Tag Archives: sports

Book Review: Football Champ, by Tim Green

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football_champ_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

“Troy knew they were going to run the slant. He knew adults doubted 12 year olds anyway, but his calls had been good enough to last a three game winning streak. Troy stared hard into the eyes of the defensive coordinator, until he signaled Troy’s play. The center snapped the ball. The defense blitzed. The quarterback dropped back and threw the slant. Seth Halloway leaped in front of the receiver and caught the ball, securing the Falcons fourth win in a row.” (2) Tim Green’s book, Football Champ is a fiction story about how young Troy White makes his way into the NFL, but not by playing, but by calling the plays.

Football Champ is an incredible book that illustrates 12 year old Troy White’s life. Reading from Troy’s point of view, you will learn how he and his two friends, Nathan and Tate, overcome may obstacles to keep their dreams alive and never give up. Troy can predict the plays that other teams will call before they happen. That’s how he got his job in the NFL working for the Atlanta Falcons. “The executives jumped up, spilling their drinks, and began chanting and high-fiving Troy. The Falcons had just won their fifth game in a row, with a little help from Troy.” (93) All is going well for Troy, even his own football team, the Duluth Tigers, advance to the state championship, and the Atlanta Falcons look like they might make a play-off run of their own. But when Troy accepts an interview request with reporter Peele, his world gets flipped up-side down, and learns that some people don’t seem to be who they really are.

This book really interested me because of Tim Green’s writing style. He used many superb and interesting words that made the story much better. The book really flowed together nicely, and I couldn’t put it down. Along with the writing style, I loved the plot. Everything made perfect sense, and as I read on, it drew me in more. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in football, and loves an action packed story.

-Brenden W., 7th grade

Book Review: Box Out, by John Coy

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0-439-87032-1This book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Have you ever read a book that inspired you so that you felt that the character was really doing well and making good choices? If you have never ever felt that feeling, the book Box Out should be your next reading destination. This book was very interesting –  it had many surprises and problems that were complex and fun to read about.

In the book the main character was a high schooler named Liam who is a sophomore at Horizon High School. He is very passionate about basketball and is recruited onto the varsity men’s basketball team because of the hard work and supremacy he showed in the JV division. His dad is proud and Liam is happy, but they won’t be for long. He later is bothered by something that the coach does before and after games. He is eventually kicked off the team. Read this book to find out why Liam gave up playing varsity during his sophomore year. Also, after Liam was kicked off the varsity team, he practiced with the girls’ team by his own decision – find out why by reading the book. I believe that this book has a lot of suspense and adds excitement with important choices the characters have to make. Also, John Coy put a lot of character and made each character different, which made the book more interesting in my opinion.

In the book Box Out some themes are courage, perseverance and hard work. Liam works very hard day in and day out  practicing his skills. He in the end succeeds. That is one of the biggest things I admire about him. Also, the author makes  Liam  look like a very  sad child. The author almost never gave any humor to him. Liam was always quiet, and I believe that is what helped him solve his problem with the coach, although the price was that he would be kicked of varsity. Although Liam was bullied and  ignored at times he never stopped  playing basketball. Even after varsity he shot around and honed his skills.

Here some quotes that clearly describe some characters in the book. On page 157, Darius Buckner a kid from Detroit who was a very skilled basketball player, also kicked off varsity said, “I’m glad  someone is finally able to do the right thing  and stand up to  coach.” I believe since that he was racially discriminated against, he was finally happy that someone would finally do the right thing and not listen to coach.  On page 145 Liam said, ” Although I am off the team I will not stop working.” I believe  that is inspiring and  shows  that he is the never give up kind of guy. That really describes Liam and his will to never quit. Overall, this book was worth reading, because of the suspense and decision making. If you are looking for a quick sports-drama, read Box Out – it would be a great pick for you.

-David C., 7th grade

Book Review: The Final Four, by Paul Volponi

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final_four_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Being pushed around is an everyday occurrence on the courts of life and, most definitely, on the basketball court. This is particularly true in college level basketball during March madness of the NCAA tournament where it becomes a matter of survival. This spirit of survival is portrayed in Paul Volponi’s The Final Four when the Troy University Trojans are up against their toughest battle in the semi-finals against the Michigan State Spartans. The stakes are huge because whoever wins this game will move on to the finals and play North Carolina for the NCAA tournament championship. This heart-wrenching story showcases the influence of pride and how it can interfere with your relationships, the importance of courage on the court, and the value of loyalty to your teammates and coach.

