Just read it! - Sports reads
2019-20 Recommendations
Cracking the Bell by Geoff Herbach
Football saved Isaiah's life. After his sister's and his grandfather's unexpected deaths, Isaiah was out of control and heading to juvie. HIs dad convinced him football would help, and football brought control back to his life. In football, it was good to hit hard and take no prisoners. With his dedication and natural talent for violence, Isaiah has become good, so good that he is fielding D-1 offers to play college ball. During one of the final games of his senior season, Isaiah gets hit hard. When his mother discovers this was his 3rd concussion, she wants him to quit football. Isaiah doesn't know if he can keep his life together without the game. With pressure from teammates, parents, an coaches, Isaiah has to decide what will be the right cal for his future. This is my new favorite football book. I know so many boys like Isaiah, whose frenetic energy leads them to make terrible choices. Boys that find success in sports that teach them discipline while celebrating their physical nature. What is a boy like that to do when he the game that saves him is also the one that may kill him? You will cheer for Isaiah as he struggles to make the right choice for him when it feels like his world is falling apart. Highly recommended!
Football saved Isaiah's life. After his sister's and his grandfather's unexpected deaths, Isaiah was out of control and heading to juvie. HIs dad convinced him football would help, and football brought control back to his life. In football, it was good to hit hard and take no prisoners. With his dedication and natural talent for violence, Isaiah has become good, so good that he is fielding D-1 offers to play college ball. During one of the final games of his senior season, Isaiah gets hit hard. When his mother discovers this was his 3rd concussion, she wants him to quit football. Isaiah doesn't know if he can keep his life together without the game. With pressure from teammates, parents, an coaches, Isaiah has to decide what will be the right cal for his future. This is my new favorite football book. I know so many boys like Isaiah, whose frenetic energy leads them to make terrible choices. Boys that find success in sports that teach them discipline while celebrating their physical nature. What is a boy like that to do when he the game that saves him is also the one that may kill him? You will cheer for Isaiah as he struggles to make the right choice for him when it feels like his world is falling apart. Highly recommended!
Recommendations Before 2019
After the Shot Drops by Randy Ribay
How far would you go to help a friend? How much would you give up to be successful? What would you do for a win? Bunny and Nasir used to be best friends and teammates. That ended when Bunny left his school and best friend to attend an elite private school. Now Bunny is leading a winning team heading for the state championship, but he feels out of place at his new school and misses his best friend. Nsir is now stuck on a losing team and is spending more time with his cousin Wallace, who is constantly in trouble. When Wallace and his grandmother are facing eviction, Nasir is forced to decide how far he is willing to go to help him. As the stakes of the games get higher, Bunny and Nasir are forced to make life-changing choices. This heart-stopping story of basketball, best friends, and betrayal is magnificent. The basketball scenes are action-packed, and Bunny and Nasir's complicated lives and friendship will have you hooked from page one. This is another fantastic basketball story. Highly recommended!
How far would you go to help a friend? How much would you give up to be successful? What would you do for a win? Bunny and Nasir used to be best friends and teammates. That ended when Bunny left his school and best friend to attend an elite private school. Now Bunny is leading a winning team heading for the state championship, but he feels out of place at his new school and misses his best friend. Nsir is now stuck on a losing team and is spending more time with his cousin Wallace, who is constantly in trouble. When Wallace and his grandmother are facing eviction, Nasir is forced to decide how far he is willing to go to help him. As the stakes of the games get higher, Bunny and Nasir are forced to make life-changing choices. This heart-stopping story of basketball, best friends, and betrayal is magnificent. The basketball scenes are action-packed, and Bunny and Nasir's complicated lives and friendship will have you hooked from page one. This is another fantastic basketball story. Highly recommended!
Always a Catch by Peter Richmond
Jack may love being a musician, but he has always dreamed of playing football. Living in NYC made this dream impossible, but when his dad transfers him to OakVale Academy, he finally has a chance to play the sport he has loved from the sidelines. At tryouts, he has potential and makes the team. He expected to love playing the game, but what he didn't expect was what he was expected to do to become better at the game. Jack will have to decide how to be true to himself and his team. This is a phenomenal football story about staying true to yourself. Highly recommended!
