The Comeback Kids — Book Reviews

Two-Minute Drill

"Scott Parry is the smartest kid in his sixth-grade class and the clumsiest player on the football team. Chris Conlan is the coolest kid and the star quarterback, but he's dyslexic and a washout in school. The two become unlikely friends, and each finds a way to offer what the other needs in a rousing, high-spirited novel for young middle-grade readers. Scott tutors Chris, and Chris gives Scott the encouragement needed to stick with football. Only Chris knows of Scott's secret skill of kicking field goals, a talent that comes in handy in the final exciting scene, after which Scott finds himself featured on YouTube and ESPN. Though simply written and predictable, this brisk story of friendship and football will be a huge hit with the target audience."

Hot Hand

"Lupica (Miracle on 49th Street) again relays fast-paced basketball action in this involving first volume of the Comeback Kids series. The narrative moves equally sure-footedly off-court to explore the dynamics of 10-year-old Billy's family. His parents have recently separated, and his father, Joey, has moved to another house. Joey is also Billy's demanding, hot-headed basketball coach, constantly criticizing his son for shooting rather than passing during games. Billy's well-intentioned mother works long hours as a lawyer and travels frequently. Younger brother Ben, as passionate about the piano as Billy is about basketball, becomes increasingly withdrawn and, alarmingly, begins to skip piano lessons. Billy comes to Ben's rescue when a school bully picks on him, but resents feeling that his often-absent parents expect him to take care of his vulnerable brother. Tensions peak when Ben's piano recital and Billy's championship game occur at the same time; their mother is called out of town, and their father refuses to miss the game for Ben's recital. The resolution is pat, but pleasing—although not as pleasing as the sports writing. Lupica moves to the gridiron in the series' Two-Minute Drill, due the same month. These should score big with middle-graders looking for alternatives to Matt Christopher's titles."

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