Often times star athletes display extreme pride on and off the court. Malcolm McBride, the best college point guard in the NCAA, is a perfect example of a player who displays excessive hubris. This can be seen with his remark, “That’s why I wear eleven on my uniform. There are two number ones in a row” (14). Malcolm’s comment clearly shows his focus being only on himself at the expense of everyone else on the team. He regards himself not only as number one but also as a double one. His goal of reaching the NBA is the only thing that matters to him. As the author reveals more instances of Malcolm on and off the court, the reader begins to see how his rage increases, adding more fuel to the fire, when he exerts his emotions toward his teammates to convey that he is the only valuable player on the team. This excessive pride culminates with outrageous behavior when he targets a teammate, MJ (Michael Jordan), after Malcolm experiences a great tragedy in his life with his sister’s death. Malcolm’s relationships with his teammates set him up against his co-players due to his prideful nature.

In comparison, Michael Jordan is a benchwarmer who has low self-esteem and considers himself inferior to the other players. However, he has the willpower to change and the determination to grow. This can be seen when “MJ blocks out everything around him-Malcolm, the defenders, the crowd and even how much that one shot means” (232). As MJ’s skill level increases, his confidence rises, and he finds the courage to step up to the plate and become an exemplary basketball player. MJ’s self-esteem increases on and off the court and he has the courage to take a stand for himself because he is tired of being pushed around. This courage and tenacity propel MJ to become a leader and longer fear Malcolm McBride’s power on the court.

Furthermore, loyalty is shown when Malcolm McBride preservers through hardship, and reevaluates his behavior towards his family, teammates, and most importantly Michael Jordan. He learns the true meaning of trusting in one another rather than just himself. Also he is taught the importance of friendship and how much they endure for him. He also realizes that loyalty is a strong feeling of support or allegiance for someone. When he enters into the NBA he has to learn the importance of teamwork and reliability. Loyalty is expressed all throughout this book

The story illustrates that friendship and teamwork is far more important than just thinking about you. No matter who you are or what your situation, friends can and do make the difference in will make it a whole lot easier.

I really recommended reading this thrilling novel because, “Volponi has the rare gift of ratcheting up the intensity of the action off the court as well as on it” (Tim Green). Also this is a story of rivals battling it out and putting everything on the line to see who wins. It is truly a fight to the end. This book takes you through many twists and turns that deal with loss, humility, and truly learning how to be part of a team. And now, without further ado, the winner between Troy University and Michigan State is… Well, you’ll just have to read the book to find out.

-Jay P., 7th grade

Book Review: Deep Zone, by Tim Green

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deep_zone_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

“It was spooky to see the defenders in the deep zone converging on his brother like heat seeking missiles all hitting the same target” (18). I have always enjoyed playing and watching football, and when I read this part of the book you feel like you are on the sidelines, watching a live game. Tim Green, the author, was actually a former football player who now writes books. I see this as a huge advantage because he knows how to properly make someone feel alive in a football situation. This is one of the many reasons why Deep Zone is so intriguing.

The beginning of this story starts in New York, a place I have little knowledge in. Ty and his Brother Thane (an NFL superstar) live alone in a large slate roofed mansion. Due to a gambling scheme their naughty Uncle Gus made, their house becomes the target of sneaky mobsters like Zipper.

Early on, Thane is rocked in the last play of an NFL game, which results in a reconstruction surgery for his knee. Ty must stay alone in the targeted house with FBI agent, Agent Slutherland. Agent Slutherland is an undercover cop, so when Ty first saw him, he thought he was a mobster. Ty’s reaction resulted in a wound in his hand. While with Slutherland, Ty had his own football team tryouts. Despite a wounded hand, Ty shows perseverance and makes a team that takes him to a football tournament in Atlanta.

In Atlanta, Thane and Ty stay in a large, luxurious hotel on the coastline. They think all trouble with the mobsters has ended, but really, it has just begun. Ty plays his football tournament while meeting someone who looks like Ty and has football abilities like him. The two go on football and other adventures together in the beautiful Atlanta weather.

