young readers expect from Rise of the Falcons?
“Izzy Harvey has spent her life living in the shadow of her older brother – a local football star whose talent and fame seem to eclipse everything she does,” says James. “At school, teachers dismiss Izzy’s dreams, convinced that football is ‘not for girls.’ At every turn, she is told to sit on the sidelines, to aim lower, to stay quiet.
“When a new PE teacher arrives at Falcon Hill School – a former professional footballer – things begin to change. Recognising Izzy’s raw talent and fierce determination, the teacher does the unthinkable: starts a girls’ football team in a school that’s never had one.
“With next to no kit, no reputation and no time to waste, the Falcon Hill girls are thrown into the toughest youth tournament in the country, the National Cup, playing against elite academies and private school powerhouses. Every match brings new challenges, and every step toward glory demands sacrifice.”
The release of the book is nothing if not timely, with the Women’s European Football Championships having recently kicked off, and with the Women’s Rugby World Cup on the horizon. There has, it seems, never been a more opportune moment to release a book about a female footballing star.
“I think England is entering the tournaments with a real shot at winning both,” says James. “The momentum in women’s sport is growing and, in turn, so is the appetite for representation, visibility and inspiration.
“And yet, for all this progress, something crucial is still missing: stories. Books aimed at aspiring young female athletes remain few and far between. Girls aged eight to 14 – those formative years when belief is either built or broken – rarely see themselves reflected in the sports fiction they read. So many shelves are still filled with stories about boys, by default. And all while screens – mobile phones, iPads – continue to pull more and more young readers away from books altogether.
“So, what if we filled that gap? What if we offered girls the same thrilling, feel-good, high-stakes stories that boys have enjoyed for decades – except this time, with a girl leading the charge?”
As James observes, there has been a surge in females participating in football since the Lionesses’ stunning victory at the European Women’s Championship. Such momentum, however, can easily prove fragile.
“Without continued support, without representation in media, in books and on the pitch, we risk stalling progress,” says James.
“I firmly believe sport is for everyone. There should be no barriers – cultural, social or structural – stopping anyone from playing a game loved by millions. And yet, one of the most common mistakes people still make is to compare men’s and women’s football as if they’ve had the same runway. They haven’t. Men have had generations of investment, visibility and opportunity. It will take time for the women’s game to catch up. That’s not a weakness – it’s just reality.
“But here’s the truth: the women’s game is rising, and rising fast. What it needs now isn’t criticism or comparison. It needs encouragement. It needs belief. It needs a helping hand.”
Given that he is a middle-aged father-of-two, did James find it hard to write from the perspective of a young female?
“Hmm, I certainly knew it was going to be different from the first two books in the Jack Harvey series,” says James. “As a male who has played football all my life, many of the issues surrounding girls in sport had never really affected me personally.
“I’d never been questioned for wanting to play. I’d never been told that the sport ‘wasn’t for me’ based on my gender. I’d never been excluded, mocked or belittled just for showing up on the pitch. It’s easy to take that kind of freedom for granted – until you listen to those who haven’t had it.”
While writing the book, James spent much time speaking with a number of “amazing women”, from local PE teachers and grassroots coaches to footballers in Jersey and even elite sports professionals, such as former England netballer Pamela Cookey.
“I heard stories that were eye-opening, moving and, sadly, at times infuriating,” he says. “I learned how girls were routinely overlooked in school sports. How they are told, often without a second thought, that they are ‘too emotional’ or ‘not serious enough’ for competitive play. I heard how they train just as hard – sometimes harder – but receive fewer resources, fewer opportunities and far less recognition. And I heard about the abuse – verbal, online and even physical – that some girls have had to endure simply for doing what they love: playing sport.
“These stories didn’t just shape Rise of the Falcons – they are the story. Izzy’s journey is fictional, but her experience is rooted in the very real-world challenges so many girls face every single day. I wanted this book to shine a light on that reality, but also to show what can happen when someone stands up, speaks out and dares to believe that change is possible.
“To the girls who have been told they don’t belong on the pitch – this book is for you. And to the teachers, coaches and allies who believe in them – thank you. And to anyone reading this who’s never had to question whether they were ‘allowed’ to play: listen, learn and help open the doors wider. Because football is for everyone. And so is every other sport.”
Why, exactly, does he think women’s football has taken off to the extent that it has in recent years?
“Oh, exposure is everything,” he replies. “It is as simple and as vital as that.
“Young athletes grow up dreaming of the players they see on screen. If all they see are the Mo Salah’s and Harry Kane’s of the world, then those are the names they’ll aspire to emulate. But what if they also saw more of the Leah Williamson’s, the Lauren James’, the Lucy Bronze’s, all playing under the lights, scoring for England, and lifting trophies in front of roaring crowds? Representation on TV makes the dream feel possible. It turns a fantasy into a goal.
“That’s why broadcasters have a huge role to play in the growth of the women’s game. It’s not just about ratings or contracts, it’s about shaping futures. If girls can’t see the game being played at the highest level, how are they supposed to believe that they can ever get there? Visibility creates belief. Belief creates ambition. Ambition creates athletes.
“We’ve already seen the impact that increased coverage has had. Since the Lionesses’ European Championship win, participation levels among girls have surged. Schools are launching more girls’ teams. Coaches are stepping up. Parents are finally seeing football as a path for their daughters, not just their sons.
“And let’s not forget, these role models aren’t distant dreams. One of the current England squad hails from the Channel Islands – she may not be from our Island, but it’s close enough. That kind of connection makes the dream even more real for young girls watching locally.”
Finally, then, does James have plans for a fourth book in the series, whether centred on Jack Harvey, Izzy Harvey or otherwise?
“Oh, yes, I’ve got some really exciting ideas for both characters as their careers develop,” he says.
“Jack has an exciting Premier League season on the horizon, coupled with a possible England call-up, and Izzy will hopefully get signed up by a big club once she comes of age. The plan is to get the next instalment published early in 2026, if not sooner.
“Which character takes the lead in that book – Jack or Izzy – will all depend on how well Rise of the Falcons is received.”
*James Hewlett will be signing copies of Izzy Harvey – Rise of the Falcons in the BookWorm and Poets Corner at the Harbour Gallery (Commercial Buildings) on Wednesday 16th July at 5pm, during which he will also be reading aloud from the book.
*Rise of the Falcons is currently available in Waterstones, while all three books in the series are available at Amazon UK.
*For more on Jack and Izzy Harvey, visit jackharveybooks.co.uk