Jack may love being a musician, but he has always dreamed of playing football. Living in NYC made this dream impossible, but when his dad transfers him to OakVale Academy, he finally has a chance to play the sport he has loved from the sidelines. At tryouts, he has potential and makes the team. He expected to love playing the game, but what he didn't expect was what he was expected to do to become better at the game. Jack will have to decide how to be true to himself and his team. This is a phenomenal football story about staying true to yourself. Highly recommended!
Black and White by Paul Volponi
Marcus and Eddie are best friends. Marcus is black, and Eddie is white. However, color has never been an issue for them. These best friends excel at basketball and have scholarships to play basketball in college, which will get them out of the inner city and give them a chance at a better life. As Seniors in high school, they have a lot of expenses: prom, the Senior trip, graduation caps and gowns. In order to raise money, they decide their only option is to do a few stick-ups to raise cash. When they have enough to cover their expenses, they will stop. The only problem is that during the 3rd time out, one of them shoots the person they are sticking-up. Suddenly, everything about their friendship and futures are up in the air. You won't stop thinking about the ending.
Marcus and Eddie are best friends. Marcus is black, and Eddie is white. However, color has never been an issue for them. These best friends excel at basketball and have scholarships to play basketball in college, which will get them out of the inner city and give them a chance at a better life. As Seniors in high school, they have a lot of expenses: prom, the Senior trip, graduation caps and gowns. In order to raise money, they decide their only option is to do a few stick-ups to raise cash. When they have enough to cover their expenses, they will stop. The only problem is that during the 3rd time out, one of them shoots the person they are sticking-up. Suddenly, everything about their friendship and futures are up in the air. You won't stop thinking about the ending.
Boy 21 by Matthew Quick
Finley lives to play basketball. He may not be the most talented player on the team, but he starts because has the most heart. He and his girlfriend practice together all the time, and he always give 150 percent. When coach calls him before the start of the school year to ask for a favor, Finley agrees. That night, his coach introduces to Russell, a basketball phenom who has stopped playing since his parents were murdered. Russ calls himself "Boy 21," the boy from space. Coach wants Fin to convince Russ to play again, but the only problem is that Russell plays the same position as Fin. If Russell starts playing again, Fin knows his basketball dreams will be over. Yet, Fin does not want to disappoint his coach, and he likes Russell. Death, love, friendship, secrets and basketball collide, and this story will transform you. This is my favorite basketball read.
Finley lives to play basketball. He may not be the most talented player on the team, but he starts because has the most heart. He and his girlfriend practice together all the time, and he always give 150 percent. When coach calls him before the start of the school year to ask for a favor, Finley agrees. That night, his coach introduces to Russell, a basketball phenom who has stopped playing since his parents were murdered. Russ calls himself "Boy 21," the boy from space. Coach wants Fin to convince Russ to play again, but the only problem is that Russell plays the same position as Fin. If Russell starts playing again, Fin knows his basketball dreams will be over. Yet, Fin does not want to disappoint his coach, and he likes Russell. Death, love, friendship, secrets and basketball collide, and this story will transform you. This is my favorite basketball read.
Call Me by My Name by John E. Bradley
This is the legend of Tater Henry, as told by his best friend and teammate Rodney Boulett. Tater Henry has grown up dreaming of becoming a quarterback who eventually plays in the NFL. The only problem is that he was born in Louisiana in the 1960's where segregation decided winners and losers based on a person's color. Because of integration, Tater finally gets a chance to fight for his dream. He and Rodney become an unstoppable team off and on the field, pushing their community, coaches and school to be more accepting. However, when Tater and Rodney's twin sister Angie show an interest in each other, Rodney finds himself overwhelmed by the hatred still lurking within him from his year's listening to his father and the world tell him that whites and blacks dating is wrong. What will win out - love or hate? This is a powerful tale of football, friendship, and fear. Rodney and Tater's unlikely friendship harkens to the best scenes in Remember the Titans. As the coaches, students and town slowly outgrow their segregation shell and become bigger and better, Bradley also allows for the more undermining hatreds that even friendship cannot erase. Filled with legendary football games and heart, this novel is best football book I have read since Leverage. I highly recommend it!
This is the legend of Tater Henry, as told by his best friend and teammate Rodney Boulett. Tater Henry has grown up dreaming of becoming a quarterback who eventually plays in the NFL. The only problem is that he was born in Louisiana in the 1960's where segregation decided winners and losers based on a person's color. Because of integration, Tater finally gets a chance to fight for his dream. He and Rodney become an unstoppable team off and on the field, pushing their community, coaches and school to be more accepting. However, when Tater and Rodney's twin sister Angie show an interest in each other, Rodney finds himself overwhelmed by the hatred still lurking within him from his year's listening to his father and the world tell him that whites and blacks dating is wrong. What will win out - love or hate? This is a powerful tale of football, friendship, and fear. Rodney and Tater's unlikely friendship harkens to the best scenes in Remember the Titans. As the coaches, students and town slowly outgrow their segregation shell and become bigger and better, Bradley also allows for the more undermining hatreds that even friendship cannot erase. Filled with legendary football games and heart, this novel is best football book I have read since Leverage. I highly recommend it!
Crackback by John Coy
Miles loves to play football. The only problem is that he can never plays hard of enough for his father or coach, and his friend is pushing to try steroids to get larger, faster, and more powerful. However, Miles has to decide for himself how to be a man amidst the pressures around him. A fast-paced football read.
Miles loves to play football. The only problem is that he can never plays hard of enough for his father or coach, and his friend is pushing to try steroids to get larger, faster, and more powerful. However, Miles has to decide for himself how to be a man amidst the pressures around him. A fast-paced football read.
Deadline by Chris Crutcher
When Ben goes to his physical for his Senior year of cross country, he learns that he has an incurable form of cancer and less than a year left to live. Because he does not want to spend the last year of his life being coddled and covered in tears, he decides not to tell anyone that he is ill. Instead, he decides that he if wants to make the last year of his life the best year ever. He has always wanted to play football with his brother, but he was considered too small. Therefore, he plays football and loves it. He has always wanted to ask out the most beautiful girl in school. He asks her out, and she says yes. He starts making comments to teachers that you would never say if you wanted to graduate. Life is good, but as he feels himself getting sicker, he realizes that he has been lying to everyone he loves. Soon, he has to be honest. An raw, moving, and thought-provoking read.
When Ben goes to his physical for his Senior year of cross country, he learns that he has an incurable form of cancer and less than a year left to live. Because he does not want to spend the last year of his life being coddled and covered in tears, he decides not to tell anyone that he is ill. Instead, he decides that he if wants to make the last year of his life the best year ever. He has always wanted to play football with his brother, but he was considered too small. Therefore, he plays football and loves it. He has always wanted to ask out the most beautiful girl in school. He asks her out, and she says yes. He starts making comments to teachers that you would never say if you wanted to graduate. Life is good, but as he feels himself getting sicker, he realizes that he has been lying to everyone he loves. Soon, he has to be honest. An raw, moving, and thought-provoking read.
The Final Four by Paul Volponi
It is March Madness. The powerhouse Michigan Spartans are facing the underdogs, the Troy Trojans, in the Final Four. Watch the battle for supremacy unfold from the perspectives of two guys from each team. Along the way, you learn how each player fought to be there and their dreams for the future. Who will win?
It is March Madness. The powerhouse Michigan Spartans are facing the underdogs, the Troy Trojans, in the Final Four. Watch the battle for supremacy unfold from the perspectives of two guys from each team. Along the way, you learn how each player fought to be there and their dreams for the future. Who will win?
The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic -Book 1 of the All for the Game series
Neil Josten has been on the run his whole life from his dad, a mob boss nicknamed "The Butcher". Neil knows his safest bet is to graduate and disappear. However, Neil loves to play the popular new sport Exy, an updated form of rugby with the violence of ice hockey that is played in a plexiglass court. On the court is the one place Andrew feels alive and powerful. When the ragtag Palmetto State University Foxes recruit Neil for their team, he knows he should say no, but he can't. Neil loves playing so much that he is literally willing to die in order to play one more game, so he becomes a Fox. Although the Foxes have talented players, the dark personal lives of their players have kept their team from finding success. This year, they have a chance. Kevin, the reigning prince of Exy, has transferred to Palmetto, and Neil is wiling to work endlessly to deserve Kevin's respect. If the Foxes can figure out how now not to get killed or kill each other, they finally have a chance of greatness. Unfortunately, all of their dark histories are staying to haunt them. I LOVED this self-published series by Sakavic. I read it because on my students kept telling me how good it was, and now it is in the library because it is so amazing. Although the first book is a little tough as you are trying to distinguish all the members of the team, once you do get to know them, you will fall in love with them: the dangerous yet protective Andrew, the intense yet terrified Kevin, the sweet yet deadly Renee, etc. I could go on and on. Of course, your heart will belong to Neil who may not be big but becomes the heart of the team. The books get progressively better, and The King's Men ends the series perfectly. If you love series with flawed characters that you can't help but fall for, this is one you should pick up now. Highly recommended!
