Editorial Review

T. J. Jones is black, Japanese, and white; his given name is The Tao(honest!), and he's the son of a woman who abandoned him when she got heavilyinto crack and crank. As a child he was full of rage, but now as a senior inhigh school he's pretty much overcome all that. With the help of a goodtherapist and his decent, loving, ex-hippie adoptive parents, he's not onlyfairly even-keeled, he has turned out to be smart and funny. Read more

Reviews (70)

It takes a book this good for people to want to censor it.
Chris Crutcher, Whale Talk (Dell, 2001)
The best book
Whale Talk is a very interesting book, even though it is boring in the beginning and I almost brought the book back and almost picked another book to read but I decided not to and I'm glad I didn't because this is a great book. Its about a colored boy named T.J who was adopted because his mother did drugs and he was adopted to a mother who is a lawyer and he also has a dad and they are both very nice and they always wanted a kid but never could have one. T.J likes to swim, so he gets people together to make a swim team and a reason why he is doing this is because he wants him and the other people on his team to have there own letter jackets, because in there school you cant where a letter jacket unless you earned it by doing a sport or activity. So T.J gets a swim team together and the people on his swim team are people who dot really fit in with other people at school but they all get to know each other and become friends.
Great Book.
Whale Talk is about a teenager named T.J. Jones. He has a very hard and unhappy childhood, his mother leaves him and someone adopts him. The parents that adopted him are very nice and kind. His dad looks like a crazy biker, but is actually a soft-hearted man, especially when it comes to kids. His mom is a lawyer and helps T.J. alot. The storyline is basically T.J. trying to start a swimming team. He tries to gain more members and it the end he gets a swim team filled with misfits. They work hard and get to know each other good. The book ends with a surprising chapter, and it teaches T.J. a big lesson.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Fiction    4. High schools    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. School & Education    7. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    8. High schools    9. Sports & Recreation - Water Sports    10. Swimming    11. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    12. Social Situations - Physical & Emotional Abuse    13. Social Situations - Prejudice & Racism   

Reviews (18)

Like a young Irv Kupcinet
Lupica spins a tale of baseball as it was meant to be played. It's pretty apparent that Lupica was not much of an athlete when he was younger as he misses on a lot of detail. It's also questionable whether he's ever been in a relationship with a female because all of that dialogue and those scenes rang completely false.
GREATEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!
This book is definatley without a doubt the best book i have ever read. It is about a young boy who lives right by Yankee stadium. His name is Mike Arroyo. He is 12 years old. He is a terrific baseball player in little league. Sometimes all mike has in his life is baseball. It is a great read for those who love baseball. I extremely recomend this to everyone. This book is based on an urban atomosphere. He and his friend manny are very close. Mike and Manny can always joke around wenever they need to. However, manny is the only one who knows his one true secret. YOU WON'T REGRET READING THIS BOOK!

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING
this book by mike lupica was an AWESOME follow up of TRAVEL TEAM. all his books r VERRRY well written. this was a real life situation that really touched me.
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Subjects:  1. Brothers    2. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Illegal aliens    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Orphans    10. People & Places - United States - Hispanic/Latino    11. Social Issues - General    12. Sports & Recreation - Baseball    13. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Baseball   

Reviews (139)

My review for Slam
The book slam was ok but all he talked about was how hard his math was, how good he is at basketball, how he's going to make it into the nba, how he lives in the ghetto, and how much he likes his wannabe girlfriend. I like basketball and all but when he gives you every detail about what is going on in the games I get bored and want to read something else. I think he talked himself up to much and he seems in the book like he's selfish, and isn't as good as he thinks he is. The author did a good job describing literary techniques and the setting though, I had a picture in my head the whole time just like a movie. I would recommend this book to a 10 to 12 year old boy who likes basketball.

