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Overview
Brainy Scott, a great kicker who otherwise struggles with football, and star quarterback Chris, who has dyslexia, team up to help each other succeed in both football and school.Synopsis
Chris Conlan is the coolest kid in sixth grade—the golden-armed quarterback of the football team, and the boy all the others look up to. Scott Parry is the new kid, the boy with the huge brain, but with feet that trip over themselves daily. These two boys may seem like an odd couple, but each has a secret that draws them together as friends, and proves that the will to succeed is even more important than raw talent.
#1 New York Times bestseller Mike Lupica scores from downtown with this new series for young middle-grade readers.
Children's Literature
Scott, the new kid in town, is finding it hard to make friends in his sixth-grade class. School itself comes easily to him—the other kids already refer to him as "the brain"—but he would rather excel at football. He loves the sport, and though he makes mistakes on the field, he is a terrific kicker. When the star quarterback, Chris, defends Scott in an encounter with the class bully and Scott and Chris become friends, Scott is thrilled. Encouraged by Chris and his parents, Scott joins the school football team, but he begs Chris not to tell the coach about his kicking skill, because the coach has no respect for kickers. Despite Scott's determination and hard work, he doesn't get much playing time, since the coach only cares about winning, not about effort. Then it turns out Chris has a secret he wants Scott to keep—he is dyslexic, and worried about failing an upcoming state equivalency test and being put in special education classes, away from his friends. Scott makes Chris a deal: he will help Chris improve at reading, and Chris will help Scott improve at football. The boys work hard together, and when the championship game takes place, Chris plays an important role in revealing Scott's special talent. Lupica, a well-known sports columnist, writes realistic sports novels that feature authentic, detailed action. This tale, part of Lupica's "Comeback Kids" series that focuses on underdogs triumphing, is a sure bet for football fans, and its portrayal of a mutually supportive friendship will appeal as well. Yes, the ending is predictable, but young readers will also find it suspenseful and satisfying, and adults will appreciate the way the story celebrates the value ofcooperation and hard work. This quick read is a good choice for reluctant readers. Reviewer: Paula Rohrlick