> Skip to content
Read an extract
Play sample
  • Published: 29 March 2022
  • ISBN: 9781760148379
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 208

The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan




Another crowd-favourite from the number-one bestselling author of the Specky Magee series!
This is Specky Magee meets The Boy and the Spy - a moving and inspiring story set against the backdrop of the Second World War in Australia, the women's movement and the little-known history of women's football.
Another entertaining historical novel by one of Australia's most-acclaimed authors.

The war seems a long way away to Maggie Flanagan. Her brother is somewhere across the sea, flying to protect England from the Germans and the Italians. But Maggie is more interested in kicking the footy and finding out who's going to play for St Kilda this season.
But when the war comes to Australia and Maggie sees what she's sure is a Japanese spy plan in the skies of Melbourne, it all gets very real. The Japanese attack Australia up north, raining bombs on Darwin and Broome, and American soldiers start appearing on the streets. Worst of all, it looks like the football season will be cancelled!
When Maggie decides to stage an all-girl football game to raise money for the troops, she's breaking all the rules. Everyone knows that girls can't play footy! But the rules aren't going to stop the unstoppable Flying Flanagan . . .

  • Published: 29 March 2022
  • ISBN: 9781760148379
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 208

About the author

Felice Arena

Felice Arena is one of Australia's best-loved children's writers. He is the author and creator of many popular and award-winning children's books for all ages, including the acclaimed historical adventures The Boy and the Spy, Fearless Frederic, The Great Escape and The Unstoppable Flying Flanagan, which was longlisted for the ARA Historical Novel Prize. His series include the bestselling Specky Magee books and the popular Besties and Sporty Kids series with Tom Jellett. He is the author and illustrator of My Big Secret.

Also by Felice Arena

See all

Awards & recognition

Book Links Award for Children's Historical Fiction

Longlisted  •  2023  •  Children's Historical Fiction

Discover more

Article
Puffinalia Magazine 2022, Issue 1

Puffinalia for Educators.

Article
The newspaper article that inspired author’s new book

Felice Arena talks about his new book celebrating women and sport and reflects on the 20th anniversary of Specky Magee.

penguin pop image
penguin pop image