slam
Slam is a pretty good book. You are probably wondering why the title is Slam; Slam is the title because of the main character, Greg "Slam" Harris. Love basketball? Its almost what you could categorize as a must read. While reading this book I could almost imagine myself out on the court. Yes, this book is long, but if you have to read a book as an assignment, you should definitely read this one.
How do I feel about this book
I think that this book was really boring. I mean the book did not catch my attention and it was not really interesting to me. It was okay but i think that this book should be for younger middle aged kids to read like 12-14. Teenages theses days want to read about more intersting things that excite them. So in my own oppinion i think that the book is for young kids and not teenagers and it was not the best book that i have read ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-Americans    2. Basketball    3. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Fiction    7. High schools    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. School & Education    10. Social Issues - Adolescence    11. Social Issues - General    12. Social Situations - General    13. Sports & Recreation - Basketball    14. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (5)

growing strong
how you can feel with a little boy's hardship in a boarding school and how you hope for his stamina and how you love his intense friendships that bring him on his way.
A powerful story of courage and change
If Bryce Courtenay's The Power Of One sounds familiar, it's because this represents a young reader's condensed edition of a prior hard-hitter which became both an adult classic and an acclaimed movie of the same name. It's great to see such a powerful novel condensed with youth in mind: grades 8-12 will find compelling the story of 1930s South Africa and a boy who faces apartheid and prejudice in a country where his childhood is marked by loneliness and dreams of changing lives. A powerful story of courage and change evolves.

Great Novel - but CONDENSED
I have read the Power of One, the unedited version and it is brilliant, inspiring, and brutal - one of the best books I've read. However, this edition that is being sold here, is the Young Reader's edition, which isn't immediately obvious from Amazon's description or the picture. It does say so on the cover, but it's very small unless you enlarge the picture. So, my review gives it a 2 as it may be an unpleasant surprise for those who want to read the actual novel. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boxing    2. Conduct of life    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Historical    5. Historical - Africa    6. Historical - General    7. Historical Fiction (Young Adult)    8. History    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Self-confidence    11. Social Issues - Abandonment    12. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    13. Social Issues - Prejudice & Racism    14. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    15. South Africa    16. Sports & Recreation - General   

Reviews (19)

Athletic Shorts
Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher is a collection of six short stories revolving around six different characters. More than a mere collection of sports related stories this book looks at everyday situations and problems about teen life. Weight problems, pushy parents, uncomfortable situations, racism, homosexuality and death. Packed into less than 200 pages Crutcher is able to captivate readers through this book with his humor as well as his insights into the young adult mind. My favorite story of the six is "The Other Pin" about a guy named Petey who is "volunteered" by his best friend to wrestle Chris Byers who has a habit of not just beating all opponents but humiliating them in the process. If that wasn't bad enought Chris Byers is also a girl. Though some of Crutcher's stories are emotional and heart wrenching all are worth the read.

Wonderful book
This really is a wonderful collection, one that anyone seeking to understand the mind and actions of a teenage boy or even girl should read. Chris is simple, straightforward, and always fun to read. I'd highly recommend this to any student and even some teachers.

Highly Recommended!
This book is great for introducing children to Gay and Lesbian issues through characters and themes. Athletic Shorts is a collection of stories about athletic boys facing challenges in their lives, including " A Brief Moment in the Life of Angus Bethune," about a boy with two sets of gay parents and "In the Time I Get," in which Louie, the main character of Cruther's Running Loose becomes friends with a gay man dying of AIDS. I also recommend Am I Blue? Coming Out from the Silence by Marion Dean Bauer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Short Stories    5. Short stories, American    6. Social Issues - General    7. Sports & Recreation - General    8. Juvenile Fiction / Short Stories   

Reviews (656)

Nothing but the Truth
The story was about a boy named Philip Malloy and he got suspended for humming during the Natinal Anthem.The teacher Mrs.Narwin had asked him to stop the first time but Philip Malloy refused.I think that Mrs. Narwin should have waited till the end to tell him to stop, but instead she was interupting to.She asked him to stop but he still would'nt do it and finally the third time she asked him she sent him out of the room.Then the principal said that he could either say sorry or get a 2 day suspention.And Philip refused to say sorry so he got a 2 day suspention.They thought that that was a rule but the super adendent saod there was no rule agenst singing during the Natinal Anthem.Then the word got out and then philip got letters from other schools that said about how he could go to their scholl because they have nothing agenst singing.Then Mrs.Narwingot letters that were not true and quit her job and went to live with her sister.

Excellent Young Adult novel
A powerful topic and engaging format. A great read for any young adult.