When reading Deep Zone or one of Tim Green’s other books, you feel a sense of urgency to read on about the great football games or action that happens off the field. Tim’s ability to create such an intriguing mystery keeps the book interesting, and makes sure you are always at the edge of your seat while reading. “Ty’s heart jumped into his throat. He froze in panic, unable to move as he heard whoever it was sneak past his bedroom door” (95).

The one thing about this book that I didn’t like was the beginning. At first, even the word football is barely mentioned and I didn’t know if I was reading a football book. This slow and forgettable beginning soon sped up to be the fast paced action and mystery that Tim Green is so good at.

Except for the slow start, this book kept me reading all day long. Once you get into the action you are always thinking about, what’s going to happen to Ty? A flashlight under the sheets book that will almost scare you at some points.

I would recommend this book for kids in middle school who have an interest in football or mysteries. I loved this book and you will too once you choose to find out what happens to Thane, Ty and their friends.

-Gordon L., 7th grade

Book Review: Can I Play?, by J. Dillard

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can_i_play_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Would you change everything for the chance?  In Can I Play?,  that is exactly what Keli Stennes does when she moves from small town girl to big time reality.

J. Dillard created Keli with a rare desire for volleyball, meaning she will do anything she can to reach her goal: a volleyball scholarship. This novel captures Keli’s journey as she meets decisions and bumps into problems, that involve people surrounding her in her life.

I have never read a more inspiring and motivational book. Not only has it taught me more about volleyball, but the desire and motivation from Keli, the main character, is unreal.

This story takes place near the Cascade Mountains, where there are school rivalries between small towns and big cities. Two schools, the Falls City Mountaineers and Dallas Dragons are rivalries in almost all sports. Falls City is the small town in which Keli exchanges for the Dallas school. Keli still lives in Falls City, but drives to Dallas everyday for school. This new city is a big step up for a small town girl.

Keli Stennes is a whole-hearted girl who has volleyball written all over her. She is the Queen of the Jumps, meaning she can jump higher than anyone else on blocking. She is an aggressive 5’11” outside hitter who can hammer the ball almost straight down during games. “She fed her the ball every moment she could with the same results… kill after kill”(pg.191). She is a loving girl who supports her single mother and grandfather since her father’s death. Keli also has respect for everyone around her. She is very friendly to her old and new classmates and teammates. Keli’s mom, Cindy, helps her make the right decisions to guide her life in the right direction. Cindy is always right by Keli’s side with love and support as she goes through her journey, becoming a fonomanal volleyball player. Growing up in Falls City, Cindy is used to the “tight population of 800” (9),  but when Keli changes schools, it opens a whole new world she’s never been in, pushing her to meet new people. Being a widow, Cindy tended to feel lonely at times but started to find love again after reuniting with an old friend.

Ashley is the best setter in the state, and also Keli’s best friend. Ashley faces some difficulties of her own and thankfully has Keli to catch her when she falls. Like Keli, one of Ashleys parents pasted away when she was a little girl. But her dad and Keli’s mom oddly enough became an item. Ashley has always been a Dallas Dragon. When she and Keli met each other at summer camp, they instantly became close and she is the one who convinced Keli to change schools. All is well when they both get on varsity until Ashley’s cousin becomes very sick and ill due to bad decisions with dangerous people.

Back at Falls City, Kelli was the celebrity star of the team. After being convinced by her best friend to change schools, her “old” friends turn on her and she makes new ones. But then she is stuck with the terrifying decision to choose between two boys,  one “she knew her whole life (and) a true real friend”? (242). As Keli makes her way onto the Dallas varsity team she goes to  the coaches office every day after school to receive advice and knowledge to improve her game. She also even takes instruction from Ashley, her best friend who is the setter on the varsity team as well. Suddenly Ashley’s cousin Greta becomes sick due to fooling around with a boy she was forbidden to see. But after she heals, all is good, there is peace between schools, but now there is a new problem. A BIG one.

