Defend to the End

A junior fiction series written in partnership with Netball Australia

Will Maia ever fit in with the Gems?

Maia's just moved to Australia from New Zealand and is finding it tough. She misses her cousins, her netball team and the way everything used to be so familiar. Even her school assignments are reminding her that she doesn't belong. When Maia's mum signs her up to play for the Marrang Gems, things start to look up. That is, until Maia realises that even the way they play netball in Australia is different!

Can Maia learn a new style of defence from one of Australia's best players while still staying true to her netball roots?

About the Author

Lisa Gibbs and Bernadette Hellard are sisters who have been involved in all aspects of netball in Australia for many years. They have played at A-grade level as well as coached and umpired. Netball Gems is Lisa and Bernadette's second published series of netball books. Their earlier series consisted of four books aimed at girls in the 9-13 age range.

Lisa is an academic specialising in child health and well-being. She is married with a 19 year old son and two stepsons, one in primary and one in secondary school.

Bernadette is a primary teacher specialising in literacy and physical education. Bernadette is married with four children aged from 21-26.