Not the whole truth
This story isn't really about truth as much as it's about communication and integrity. The problem is that all the characters make multiple unnecessary mistakes and compound the problem, demonstrating only the wrong way to do things and never the right way. I wonder if young readers will understand this? I was amazed to find no positive role models. Even the victimized "heroine," Ms. Narwin, was strangely ineffectual, as were the "heroic" Philip and his parents. And worse, Avi paints with a cynical brush all characters involved in education politics and media. There is nothing profound or thought-provoking in this story; the "good, bad, and ugly" are obvious. Some young readers may benefit from obvious points, and as such this might work as a cautionary tale. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. High schools    7. Historical - General    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Schools    10. Social Issues - Values    11. Social Situations - Values    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Values   

Reviews (1)

Get ready to miss the school bus --it's that good!
My 11 year old almost missed the school bus this morning because he just had to finish this book.If you have a son that likes sports books, this is a sure bet.My son kept saying, "This is awesome!" and "I hope there's a sequel." all the way through. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Fiction    5. Journalists    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Kidnapping    8. Mysteries (Young Adult)    9. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories    10. Sports & Recreation - Miscellaneous    11. U.S. Open Championships, New York, N.Y.    12. Juvenile Fiction / Sports & Recreation / Miscellaneous   

Editorial Review

Alfred's life is going nowhere fast. He's a high-school dropout working at a grocery store. His best friend is drifting behind a haze of drugs and violence, and now some street punks are harassing him for something he didn't do. Feeling powerless and afraid, Alfred gathers up the courage to visit Donatelli's Gym, the neighborhood's boxing club. He wants to be a champion--on the streets and in his own life. Alfred doesn't quite understand when Mr. Donatelli tells him, "It's the climbing that makes the man. Getting to the top is an extra reward." In the end, he learns that a winner isn't necessarily the one standing when the fight is over. Teens and adults alike will be knocked out by this powerful story of how a frightened boy becomes a man. ... Read more

Reviews (298)

The Contender
In the book " The Contender," a series of bad events happen in Alfred Brooks' life, he decides he wants to be a boxer, but one thing he doesn't know is how hard the training will be for him.Although boxing is very hard for Alfred he has a lot of other things to deal with like gangs and cops and his best friend James or ex best friend James.Since Alfred can't solve that problem, he has to move on with his life.After his second fight, Donatelli, Alfred's trainer, decides to tell Alfred that his boxing career is over, but Alfred didn't want to stop until he knew he was a contender. After his third fight even though he lost, he realizes he was a contender.
The Contender
The Contender
The Contender

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Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Boxing    3. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Fiction    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Juvenile delinquency    8. People & Places - United States - African-American    9. Social Issues - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    10. Social Situations - Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance    11. Sports & Recreation - General    12. Sports & Recreation - Miscellaneous    13. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Reviews (2)

SciFi fans will love this one
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader's Views (10/06)
Very Enjoyable Read.
I was in need of something a little different than what I typically would read on a Trans-Pacific flight back to the states, and having previously picked up a copy of 'The Black Tattoo' at the BEA show, had packed Sam Enthoven's book with my for the long flight home. I am very glad I did.
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Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Children's All Ages - Fiction - Science Fiction    3. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Demonology    6. Fiction    7. Hell    8. Humorous Stories    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Sports & Recreation - Martial Arts    12. Supernatural    13. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Reviews (16)

For the new cheerleader and coach
This one was written before most current cheerleaders were born, and the pyramid section is woefully out of date with its 3 &1/2highs, but the key ingredients on cheering how-to are all still relevant, both physically and spirit-wise.It is still, in my estimation, the best book for a beginning cheerleader to have because it has:
Best Book on Cheerleading!!
What a great book! I'm a cheerleader and a gymnast, and I've found it to be a fantastic resource! This book is perfect for all levels of cheerleading, whether you're a Pop Warner cheerleader or a Varsity cheerleader. It has tons of hints, tips, and instructions. There are thousands of photos. In here, there are jumps, cheers, chants, gymnastics, routines, stunts, pyramids, tryout tips, and sooo much more! This book has helped me become a much better cheerleader and I've appreciated everything I learned from it. This book deserves three cheers!!

