KNOCKED DOWN

A high school football player learns the consequences of lying and cheating in Thompson’s YA novella.

Tennison “Ten Cent” Sanders is a receiver on his school’s football team—football is his life. School is solely something he has to endure until he gets to football practice; he plans to play for the pros when he gets older. He already has scouts coming to watch his games and believes his future is set. As school is not a priority, Tennison relies on copying from his deskmate during tests, using cheat sheets, or copying from websites to write his papers. Unfortunately, Tennison’s teachers are on to him, and he gets caught and given a “NoPass” on his science test. With his grades dropping below a C average, he knows he won’t be allowed to play in that night’s game. Unable to face his teammates and coach, Tennison goes to the nurse with a fake ankle injury and misses the game. While stuck at home, he overhears his mother and grandfather talking about how Tennison is turning out just like his father, who always has a lie ready for every occasion (“Her words feel like a slap”). Unwilling to let himself fall into the same bad habits as his father, Tennison admits everything to his family—but that’s the easy part. How is he going to face his teachers, his coach, and his teammates with what he’s done? Will he even be able to play football again? In this contemporary YA tale, Thompson delivers a story that is sure to appeal to teens who love sports and look to them as an escape. With a clear message about the hazards of being dishonest and guidance on coming back from making mistakes, the narrative deftly imparts lessons without becoming overbearing. The short chapters and easy language make this an ideal book for reluctant or struggling readers, but anyone will be able to find enjoyment in following Tennison’s trials.

An involving and easy-to-read story of athletics and building character.