Neil Josten has been on the run his whole life from his dad, a mob boss nicknamed "The Butcher". Neil knows his safest bet is to graduate and disappear. However, Neil loves to play the popular new sport Exy, an updated form of rugby with the violence of ice hockey that is played in a plexiglass court. On the court is the one place Andrew feels alive and powerful. When the ragtag Palmetto State University Foxes recruit Neil for their team, he knows he should say no, but he can't. Neil loves playing so much that he is literally willing to die in order to play one more game, so he becomes a Fox. Although the Foxes have talented players, the dark personal lives of their players have kept their team from finding success. This year, they have a chance. Kevin, the reigning prince of Exy, has transferred to Palmetto, and Neil is wiling to work endlessly to deserve Kevin's respect. If the Foxes can figure out how now not to get killed or kill each other, they finally have a chance of greatness. Unfortunately, all of their dark histories are staying to haunt them. I LOVED this self-published series by Sakavic. I read it because on my students kept telling me how good it was, and now it is in the library because it is so amazing. Although the first book is a little tough as you are trying to distinguish all the members of the team, once you do get to know them, you will fall in love with them: the dangerous yet protective Andrew, the intense yet terrified Kevin, the sweet yet deadly Renee, etc. I could go on and on. Of course, your heart will belong to Neil who may not be big but becomes the heart of the team. The books get progressively better, and The King's Men ends the series perfectly. If you love series with flawed characters that you can't help but fall for, this is one you should pick up now. Highly recommended!
Game by Walter Dean Myers
Drew has game, but his new coach just doesn't appreciate him. Drew was the star with his old coach, and the new coach is asking him to play another position and do everything new. Drew knows basketball is his ticket to college, but he will have to dig deep to discover how hard he is willing to work to make that happen.
Drew has game, but his new coach just doesn't appreciate him. Drew was the star with his old coach, and the new coach is asking him to play another position and do everything new. Drew knows basketball is his ticket to college, but he will have to dig deep to discover how hard he is willing to work to make that happen.
New York City by Sam Moussavi
Darnell has mad skills on the basketball court, but off it, he is a mess. He knows if he can keep it together that his baskeball skills will earn him a college scholarship, but he keeps making mistakes that put his dream in jeopardy. If Darnell wants to succeed, he will have to face a terrible secret from his past that keeps him from taking hold of his future. This is one of the books in the Hoop City series. Each book features a different basketball player from a U.S. city. These fast-paced basketball reads are perfect, especially for struggling readers. However, I appreciate that the story is so well-written that all readers can enjoy it. Highly recommended!
Darnell has mad skills on the basketball court, but off it, he is a mess. He knows if he can keep it together that his baskeball skills will earn him a college scholarship, but he keeps making mistakes that put his dream in jeopardy. If Darnell wants to succeed, he will have to face a terrible secret from his past that keeps him from taking hold of his future. This is one of the books in the Hoop City series. Each book features a different basketball player from a U.S. city. These fast-paced basketball reads are perfect, especially for struggling readers. However, I appreciate that the story is so well-written that all readers can enjoy it. Highly recommended!