Not for today's cheerleader
This book, while helpful in some ways, is not ideal for today's more active and athletic Varsity or All-Star cheerleader. I would definitely reccommend this book for less competitive squads, like Pop Warner or J.V. Beginning cheerleaders and new coaches may find this book useful. But personally, with five years experience, I didn't learn too much from it. Instructional videos or competitions on ESPN will benefit competitive cheerleaders more. The tumbling section has detailed pictures of performing a back handspring, and some of the spirit/fundraising ideas are good. The stunting pictures are very outdated, and could use some updating. There are very few free-standing stunts, basically everything is old-fashioned pyramids. The basic stunts they show are pretty innovative, and would be good for Pop Warner cheerleaders. If they revamped this portion of the book, I would give it a higher rating. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY CHEERLEADING! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cheerleading    2. Cheers and cheerleading    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. General    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Sports & Recreation - General    9. Modern fiction    10. Sports & Recreation / General   

Editorial Review

So what if he's legally blind? Even with his bottle-thick, bug-eyed glasses, Paul Fisher can see better than most people. He can see the lies his parents and brother live out, day after day. No one ever listens to Paul, though--until the family moves to Tangerine. In Tangerine, even a blind, geeky, alien freak can become cool. Who knows? Paul might even become a hero! Edward Bloor's debut novel sparkles with wit, authenticity, unexpected plot twists, and heart. The writing is so fine, the story so triumphant, that you just might stand up and shout when you get to the end. Hooray! ... Read more

Reviews (441)

Tangerine Book Review
This bookis outstanding.it talks about reletionships and tradgedy as well as disabilities and the truth. I gave this book a five star rating because of the apparent time, thought and effort put into the creative text. My absolute favorite part of this book is the very ending because it shows remembrance of a lost freind. I would recommend this book to people with interests such as soccer, and ages 11-14 because of the setting at a Tangerine Middle School and Lake Windsor Middle School.

Ummm...Fantastic!
Tangerine was an "read catching" book. When my language arts class read it I couldn't help but pay attention.
A Student's Review
I think kids from ages 10 and up could read this book. I think this because there is some swearing in it, and this book has kids of this age in it, so it will probly be easier for them to conect with the characters. The author made it clear that she likes to leave her readers on the edge of their chairs, because this book was very mystrious and suspensful. That was the one thing I liked about this book. Over all the book Tangerine was very good! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brothers    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Family - Siblings    5. Fiction    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Soccer    9. Social Issues - Special Needs    10. Sports & Recreation - Soccer    11. Visually handicapped    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (18)

The Greatest boxer ever
The Greatest: Muhammad Ali (The Greatest)
Good book for kids
I bought this book for my fifth grader for a report he did on Ali.He enjoyed the book and pictures very much; to the point that he became quite interested in Ali's life (beyond just boxing).The boook was easy to read, not too long, and had some great, famous photographs.

2-B Massoudou Barry
I really like this book because , it had many things about his life. It had many details on his liftime and what he achieved.I would advise people to read it , becaus eit's a really good book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    4. Biography & Autobiography - People of Color    5. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    6. Boxers (Sports)    7. Children's 12-Up - Biography / Autobiography    8. Children's Books/Young Adult Biography    9. Children: Grades 4-6    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. People & Places - United States    13. Sports & Recreation - Miscellaneous    14. United States    15. Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / General    16. Picture books    17. USA   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (7)

Great book for kids and parents!
This book gave me a lot of good ideas when I took my daycare kids camping this summer.They liked most of the recipes, but we tailored some of them to their liking.It was a great book.

Simple Beginner book for Campfire Cooking
A good beginner book to give basic recipes and ideas for cooking on the campfire.The book does what I imagine it set out to do, giving starting point for people doing outdoor cooking with younger children such as parents, scout leaders, or teachers.

just right
This is a fun book for kids, and has a lot of common sense easy recipes they can follow. It starts off by teaching the basics of building a campfire, especially the safety involved, and putting out the fire. It has sections on cooking on a grill, cooking in a pouch, and on a stick. If you havne't doen these it is hard to describe, since they do not mean an animal on a spit here. This is good for cub scouts or other youth groups to teach basic cooking skills to kids in the woods. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Cooking & Food    6. General    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Juvenile literature    9. Outdoor cookery    10. Outdoor cooking    11. Sports & Recreation - Camping & Outdoor Activities    12. Young Children's, Early Learning & Special Book Types   

Reviews (1)