Through my eyes, the theme of the story was to never be afraid of failure. I think this an important theme because a lot of us are always afraid to either be ourselves, put ourselves out there, or take risks because we don’t know what the outcome will be. Life is about being yourself and letting others put themselves out there and not to judge them back. This captures the story through my perspective.

Personally, I really enjoyed reading this book. I like how it is about my passion volleyball. Keli is a girl who has an incredibly rare desire for the game. It is truly an inspiration. The way the varsity girls played the game in the novel made me think I can do anything if I set my mind to it! I would recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about volleyball. Reading this book reminded me why I love the game so much.

-Nia M., 7th grade

Book Review: Whale Talk, by Chris Crutcher

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whale_talk_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

Outcast, loner, misfit… these high school boys have to come together to make a winning swim team. Whale Talk was an excellent book written by Chris Crutcher who won the annual Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1997 recognizing his significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.

I’ve never been in the situation T.J. Jones was in, but the author Chris Crutcher made it feel so familiar. I almost felt like I was there when a teenage boy from Cutter High School decided to take a risk and help a team of misfits overcome their differences to find their place in a school that has no place for them. The Cutter All Night Mermen swim team struggle to form their own identity and believe in themselves.

T.J. Jones is a powerful character that is the base of the story. He is a high school boy, who has to start a swim team to please his favorite teacher. He perserviers through tough times and helps everyone commit to become better swimmers. He is the glue that makes this story come alive with compassion and love for helping others.

Chris Coughlin is the reason I love this book; it is amazing how one person who starts out shy as a blade of grass in a field can mold into someone so amazing. “He laughs again, as if he’s never considered the idea of Chris Coughlin the stud” (83). There is a lot more going on than just a swim team overcoming their differences and Chris Coughlin and T.J. Jones tell you all about it.

A young girl named Heidi comes into the story about half way through and is another reason the book Whale Talk is so intriguing. She goes through so much for only being about 9 years old, but she has to adjust to difficult circumstances and forget her past to move on through her future.

The Cutter High School Mermen go through a lot of experiences, losses, and hardships through the course of the book. T.J. Jones helps them all put aside their differences such as having one leg or being overweight and to come together as a swim team but also a family. They learn things about others that they didn’t know but also themselves.
Whale Talk is filled with many interesting characters such as T.J., Chris, and Heidi, which makes this story seem so much more realistic and fascinating. Here’s how Mr. Simet the coach of the mermen described T.J. Jones: “Mr. Simet says I look like Tiger Woods on steroids” (17).

T.J., Heidi and Chris are all great characters but I would say the most important character that shapes the idea of this story is T.J. Jones’ father, Mr. Jones. He might not be the main character, but definitely the most important. This brave souled hero risked his life for a young girl who has to go through many hard times in her life. Mr. Jones is absolutely a critical character in this book. Self-sacrifice plays a big role in this book. But Mr. Jones doesn’t simply try to teach heroism and self-sacrifice; it is just a trait that he has that slowly bleeds onto others while being around him.

On the other hand, T.J. teaches teamwork to the fellow swimmers and people he is around. The whole swim team including him learn many things about themselves and how Teamwork is a big aspect of their lives. Through relays and the long bus rides back to school the group of misfits have slowly come together. Water polo plays a big role in my life and I know that you always have to work together as a team to succeed.
Mr. Jones, the silent hero of the book, teaches T.J. that violence isn’t always the answer and that you should stand up for what is correct and friendship is key. He takes in a lonely family helplessly trying to get away from a cruel husband and father and helps them find their way and get back on their feet.

If you want to know what goes on with the Cutter High School Mermen and how they come together and everything that happens on the way you should read Whale Talk and enjoy the story of a group of misfits brought together by T.J. Jones.

-Erin T., 7th grade

Book Review: Paralyzed, by Jeff Rud

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paralyzed_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

I don’t know if you have ever played sports before, but I know that horrible feeling when you see somebody laying down on the ground injured. Whether it be on the court, on the diamond, or out on the field everybody holds their breath and hopes that the injured player is okay. Jeff Rud, author of Paralyzed, is a writer of many different sports books.