Hooper by Geoff Herbach
Basketball saved Adam Reed. After a traumatic childhood in Poland, Adam was adopted at age 13 and moved to America. Before moving to America, Adam had never played basketball, but after a first introduction, Adam found that not only did he love the game, he had the talent to become a great player. Despite his prowess on the court, Adam is not popular. He stays away from people because of his embarrassment over his English skills and his volatile temper. When his basketball skills get him recruited to an elite league, Carli, a talented and cute female ball player, gives him advice to step up his game on and off the court. With her coaching, Adam starts making new friends and throwing down new moves. When one of his teammates faces unfair charges that may get him off the team, Adam has to decide how far he will go to protect his new life. This is my new favorite basketball book. You will get sucked into Adam's story as he transforms not only into a powerful basketball player but also great man who stands up for his friends and family. Told in his struggling English, you feel his anguish over his lack of English skills and his past life. You will fight with him as he grows, and you will be mesmerized by the basketball games. Highly, highly recommended!
Basketball saved Adam Reed. After a traumatic childhood in Poland, Adam was adopted at age 13 and moved to America. Before moving to America, Adam had never played basketball, but after a first introduction, Adam found that not only did he love the game, he had the talent to become a great player. Despite his prowess on the court, Adam is not popular. He stays away from people because of his embarrassment over his English skills and his volatile temper. When his basketball skills get him recruited to an elite league, Carli, a talented and cute female ball player, gives him advice to step up his game on and off the court. With her coaching, Adam starts making new friends and throwing down new moves. When one of his teammates faces unfair charges that may get him off the team, Adam has to decide how far he will go to protect his new life. This is my new favorite basketball book. You will get sucked into Adam's story as he transforms not only into a powerful basketball player but also great man who stands up for his friends and family. Told in his struggling English, you feel his anguish over his lack of English skills and his past life. You will fight with him as he grows, and you will be mesmerized by the basketball games. Highly, highly recommended!
Knights of the Hill Country by Tim Tharp
The Kennisaw Knight's are working on their 5th undefeated season. The Knights are led by best friends, quarterback Blaine and offensive linebacker Hampton. This should be the perfect season, but Hampton is becoming increasingly concerned about his best friend's behavior on and off the field. It also doesn't help that he is falling for a girl too smart to be dating a football player. Hampton is going to have to figure out how to stay true to himself and the game amidst the mounting pressures around him. This is one of my favorite football books. Highly recommended!
The Kennisaw Knight's are working on their 5th undefeated season. The Knights are led by best friends, quarterback Blaine and offensive linebacker Hampton. This should be the perfect season, but Hampton is becoming increasingly concerned about his best friend's behavior on and off the field. It also doesn't help that he is falling for a girl too smart to be dating a football player. Hampton is going to have to figure out how to stay true to himself and the game amidst the mounting pressures around him. This is one of my favorite football books. Highly recommended!
Leverage by Joshua Cohen
Danny is a gymnast at a school where anyone who does not play football is considered unmanly. Kurt is new to Danny's school. He has become a football player because he wants to become strong enough to protect himself and others around him from his abusive group home. Despite their different backgrounds and sports, Danny and Kurt become friends. However, the gymnasts and the football team start pranking each other. When the football takes the contest to an unspeakable level, Danny and Kurt have to figure what they are willing to do to make sure justice is served. This hard-hitting book about friendship, sportsmanship, and honor elevates this book above most sports reads. It is a powerful tale that doesn't pull punches. It is a book that will always haunt me. Highly recommended!
Danny is a gymnast at a school where anyone who does not play football is considered unmanly. Kurt is new to Danny's school. He has become a football player because he wants to become strong enough to protect himself and others around him from his abusive group home. Despite their different backgrounds and sports, Danny and Kurt become friends. However, the gymnasts and the football team start pranking each other. When the football takes the contest to an unspeakable level, Danny and Kurt have to figure what they are willing to do to make sure justice is served. This hard-hitting book about friendship, sportsmanship, and honor elevates this book above most sports reads. It is a powerful tale that doesn't pull punches. It is a book that will always haunt me. Highly recommended!
Muckers by Sandra Neil Wallace
The Muckers might be the smallest football team in Arizona, but that does not mean that don't have big dreams. With their school set to close at the end of the year and the mines that employ the town on the brink of closing, this hard-fighting team dreams of winning the state championship. In order to make this a reality, they will have to have an undefeated season. One loss and the hopes of the town and their dreams of glory die. The Muckers are led by quarterback Red O'Shea, who struggles to believe he is as talented and good as his brother Bobby who died in the war with Germany. Reminiscent of Hoosiers, this story of how hard work, belief in yourself, and a football can inspire us to greatness will inspire you. It was fascinating reading about how football was played in the 1950's and heartbreaking watching the proud small town citizens struggle as their hometown becomes a ghost town. Based on a true story, this is a classic football story that will leaving you dreaming of glory on the gridiron.
