Young People

Tom Palmer author interview

Look out for Black Op, the first book in Tom's new Squad series set at this year's Euro 2012.

Tom Palmer is a football fan and writer. He didn’t always do well at school, but once he got into reading about football – in newspapers, magazines and books – he decided to be a football writer.

Children from Ghyllgrove Junior School in Basildon asked him about football, spies and how he spends a lot of his time talking to Premier League footballers.

Why is your new book called Black Op?

It’s about 5 children who do a black op spying mission. Black Op means it’s a mission no-one is supposed to know about. I know the game Black Ops is popular, so I thought I’d make the book a bit like that.

Is Black Ops your favourite video game?

No. I prefer FIFA 12.

How come you work with Premier League?

I help the National Literacy Trust with a reading scheme called Premier League Reading Stars. Famous footballers have recommended their favourite books to children, then set challenges for the children to complete. Players like Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher have been involved.

What happens in Black Op?

Five young spies use playing for an England youth team as their cover story. They are sent to Krakow in Poland to stop terrorists attacking the England football team.

Is there a sequel?

There is. And it’s free. I’m doing a free online story for schools, with an episode every day during Euro 2012 featuring the characters from Black Op. They’ll be charged with stopping another catastrophe. You can read it at the National Literacy Trust website.

Who do you think will win Euro 2012?

Germany (though I want England to win it, of course).

Why Germany?

They are great at tournaments. I think they’ll meet Spain in the final and win in extra time, using their physical game to shut the Spanish down. Holland could easily have won the 2010 World Cup final playing that way.

Why is Black Op linked to Euro 2012?

It’s set just before the tournament. I think that one of the most exciting parts of a tournament is the beginning, when anything is possible. Also, I love Poland and Krakow, where the England team are based. I went to Krakow in 2011 to research the book and it includes lots of real places that the England players will be seeing.

If you were compared to any writer, who would it be?

It’s hard to say. I like to think that Black Op is like Anthony Horowitz crossed with my Foul Play books. I think Horowitz is a great writer. I love all his Alex Rider books.

You can find lots more information on Tom Palmer's website. If you would like to ask Tom a question, email him at info@tompalmer.co.uk or write to Tom Palmer, c/o Puffin Books, 80 Strand, London, WC2R ORL.

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