Synopsis
High school football will never seem the same after this funny, touching, and bittersweet end run around the goal posts of one teenager's life.
Joey Eastland thinks of himself as the player—no gridiron is safe from him. He's the man, he's the beast, he's the great receiver. Pigskin flies toward him; the opposing team's defense flies from him. So why is his real position that of chief water boy? All that changes when a desperate coach notices that Joey can make some pretty impressive catches while cleaning up the equipment and gives him his first big break—almost overnight the nobody water boy and student is a player not just on the team but in Lakeland Highs social network.
Children's Literature
Fifteen-year-old Joey Eastland imagines himself as a great receiver. He knows he could do the job if he were given a chance. For now, he is the "hydration therapist" (water boy) for his high school football team. When the coach spots Joey make a great catch after a game, he gives Joey the break he needs. A successful tryout leads to a coveted spot on the team. Fame has its price, though, as Joey seeks to get in with the team and become a member of the inner circle. Grades begin to fall, a friendship with brainiac Perry Toomey is threatened, and Joey's personality change disappoints his best friend and girlfriend-wannabe Sam. The one thing that Joey cannot figure out is why star quarterback Cam McKey is so antagonistic toward him. It doesn't take Joey long to learn who his real friends are. He takes a stand to defend Perry and a showdown with Cam at the Division II championship reveals that Cam has been keeping a secret that Joey could never have imagined. A well-developed plot, teen angst, refreshing characters that are very true to life, and lots of football action make this a suitable read for young teens. Joey is an engaging character, and his telling of his story is filled with humor and teen speak. Cam's revelation seems a bit contrived, but it does serve to add flesh to his character. The denouement, while predictable, does have its moments of tension and drama. The supporting cast of characters is well-rounded and adds solid subplots to the story. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey