Huddle up, girls, because we are talking sports books today! Sports stories written by none other than Mike Lupica, syndicated columnist for the New York Daily News and TV anchor for ESPN’s The Sports Reporters.
I remember reading my first Mike Lupica book at home and PC stopping me to say ‘hey, that books is written by Mike Lupica’. And I kind of thought, yeah, so? Until he explained who Mike Lupica was. I was probably reading Two Minute Drill, one of the titles in the “Comeback, Kids” series. It was on the Texas Bluebonnet Master List for 2009-2010. I was trying to read the books that were seemingly written for boys. Never dreamed I would enjoy it!
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From the Kirkus book review:
Scott Parry is the smartest kid in his sixth-grade class and the clumsiest player on the football team. Chris Conlan is the coolest kid and the star quarterback, but he’s dyslexic and a washout in school. The two become unlikely friends, and each finds a way to offer what the other needs in a rousing, high-spirited novel for young middle-grade readers. Scott tutors Chris, and Chris gives Scott the encouragement needed to stick with football. Only Chris knows of Scott’s secret skill of kicking field goals, a talent that comes in handy in the final exciting scene, after which Scott finds himself featured on YouTube and ESPN. Though simply written and predictable, this brisk story of friendship and football will be a huge hit with the target audience.
Two Minute Drill is told through the voice of Scott, a struggling, wannabe football player. Where he struggles at sports, classmate Chris is a wannabe student who succeeds at sports. An unlikely friendship blossoms as Scott tutors Chris in the classroom and Chris tutors Scott on the football field. Because the characters are in middle school, the book will appeal to reluctant, struggling readers in grades 6-8 and maybe even into high school. But it is written on a 5.1 (fifth grade, first month) reading level.
You can purchase this book on Amazon, here. But before you do, don’t just take my word for it that this book is great. Check out the many positive kid’s reviews on Amazon. Kids love this book. And because they do, so do parents, and grandparents, teachers and librarians. Best news of all, Two Minute Drill is just one of the five titles in this series.
And look, if football isn’t your child’s sport of choice…Lupica aims to please, with a book about soccer, baseball and two books about basketball. Mike Lupica, he’s our man…if he can’t do it, no one can!
A few years later, I sampled another Lupica book, Million-Dollar Throw.
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I may be mistaken, but think I chose to read this one even though it wasn’t on any kind of book award list. Enjoyed Two Minute Drill so much that I just wanted to read another of Mike’s stories. Read Million-Dollar Throw in record time and was on the edge of my seat most of the way through. Nate Brodie appears to lead a charmed life when in reality, behind the scenes his life is crumbling. Nicknamed “Brady” for his love of the Patriot’s quarterback, Nate wins the chance to make a million dollars by throwing a football through a target at a New England football game. He goes from being a boy with golden arm to a 13 year-old with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
With the turn of every page, I wondered how this book would end. Would Nate win the million dollars, resolve all of the problems in his family for a happily-ever-after ending? Or would his throw fall short, in every way? Can’t tell you the answer to those burning questions. But I can give you a peek at the trailer for this book.
Million-Dollar Throw is written on a 5.4 (fifth grade, fourth month) reading level and available, here.
While you are over at Amazon, might as well check out one more Lupica. Hero.
I haven’t read it, yet. But I have all faith that it is just as good as the books I have read. The main character isn’t an athlete or a brainiac. It’s 14 year-old Billy whose father dies during an undercover government mission overseas. A kid who just wants answers to his father’s mysterious death, and who, along the way, discovers he isn’t an ordinary adolescent at all. Hero is a 4.6 (fourth grade, sixth month) reading level. Might as well pick up this one while you are buying books. Grab your debit card and just click here.
Mike Lupica’s books are enjoyable for readers of all ages. As I read over the reviews on Amazon, I was tickled at how many were written by children. But equally pleased to see how many were written by their parents!
Get to know Mike Lupica through his webpage, here. Then try a Lupica with your athlete, big or little!
Hugs and kisses,
Whitney @ Whitney à la mode
I knew the name sounded familiar! What a multitalented guy!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
He is very talented!
Mary
These books look great! Wish my students were able to read these, but I will pass the titles along to some of my upper elementary friends!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I think they are too hard for your babies, Mary, but thanks for passing these titles as suggestions for your upper grade teacher friends. They are very good.
Sheila @ Making the Most of Every Day
I’m not a big football fan but I have some students who are! I’m going to sharpen this post with them!
Sheila @ Making the Most of Every Day
And by “sharpen” I mean share!