The Muckers might be the smallest football team in Arizona, but that does not mean that don't have big dreams. With their school set to close at the end of the year and the mines that employ the town on the brink of closing, this hard-fighting team dreams of winning the state championship. In order to make this a reality, they will have to have an undefeated season. One loss and the hopes of the town and their dreams of glory die. The Muckers are led by quarterback Red O'Shea, who struggles to believe he is as talented and good as his brother Bobby who died in the war with Germany. Reminiscent of Hoosiers, this story of how hard work, belief in yourself, and a football can inspire us to greatness will inspire you. It was fascinating reading about how football was played in the 1950's and heartbreaking watching the proud small town citizens struggle as their hometown becomes a ghost town. Based on a true story, this is a classic football story that will leaving you dreaming of glory on the gridiron.
Now Is the Time for Running by Michael Willams
Deo just loves to play soccer with his friends and his brother Innocent. When soldiers attack his village in Zimbabwe, only Deo and Innocent survive. As they run for their lives, they must rely on the kindness of stranger to survive. However, Innocent is different than other kids and protecting him is a full-time job for Deo. As more terrible events occur, can soccer give him the hope to survive?
Deo just loves to play soccer with his friends and his brother Innocent. When soldiers attack his village in Zimbabwe, only Deo and Innocent survive. As they run for their lives, they must rely on the kindness of stranger to survive. However, Innocent is different than other kids and protecting him is a full-time job for Deo. As more terrible events occur, can soccer give him the hope to survive?
One Shot Away by T. Glen Coughlin
During their Senior year, Diggy, Trevor, and Jimmy are all looking to excel in wrestling. Diggy's brother was a state champion, but as newcomer Trevor fights for the same weight class, Diggy is terrified of not living up to the family legacy. Jimmy has all the skills to be a champion, but a stupid mistake me ruin everything. Who will rise and who will fall in their quest to become the best wrestlers in the state?
During their Senior year, Diggy, Trevor, and Jimmy are all looking to excel in wrestling. Diggy's brother was a state champion, but as newcomer Trevor fights for the same weight class, Diggy is terrified of not living up to the family legacy. Jimmy has all the skills to be a champion, but a stupid mistake me ruin everything. Who will rise and who will fall in their quest to become the best wrestlers in the state?
Out of His League by Pat Flynn
Ozzie is a a foreign exchange students from Australia who has moved to a little town in Texas. In his town, football is everything, but the team has not had a winning season in many years. Ozzie has never played football, but he excels in Rugby. When the football coach discovers how hard he can hit and how his rugby skills can help the team, he recruits Ozzie for the team. With Ozzie's unorthodox plays, the team begins winning. Suddenly, Ozzie is being treated like a celebrity. All the girl's want him, and everyone else thinks he can do nothing wrong. American colleges have even started to recruit him to play football for their schools. With all this pressure, can Ozzie be true to himself and the sports he loves?
Ozzie is a a foreign exchange students from Australia who has moved to a little town in Texas. In his town, football is everything, but the team has not had a winning season in many years. Ozzie has never played football, but he excels in Rugby. When the football coach discovers how hard he can hit and how his rugby skills can help the team, he recruits Ozzie for the team. With Ozzie's unorthodox plays, the team begins winning. Suddenly, Ozzie is being treated like a celebrity. All the girl's want him, and everyone else thinks he can do nothing wrong. American colleges have even started to recruit him to play football for their schools. With all this pressure, can Ozzie be true to himself and the sports he loves?
Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian
Tom is captain and star of the soccer team. He dates one of the most beautiful girls in school, and he has his pick of colleges. However, his perfect life is turned upside down as hew works to integrate some new Somali students into his team. Saeed, a gifted soccer play from Somalia, is helping the team win, but when his eligibility is questioned, Tom makes some terrible mistakes. Can Tom make things right for his new friend and his family or will he just make everything worse?