Food for Thought, A Fast-Paced Plot, and Teen-Friendly Trappings: Masterful
Rash by Pete Hautman is a wry look at a possible 2070s United States, now called the USSA (United Safer States of America? United Socialist States of America?). In this dystopian society, Americans (as well as people in most other countries) have traded freedom and independence for safety. It's no longer legal to play football, or to run without wearing extensive padding a helmet. Alcohol, cigarettes, temper tantrums, hunting, large dogs - all illegal. Three quarters of people over the age of ten are on the drug Levulor, which slows their reflexes, and helps them to keep their tempers in check.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Fiction    4. Football    5. Humorous Stories    6. Individuality    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Law & Crime    9. Science Fiction / Fantasy (Young Adult)    10. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    11. Self-control    12. Sports & Recreation - Football    13. Suspense/Thriller    14. Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction, Fantasy, Magic   

Editorial Review

For sophomores John and Lorraine, the world feels meaningless; nothing is important. They Read more

Reviews (324)

The first is still the best!
Don't let the name fool you, this is not a farm animal book in any aspect. This is a legend, really! I first read this book in middle school, while all the other kids were reading Goosebump-like books I was delving into this funny, bold and often sad treasure.
a story well put
the pigman... paul zindel, in all his books, most especially this one, gives us a charming, more sophisticated depiction of teenage life. he doesnt categorize his characters, good, bad, spoiled, ugly, beautiful. john isnt just "the rebel teen", every one of his actions, and the the things his characters says, are justified, and if not justified, explained. meaning, theres a story behind each character, so that then you know " well thats why they did what they did". or, "thats definately something she'd say". john and lorraine think, and have consciences. and romance is lightly laid over them. all in all... its awesome.

The Pigman by zach
This books title is The Pigman by Paul Zindel. In the beginning Lorraine and John, two high school students, tell about themselves and the people around them. They also tell about the things they like to do such as make prank phone calls and hang around the cemetery with friends and drink. This book is about how the Pigman makes them realize that people they like will not always be around. In one part they are looking around the Pigman's house and they find the Pigman's wife's funeral bill.
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Subjects:  1. Adolescence    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. Friendship    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Social Issues - Adolescence    9. Social Issues - Friendship    10. Social Situations - Adolescence    11. Social Situations - Friendship    12. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Reviews (3)

More that football
This story, aptly written by John Coy, is about high school football and more.It should be excellent reading for students in high school, those about to enter high school,and their parents and grandparents, because it conveys all the stresses experienced by a young lad who is expected to please everyone---his friends,his parents, his coaches, and his community.Despite all his talents, his feelings of failure are reflective of so many teens who, from all outside appearances,would appear to have it made.Does he give in to the pressures?Read for yourself and find out....

Football maniacs, read this book. By Guillaume
This book is superb. It is about a boy, Miles, who is in high school. He loves football, but unlike his teammates, he doesn't take steorides. His coach thinks he is not muscular enough, so he puts him in the reserve. Meanwhile, he also has a girl friend. When practice is over, he stays out with his girl friend, Lucia.
Nail-biting drama from the football field
CRACKBACK aptly describes the action on and off the field in this debut novel by John Coy. A crackback block comes from the outside and it can destroy you if you're not careful. Miles Manning, a junior and a star football player, is blindsided by some crushing blows that seem to come out of nowhere.
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Subjects:  1. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Coaching (Athletics)    4. Fathers and sons    5. Fiction    6. Football    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Social Issues - General    9. Social Issues - Values    10. Social Situations - General    11. Sports & Recreation - Football    12. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (2)

Inspiring role model
I love this book! It's a great story of how sports can shape your life in a positive way. Swimmers and non-swimmers alike will be inspired by Jenny's story. This great book is now available as an e-book for those of you who can't find a copy of the original printing. You can order here from amazon.com, the isbn is B0001GDOUQ.

How Jenny dealt with the negative peer pressure
Fast Lane To Victory is the third in Wish Publishing's outstanding "Anything You Can Do...New Sports Heroes For Girls" series and the story of swim champion Jenny Thompson. Swimming was what Jenny like best, but when her friends at school started to tease her and call her "tomboy" and "Too Tall Thompson", she felt the pressures placed on a lot of young girls to conform to social norms of what was "proper" for girls. Jenny dealt with the negative peer pressure and became so successful as an athlete that she came to be called the "Fastest Swimmer in the World". Also very highly recommended for school and community library collections are the first two volumes in this superbly presented and inspiring sports oriented series for girls: A Drive To Win: The Story Of Nancy Lieberman (40-8, ...) and Sword Of A Champion: The Story Of Sharon Monplaisir (39-4, ...). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1973-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Sports & Recreation    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    6. Girls & Women    7. Juvenile Nonfiction    8. Sports & Recreation - Water Sports    9. Sports - General    10. Swimmers    11. Swimming    12. Thompson, Jenny,    13. United States    14. Women swimmers    15. Juvenile Biography    16. Sports   

