The Dummy Pass

William loves to play rugby in the back garden with his dad and wants to try out for the school rugby team. His friends, Tom and Finlay, think that it’s a great idea, but the school bullies, Stephen and Harry, think he’ll never make it.

But while William is excited about the rugby, his parents are having more rows and the tension at home is getting worse.

Can William make the school team? Will he play well? Will his parents’ relationship survive?

And who is the mysterious Billy?

A book for any child or parent that is going through, or has gone through, a divorce or separation. The Dummy Pass offers one example, one route, of how this trauma can be overcome and a path can be plotted through to a happy conclusion for all.

William realises that his parents’ break up is not his fault and that he must leave them to resolve their own issues. He learns that they can love him independently, even if they no longer love each other. His parents learn to develop new lives and loves while always co-parenting and keeping William at the centre of their thoughts.

William also has great friends that he can talk to, play with and rely on. We learn the power of friendship and how friends can provide different kinds of support. We also learn that new people – unexpected people – can become friends.

The book centres around William’s desire to play for the school rugby team and to play in the cup final. Rugby offers an outlet to William and he grows and develops as a boy as he improves as a rugby player.

An alternative reality is also part of the story with Billy and the adult rugby matches that William takes part in – or does he?
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"This book perfectly plays out the difficult reality of being a child whose parents are separating and the challenges that life and school throws at you at a young age. It covers the topic with honesty and will be a necessary tool for anyone who is struggling to put into words or relate to their child around the complexities that separation gives. The book provides you with someone you can relate to and empathise with whether you’re an 8 year-old or a parent going through a divorce."
Stone Priestley-Nangle
Sale Rugby Club

"Written from the heart, The Dummy Pass is aimed primarily at young readers and explores some of the consequences of marital breakdown as seen through the eyes of a keen, young rugby player. It is thought provoking yet reassuring, and will strike a chord with anyone, young or old, who finds themself in a similar situation."
Mary Ballingall
Retired Teacher