We're delighted to announce that every Chance to Shine school in the country is to receive a copy of children's author Rachael Wong's new book Class 10's Chance to Shine. The book will be launched on World Book Day, Thursday 2 March, at a special event at a primary school in Bentley Heath, Solihull. The proceeds of the book will also be donated to the charity.

Former England cricketer and Chance to Shine Ambassador James Taylor will join the book launch, taking part in a special cricket coaching session and a lesson based on the messages in the book.

The book tells the story of Alex and his class who receive cricket coaching from Chance to Shine. It includes a foreword by England cricketer Moeen Ali and features a familar special guest!

Chance to Shine is dedicated to spreading the power of cricket through state schools across the country. An important part of the charity's mission is to promote the value of cricket beyond the playground. Chance to Shine is working to provide teaching resources that will encourage children to learn through cricket within the classroom.

Cricket can also play a vital part in the character education of children, teaching skills such as communication, teamwork and perseverance. Cricket also teaches the valuable life lessons of respect, dealing with failures and overcoming difficulties.

James Taylor is no stranger to overcoming such difficulties after being diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening heart condition in 2016 and believes that the lessons he learnt from cricket helped him to cope with his situation and come out stronger.

This is Rachael's second book, her first, The Legend of Morvidus, told the tale of how Warwickshire's iconic bear and ragged staff» emblem came into being and it remains the crest of Warwickshire County Cricket Club today.

Luke Swanson, Chief Executive at Chance to Shine, said This is a lovely story about inspiration, perseverance, teamwork and fun. You'll meet a cast of characters including an England legend, a giant-slaying lord, a pinksuited pace merchant and an unlikely hero.

Victor Hugo once wrote: To learn to read is to light a fire. Every syllable that is spelt out is a spark. With this little book, Rachael lights some fires of playing and reading, and reminds us why every child deserves a chance to shine.

Rachael Wong, said Both of my children, and all their friends, loved being part of the Chance to Shine programme at primary school. I have really enjoyed weaving their positive experiences into a story which will stand alongside Chance to Shine primary school cricket, and form part of that really important link between cricket and the classroom.