Tom is captain and star of the soccer team. He dates one of the most beautiful girls in school, and he has his pick of colleges. However, his perfect life is turned upside down as hew works to integrate some new Somali students into his team. Saeed, a gifted soccer play from Somalia, is helping the team win, but when his eligibility is questioned, Tom makes some terrible mistakes. Can Tom make things right for his new friend and his family or will he just make everything worse?
Payback Time by Carl Deuker
Mitch has taken over the sports beat for his school's newspaper, and he is excited to discover the team's best new talent, a new student named Angel. What is strange is that Angel is unwilling to do an interview with him. Even stranger, Angel never starts a game. He always comes in late to save the game, and his name is rarely mentioned in the newspapers. Mitch knows there is something fishy going on, and he is going to prove it.
Mitch has taken over the sports beat for his school's newspaper, and he is excited to discover the team's best new talent, a new student named Angel. What is strange is that Angel is unwilling to do an interview with him. Even stranger, Angel never starts a game. He always comes in late to save the game, and his name is rarely mentioned in the newspapers. Mitch knows there is something fishy going on, and he is going to prove it.
PInned by Alfred Martino
Bobby and Ivan are each battling their way to make to the state championship. Although they are very different people, they both are driven to be the best. Which will prevail?
Bobby and Ivan are each battling their way to make to the state championship. Although they are very different people, they both are driven to be the best. Which will prevail?
Restart by Gordan Korman
Chase is waking up in the hospital and learning that he fell off his roof. He doesn't remember why he got on the roof or how he fell off. He doesn't remember that he is a football star, but his friends and father assure him that he is. He doesn't remember his own mother. Chase has complete amnesia due to the fall. Starting back at school, Chase is shocked to discover that many kids at school seem terrified of him, and he learns that he was a bully whose actions forced a classmate to change schools and earned Chase community service. Chase can't imagine why he would want to hurt others, and his amnesia gives him a fresh start to become a better person and explore new things. Unfortunately, Chase's football buddies don't like the new Chase. As Chase's memories begin to resurface, who will Chase decide to be? Boys who loved Pop will clamor for Korman's newest title. It has sports, humor, and a powerful lesson wrapped up in an entertaining tale that you won't be able to put down. Another plus is it's small size make it accessible to so many readers. Highly recommended!
Chase is waking up in the hospital and learning that he fell off his roof. He doesn't remember why he got on the roof or how he fell off. He doesn't remember that he is a football star, but his friends and father assure him that he is. He doesn't remember his own mother. Chase has complete amnesia due to the fall. Starting back at school, Chase is shocked to discover that many kids at school seem terrified of him, and he learns that he was a bully whose actions forced a classmate to change schools and earned Chase community service. Chase can't imagine why he would want to hurt others, and his amnesia gives him a fresh start to become a better person and explore new things. Unfortunately, Chase's football buddies don't like the new Chase. As Chase's memories begin to resurface, who will Chase decide to be? Boys who loved Pop will clamor for Korman's newest title. It has sports, humor, and a powerful lesson wrapped up in an entertaining tale that you won't be able to put down. Another plus is it's small size make it accessible to so many readers. Highly recommended!
Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach
Felton Reinstein used to be the guy everyone picked on. However, last year, he grew a foot and became "stupid fast." Because of his new size and his recent track accomplishments, this former shrimp is not being recruited by the football team. During the summer before his junior, Felton has to decide who he is. Is he now a jock? At the same time, he has to deal with with his family falling apart and the interest of the cute new girl. Life is never boring for Felton.
Felton Reinstein used to be the guy everyone picked on. However, last year, he grew a foot and became "stupid fast." Because of his new size and his recent track accomplishments, this former shrimp is not being recruited by the football team. During the summer before his junior, Felton has to decide who he is. Is he now a jock? At the same time, he has to deal with with his family falling apart and the interest of the cute new girl. Life is never boring for Felton.
Swagger by Carl Deuker
Jonas is new to Seattle and is excited to make friends with another basketball player, Levi. Both players revere their coach until Levi admits to Jonas that he was sexually abused by the coach. Suddenly, Jonas has to decide what he is willing to give up to make sure this predator is stopped.
