Macbeth United

Shotfield's football season is about to begin, and Macbeth, a 12-year-old striker, is the team's most gifted player. His ambition is to be made captain, and he will go to almost any lengths to get there. Pressure also comes from home, where his cold, unforgiving mother urges him forward, believing he must be noticed by academy scouts quickly, even if that means playing dirty.

When the referee's whistle sounds for the decisive match, the rules of fair play start to blur. Michael Rosen's version of Shakespeare's tragedy moves the story from the stage to the football pitch, keeping the ambition and scheming at its core. Tony Ross's illustrations bring the team and the match to life.

Written by the children's author Michael Rosen, this retelling is aimed at young readers who enjoy sport and who may be meeting Shakespeare's story for the first time.