A satisfying, winning read.
Nick Hall is a bright eighth-grader who would rather do anything other than pay attention in class.
Instead he daydreams about soccer, a girl he likes, and an upcoming soccer tournament. His linguistics-professor father carefully watches his educational progress, requiring extra reading and word study, much to Nick’s chagrin and protest. Fortunately, his best friend, Coby, shares his passion for soccer—and, sadly, the unwanted attention of twin bullies in their school. Nick senses something is going on with his parents, but their announcement that they are separating is an unexpected blow: “it’s like a bombshell / drops / right in the center / of your heart / and it splatters / all across your life.” The stress leads to counseling, and his life is further complicated by injury and emergency surgery. His soccer dream derailed, Nick turns to the books he has avoided and finds more than he expected. Alexander’s highly anticipated follow-up to Newbery-winning The Crossover is a reflective narrative, with little of the first book’s explosive energy. What the mostly free-verse novel does have is a likable protagonist, great wordplay, solid teen and adult secondary characters, and a clear picture of the challenges young people face when self-identity clashes with parental expectations. The soccer scenes are vivid and will make readers wish for more, but the depiction of Nick as he unlocks his inner reader is smooth and believable.
A satisfying, winning read. (Fiction. 10-12)Pub Date: April 5, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-544-57098-6
Page Count: 320
Publisher: HMH Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 8, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2016
Red-card this book.
Hockey player Chris learns to battle his depression while learning a new sport in this Canadian import.
Fourteen-year-old Chris has suffered from severe depression for months. This may have been exacerbated by a hockey injury that led him to quit before the championship game. Chris’ psychologist suggests that he can improve his mood through sports, but he is hesitant due to his lack of energy and because the hockey season has ended. When Chris confides in his best friend, Keiko, she suggests he joins her brother’s soccer team. Chris signs up but is also joined by Trent, captain of his former hockey team and, more importantly, a bully. Chris strives to improve his mental health and his soccer skills, finding an unexpected ally in the gruff coach of the regional team. While the plot points are commendable, the execution is humdrum. The stilted dialogue is reminiscent of low-budget after-school specials, and the characters are one-dimensional. Young readers affected by depression or who know someone affected may be sympathetic, but it’s doubtful they’ll stick around long enough to reach the cheesy Hollywood-style conclusion. A note to readers provides contact information for a Canadian mental health organization for children. Characters are default white, with diversity indicated primarily via naming convention (as with presumably Japanese Canadian Keiko).
Red-card this book. (Fiction. 10-12)Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-4594-1480-8
Page Count: 122
Publisher: James Lorimer
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2020
Best appreciated by reluctant Hebrew school attendees.
It’s Hebrew school vs. Star Wars, football, and science.
Ten-year-old Avery, who narrates his story, has three passions in life: Star Wars, science, and football. Unfortunately, he must attend Hebrew school, which interferes with playing football. He hates studying Torah because what he reads doesn’t always align with scientific evidence. Then the times for football practice change and he can join a team—a participation achieved by winning over his concussion-fearful parents. Hebrew school takes on a different dimension when a new rabbi arrives who amazingly like Yoda talks. He also plays music from the movies and owns a red lightsaber. Rabbi Bob even seemingly equates the Shema prayer with the Force. But Avery still grapples with what it means to be Jewish. Then, injuries on the football field, one to a bully and one to a friend, lead to a discussion of a mitzvah called bikkur cholim, which refers to visiting those who are sick. Avery now considers the possibility that religion and science can coexist, as the rabbi explains that Judaism values the process of questioning more than the certainty of answers. Still, Avery questions his attendance at Hebrew school, an obligation his parents never fully explain or discuss with him. Readers may be drawn to the detailed football plays and the Star Wars references while those in Hebrew school may find a kindred spirit.
Best appreciated by reluctant Hebrew school attendees. (notes about Judaism) (Fiction. 10-12)Pub Date: Sept. 19, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-78438-539-2
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Green Bean Books
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020
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