In the book Paralyzed, Nate Brown, tight end for Milbury High School poorly tackles star middle linebacker Reggie Scott from Lincoln High School when Reggie intercepts the ball. In football, tackling a player leading with your head is very chancy, and he learned the consequence. Nate Brown laid frozen on the field. It is later released
that Nate Brown is paralyzed. As time goes by, Reggie feels guilty about Nate’s injury and that really affects the way he plays football, and the way he is around his family.

Overcoming guilt is one of the great themes and also the conflict in the book. Nate Brown’s mother is an evil character in the book. Reggie tries to visit Nate when Nate’s mom sees him and stammers, “How do you think he’s doing?” The woman was shrieking now. “This is the Intensive Care Unit. How the hell do you think he’s
doing?” (22-23). That then makes Reggie feel very guilty. I really do like Reggie’s perseverance because he keeps trying and trying to go see Nate. That is also a great theme in this book.

One of my favorite characters in this book is Dr. MacIntyre. He is a sport physiologist that Reggie goes to see to help him focus with football. He is a very amenable and casual person and makes the reader feel like you want to be his friend. Dr. McIntyre says some things that make Reggie realize whether he should be visiting Dr. McIntyre or not. “‘Well, I don’t know if I actually need to be here or not,’ [Reggie] said, hedging a little. ‘But my coaches think I do, and my parents think I do, so I guess I do.’ ‘Well, Reggie,’ Dr. MacIntyre said. ‘This is only going to work if you want help. If you’re here just to satisfy somebody else, you might as well not waste your time or mine'” (69). This really helps Reggie focus and decide on his goals.

Does Reggie finally get to visit Nate? Will Nate be okay? Will Nate’s mother still be mad at Reggie for what happened? To answers these questions, you should read the book. I highly recommend.

Logan P., 7th grade

Book Review: Home of the Braves, by David Klass

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home_braves_coverThis book review is part of series of reviews written by students at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School for their 7th grade English classes.

David Klass, renowned author and screenwriter, has written multiple books specifically for young adults. He specializes in creating teenage characters that are searching for answers on difficult issues relating to pressures of society and individual worth. He brings his characters alive and you are drawn into their troubles along with them. If you are looking for a book that dives into the reality of teenage life at high school, Home of the Braves by David Klass is the book for you.

Bullies, jocks versus nerds, first crushes and figuring out who you really are fill this novel with multiple themes. Joe Brickman, the main character, attends Lawndale High School in a typical New Jersey town. As captain of the soccer and wrestling team during his senior year, Joe feels that this is the year to make a statement. He is the starting sweeper of the Varsity soccer team and he finally feels ready to ask out his closest friend, Kris. Things begin to crumple all around when Antonio Silva arrives as a transfer student from Brazil and brings about conflict and anger in Joe and the school.

Tension starts early between Joe and Antonio when Antonio and Kris start going out. This is Joe’s best friend, and “the thought of the two of them together was killing [him]” (71), especially since he was finally getting up the nerve to ask Kris out himself. To make matters ever worse, Joe’s coach asks Joe to have Antonio be co-captain of the soccer team. Joe is furious with his coach’s recommendation, since he has worked so long to achieve the captain’s armband, and Antonio could receive it so quickly. Joe feels threatened and angry, “The day he puts on a captain’s armband is the day I take mine off” (160), and then he walks away. Joe’s negative feelings for Antonio keep increasing, and Klass does a superb job of delving into Joe’s thoughts and feelings on the matter.

In addition, not only is Antonio making Joe frustrated, but he is also causing internal conflict within the school. There is an agreement between the students at Lawndale High School that they must “bow down” to the football jocks, who control the school. Both Ed “he mouse,” Joe’s best friend, and Antonio refuse to obey this “rule.” This causes the Jocks to take action and violence erupts at the school. The Administration then enacts a “Zero Tolerance” policy at the school, which frustrates and angers many of the students.

Finally, things start to look up for both Joe and the school when their soccer team makes the play-offs. Antonio has been a key player in bringing the school team so far and many are ready to forget the past. However, at the last minute, a twist in the plot occurs and things change dramatically. You will have to read the book to see how it ends.

Home of the Braves keeps the reader engaged throughout the entire novel. It is a well-written book with suspense, violence, and romantic drama that appeals to numerous age levels. I would recommend this book for middle school and high school aged students who are looking for an action packed book.

-Chase R., 7th grade