Jonas is new to Seattle and is excited to make friends with another basketball player, Levi. Both players revere their coach until Levi admits to Jonas that he was sexually abused by the coach. Suddenly, Jonas has to decide what he is willing to give up to make sure this predator is stopped.
Dallas by Sam Moussavi
Bobby Dupree has always been the back up quarterback, and he is okay with that. He knows the current quarterback is a star, and he is happy to live in his shadow. However, when the current quarterback gets hurt before the first game, Bobby is suddenly first string. Surprising even himself, Bobby proves to everyone that he has what it takes to lead the team to victory. As the pressure grows, Bobby will have to decide how far he will go for the win. This is another excellent sports story by Sam Moussavi. It is fast-paced read that even the most reluctant readers will enjoy. It is a part of the Texas Fridays series, and I highly recommend them.
Bobby Dupree has always been the back up quarterback, and he is okay with that. He knows the current quarterback is a star, and he is happy to live in his shadow. However, when the current quarterback gets hurt before the first game, Bobby is suddenly first string. Surprising even himself, Bobby proves to everyone that he has what it takes to lead the team to victory. As the pressure grows, Bobby will have to decide how far he will go for the win. This is another excellent sports story by Sam Moussavi. It is fast-paced read that even the most reluctant readers will enjoy. It is a part of the Texas Fridays series, and I highly recommend them.
True Legend by Mike Lupica
Drew Robinson is known on the courts as "True" Robinson because he has proved he is a true basketball phenom. As a Junior, True's career is already being tracked by colleges, the NBA, and sports magazines. With his notoriety, True has found that a lot of people around him want to "help" him out. He always has friends to help with homework, get chauffeured around, and get him whatever else he needs. The only person that is not impressed with him is mysterious basketball player with mad skills that he meets one night on the courts. As True's mistakes on and off the court mount up, this washed up player may hold the key to Drew's survival. Once again, Lupica has created a compelling sports story with exciting games, over-time twists, and players with heart. This is a powerful basketball story.
Drew Robinson is known on the courts as "True" Robinson because he has proved he is a true basketball phenom. As a Junior, True's career is already being tracked by colleges, the NBA, and sports magazines. With his notoriety, True has found that a lot of people around him want to "help" him out. He always has friends to help with homework, get chauffeured around, and get him whatever else he needs. The only person that is not impressed with him is mysterious basketball player with mad skills that he meets one night on the courts. As True's mistakes on and off the court mount up, this washed up player may hold the key to Drew's survival. Once again, Lupica has created a compelling sports story with exciting games, over-time twists, and players with heart. This is a powerful basketball story.
Winger by Alexander Gordon Smith -
Ryan Dean West has a lot of strikes against him. At age 14, he is the youngest Junior in his school. Because of some trouble he got into last year, he will be rooming with a psychopath from his rugby team, who he is sure will kill him in his sleep, and he is in love with his best friend, a girl who sees him as a little brother. However, Ryan Dean West is a rugby player. From rugby, he has learned that you need determination, courage, and a little bit of craziness to get what you want. You can't let a few stitches or a concussion keep you from winning. Ryan Dean West is a fearless rugby player, and he is going to whatever he can, off and on the field, to make his Junior year the stuff of legend. Through Winger's wickedly astute observations to his insane bravery on and off the field, you too will fall under Ryan Dean West's spell. The ending is a sucker punch that you can't expect, and you won't stop thinking about. This book is one of my favorites of 2013.
Ryan Dean West has a lot of strikes against him. At age 14, he is the youngest Junior in his school. Because of some trouble he got into last year, he will be rooming with a psychopath from his rugby team, who he is sure will kill him in his sleep, and he is in love with his best friend, a girl who sees him as a little brother. However, Ryan Dean West is a rugby player. From rugby, he has learned that you need determination, courage, and a little bit of craziness to get what you want. You can't let a few stitches or a concussion keep you from winning. Ryan Dean West is a fearless rugby player, and he is going to whatever he can, off and on the field, to make his Junior year the stuff of legend. Through Winger's wickedly astute observations to his insane bravery on and off the field, you too will fall under Ryan Dean West's spell. The ending is a sucker punch that you can't expect, and you won't stop thinking about. This book is one of my favorites of 2013.