by Timothy Tocher ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2004
Hank Cobb runs away from an abusive, dangerous father. Hank plans to try out for the New York Giants and their legendary manager, John McGraw. While sneaking a ride in a train’s boxcar, he meets another hopeful ballplayer who calls himself Chief Sunrise and claims to be a Seminole Indian. When they finally connect with McGraw, Chief gets his chance and makes the most of it. Hank becomes a batboy and good-luck charm. Hank’s father reappears and attempts to blackmail Chief into throwing games. Chief is really Charlie Burns, an African-American who could never play in the big leagues if his heritage were known. Tocher deftly mixes facts with fiction to create a well-constructed tale with strong characters. He is scrupulous in his use of era-appropriate slang and syntax and carefully remains true to time and place in all details. An author’s note further explains the racial climate of 1919 as it was reflected in baseball. Engaging and engrossing. (Historical fiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: May 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-8126-2711-3
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Cricket
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2004
Share your opinion of this book
More by Timothy Tocher
BOOK REVIEW
by Timothy Tocher & illustrated by Stacy Curtis
BOOK REVIEW
by Jonathan London ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1999
This latest Froggy title (Froggy Goes to School, 1996, etc.) is utterly unfocused, with the star careening from soccer dolt to Mr. Superkick. Froggy’s team has a big game coming up with the Wild Things, and he is trying to remember the mantra his father, and assistant coach, taught him: “Head it! Boot it! Knee it! Shoot it! But don’t use your hands!” But illegally touching the ball seems to be the least of Froggy’s worries; distraction is his problem. He is so busy turning cartwheels, tying his shoes, and more, that the only time he makes contact with the ball is when it bounces off his head by mistake. Then, when the Wild Things make a breakaway, Froggy has some dazzling moves to avert a score, but forgetfully grabs the ball at the last second. The other team gets a penalty kick, converts it, but then Froggy makes a field-long kick for a game-winning score. London forces Froggy into too many guises—the fool, the hero, the klutz, the fancy dancer—but none of them stick. Remkiewicz’s illustrations have charm; it is in their appeal that this book will find its audience. (Picture book. 2-6)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-670-88257-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1999
Share your opinion of this book
More by Jonathan London
BOOK REVIEW
by Jonathan London ; illustrated by Gilles Eduar
BOOK REVIEW
by Jonathan London ; illustrated by Gilles Eduar
BOOK REVIEW
by Jonathan London ; illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
by Kwame Alexander ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 5, 2016
A satisfying, winning read.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
Kirkus Reviews'
Best Books Of 2016
New York Times Bestseller
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
Share your opinion of this book
More by Kwame Alexander
BOOK REVIEW
by Kwame Alexander & Deanna Nikaido ; illustrated by Melissa Sweet
BOOK REVIEW
by Kwame Alexander ; illustrated by Dare Coulter
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.