CRACKERJACK HALFBACK
By
Matt Christopher exchanges the baseball diamond for the gridiron as his young hero Freddle grows from fearful backfielder to crackerjack halfback. As a member of the Sandpipers, Freddle makes long runs, scores touchdowns but freezes on the tackle. Hero worshipping Jimmie, half Freddle's size, demonstrates the case with which taller boys can be tackled. Slowly Freddle takes courage. A few off-the-field experiences, in which bravery is called into play, help too. In the end Freddle tackles with the best of them vindicating Coach Sears' faith in him and spurring his team on to defeat the Bluejays and the more formidable Cardinals. There is a natural boyish quality to this simple story of growth and good sportsmanship -- lots of play by play description too.