Reviews (76)

Hoops
I originally had to read "Hoops" for a summer reading assignment for my English class.Then after the first two chapters I couldn't wait to read another page.Walter Dean Myers is one of my favorite authors, he always writes great books and I'm always pleased with his work."Hoops" is one of the best books I've ever held in my hands.This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, you find yourself reading faster and faster, so anxious to turn the next page.
hoops
The book hoops by Walter Dean Myers is a really good book. It starts out in Harlem city. Lonnie Jackson is playing in a city wide tournament. His coach Cal that used to be a NBA playerthinks Lonnie can make it to be an NBA player. On his way he encounters a couple of problems. Do you think he and his team win the tournament and become NBA players? If you really want to know read this good book.

One of my favs
This book ,"Hoops" by Walter Dean Myers, is one of my favorite books.Because i love sports and i love to play basketball.It is mostly about a boy named Lonnie Jackson. He lives in a neighborhood where it is like the ghetto.Lonnie and his friends are big fans of basketball and Lonnie is like the star basketball player out of all of them.They have their own court where they play and one day they see a guy standing there. His name was Cal and at first they all thought he was stupid and retarded.And then they all noticed that he use to play in the NBA. He becomes their basketball coach and they begin their season and enter a tournament. They reach it to the finals and for some reason Cal had a bad past with gamblers who came back for revenge. During the finals Lonnie and Coach Cal had a decision of a life time.This book made me angry and sad at the same time.I would recommend this book to all or basketball players because they would understand how important it is to have a big decision on hand and making the right choices in life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Basketball    2. Children's 12-Up - Fiction - General    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    4. Fiction    5. Juvenile Fiction    6. People & Places - United States - African-American    7. Social Issues - Values    8. Social Situations - Values    9. Sports & Recreation - Basketball    10. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Reviews (17)

Double Dutch
I am a middle school Language Arts teacher who teaches high-level eighth grade students (in other words, VERY smart, motivated, and voracious readers). I suspect that when Sharon Draper was a teacher, she taught some lower-level students because this book seems to be clearly geared towards those students.
not my fave
this book was ok but it was missing something. the thing that got me the most was the way the kids talked. i'm in 8th grade and i don't talk like that. i mean who says peace out anymore? overall i thought it was a good book, but i have other books i'd rather read.

An excellent book!
The book I have read was Double Dutch by Sharron M.Daper. I chose this book because it looked interesting. The main characters are; Delia, Randy, Yolanda, Toliver Twins, Cherline, and Narrator. Girls will most likely like this book because of the drama, and double dutching (ages:12-15).The main events are, Delia has a secret she can't read, and the finials of the Double Dutch competion.The theme of this book is friends are there for you no mater what.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Contests    5. Dyslexia    6. Fiction    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. People & Places - United States - African-American    9. Rope skipping    10. School & Education    11. Social Issues - Adolescence    12. Social Issues - Friendship    13. Sports & Recreation - General    14. Juvenile Fiction / Ethnic / African American   

Reviews (10)

great read!
I really enjoyed Dairy Queen.It did drag a bit, perhaps, in the first half, but I stayed up late to finish it.Much more compelling and enjoyable than other YA's I've read lately.D.J.'s voice is what makes this story come alive.

Dairy Queen a surprise read
I never would have believed Catherine Gilbert Murdock's debut teen novel, Dairy Queen, about a fifteen-year-old Wisconsin farm girl whose family is steeped in football would keep me up all night reading, but that is what happened. I refused to stop reading the perfect-pitched voice of her protagonist, D.J. (Dorrie) Schwenk. Second, Murdoch's book is definitely against type when it comes to characters and subject matter.
Half of a Good Story
I'm going to disagree with what everyone else here has written.I thought the first half of this book dragged and I didn't see what all the praise was about. Ms. Murdock needed a stronger editor, in my opinion.I'm not entirely sure why I read that far except that I was stuck on a plane.I don't know if my students, would give the book to page 130 or so to pick up.
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Subjects:  1. Children's Books - Young Adult    2. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Family - General    5. Farm life    6. Fiction    7. Football    8. General    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    11. Sports & Recreation - Football    12. Juvenile Fiction / General