Product Description
After a hiatus from the ice to get his grades back up to eligibility level, Jeff Connors returns to get the cold shoulder treatment from his teammates. During Jeff's absence, a threatening note was discovered in his best friend's locker--written in Jeff's hand. His protests of innocence fall on deaf ears, so Jeff is on his own to discover who's behind the sabotage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Very frustrating
I am currently reading this book with my son and it is extremely frustrating. Mr. Christopher's understanding of the sport of hockey is appalling. The entire central conflict of the book revolves around the protagonist's desire to make and stay on the team's starting lineup. Mr. Christopher makes the so-colossal-it's-unbelievable blunder of presuming that a starting lineup in hockey is the same as a starting lineup in baseball (a sport that Mr. Christopher actually had a good knowledge of) and that just as one baseball player will play center field or shortstop for an entire game, so too will one hockey player play left wing or center for an entire game. And when I say an entire game, please understand that I mean an ENTIRE game. Without rest. Anyone with even the most tenuous understanding of the game of hockey knows that this is not the case, and that teams continuously switch up 3 or 4 revolving lines in shifts during play. The idea of one player (besides the goalie, obviously) staying on the ice for an entire game, as players routinely do in this book, is so ridiculous that it has ruined all enjoyment of the book for both me and my son (who, at 5 years old, already knows more about the game of hockey than Mr. Christopher ever did, it seems).

And don't even get me started on his play-by-play descriptions, which never approach capturing the feel of an actual game of hockey!

Extremely, extremely frustrating.

penalty shot
great book by matt christopher. once again shows a bit of what reality can be like.

Hey It's Penlty Shot
Do you think sports are cool? You will change your mind when you read Matt Christopher's Penalty shot. This book is about a boy named Jeff and his team. They start as a team that loses every game and think their very bad.
The next year they finally win a game. They also go all the way to the championship game. They win the championship game. It shows that 1 team thinks there bad then they will be bad if they think there good they will be good. And accomplished great goals for the team.
This book is a book that is just right for you. Some other books that Matt Christopher he wrote are Bike rally, Soccer scoop, Miracle at the plate, and The Brush `Iim back pitch. This book reminds me of me and when I play hockey. I thought I was bad
But know I am great. The thing I do not like is that he doesn't use many
Vocabulary words like when you are looking for a better word.
This book not that valuable but it is a very good book. The setting is mostly in the hockey arena. Would you like to play hockey? It is a great sport.
Even though the hockey team won the championship doesn't
mean that they will win next year. What do you think? Will they win next year or not. This book is a great book. If you like sports then read Matt Christopher's wonderful series of books.
This book will change your mind about sports.

Penalty Shot
Would you like to play hockey and then get bumped off the team?This happens in Matt Christopher's story Penalty Shot.A person named Jeff was a hockey player, he got bumped off the team last year.He is trying out for the team again this year.Wait till you see what happens!I thought this was a great book, because I love hockey!I think anyone would like this book!

Great messages for kids
Just read this book with my 6 year old hockey player...he loved it for the hockey action, and I loved it for the messages it sent about teamwork and friendship and overcoming fears.This is a terrific book for a youngathlete. ... Read more

Product Description
For more than a century, the World Series has captivated baseball fans. From Babe Ruth's Called Shot in 1932 and Reggie Jackson's three-in-a-row home runs in 1977, to the "reverse the curse" wins by Boston in 2004 and Chicago in 2005--this action-packed volume is sure to please. Quotes from the star athletes, photos of the best plays, and a complete list of results since the first series in 1903 round out the book that young baseball fans will find is an out-of-the park home run! ... Read more

Product Description

LITTLE LEFTY

A Matt Christopher Sports Classic

Bill Bailey is the smallest member of the Blackhawks baseball team, but he can throw harder than anyone else on the team, including the regular pitcher. After hearing stories about "Little Lefty," a pint-sized pitcher who made the big leagues, Bill is determined to earn some playing time. But just when he's about to get his big break, he is sidelined by a freak accident. Will Bill finally get his chance to prove himself on the mound--or will his friend Larry persuade him to give up the game?

MATT CHRISTOPHER has written and published more than one hundred twenty novels, making him the most prolific and bestselling sportswriter for children and young adults ever. From books on football and baseball to soccer and skateboarding. His work has spanned three generations of readers, and new fans are joining the ranks every year.

Customer Reviews (4)

A 4th Grade Student Review
Little Lefty is all about a kid who likes baseball.His best freind Larry and him went to the pool and they were going on the high dive. So Larry goes first. Then Little Lefty went and when he hit the water,he was hurt his leg. Then he could not swim back to the surface so Larry dove in the water and helped him out of the water. Then Little Lefty gets on a team and Larry's dad bought Little Lefty a baesball glove and Larry one too. Little Lefty asked his coach if Larry could practice with them and the coach says "yes". I thought that was really nice of Larry's dad to give Little Lefty a glove and Little Lefty was really happy that Larry's dad gave him a glove.~Dr.Pepper

45 Years Later
I first read this book back in the 1950's, early 1960's and it has stuck with me ever since.I am thrilled to see that I can still get a copy of it.Believe me, if you can remember one book from your childhood 45 years later, it was some kind of GOOD!!

My Inspiration
"Little Lefty" changed my life back in the 1992-93 school year (fifth grade for me), and for that alone the book deserves a 5-Star rating.This was the book, written by the late Matt Christopher (an early childhood favorite of mine), that inspired me to begin a writing career.

This is a story about a little kid named Bill who wanted to play baseball.He is the smallest member on his team, yet he can throw harder than any of the other players, including the regular pitcher.After hearing the story about "Little Lefty," a pint-sized pitcher who made the big leagues, he is determined to work his way up to some playing time.But just when he is about to get his big break, a horse-riding accident sidelines him.Two different worlds come to a head because of this - will he ever get to prove himself on the mound, or will one of his friends (who doesn't play baseball) convince him to just give it all up?

This was the first Matt Christopher book I had ever read, and I was totally enthralled.Shortly after, I said to myself, "I know what I want to do when I grow up.I want to be just like Matt Christopher.I want to write baseball stories."And so began my writing career.

While I have moved onto writing about other subject matters beyond baseball, I still thank my lucky stars that I was lucky enough to stumble upon this book.Matt Christopher's baseball stories became an important part of my life both personally and professionally at a young age, and "Little Lefty" is the one that started it all.

Thank you, Matt Christopher.God bless you, my friend.

The Best Book Ever
This is the best book ever Author Matt ChristopherIf you like baseball you'll like this book.It is about a boy that is small for his age andleft-handed, but he loves baseball so much that he won't quit. He was avery good pitcher, but he only played two to three inninga each game. Because he was so small, the coach didn't play him a lot. He broke his arm riding a horse.Hecouldn't wait to get the cast offso he could get back to playing baseball. By the end of the season he was well and he ended up winning a big game forhis team as the last pitcher. It was my favorite sports book ever! ... Read more

Product Description
Martin is new to the neighborhood, and wants to make a good impression on his new teammates. But when he loses his lucky baseball bat, Martin fears that he has also lost his ability to play baseball. Will Martin be able to continue his winning streak without the bat? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

EASY and enjoyable
This book is good clean fun with a message about superstitions -- it is NOT the lucky bat that makes Martin a good hitter.There is also a theme in the book about waiting and not jumping to conclusions -- Martin accuses a boy of taking his bat, when that other child was not to blame.Very easy first chapter book.Good baseball in there, too.

former minor leaguer current ELEM principal gives it the nod.
My dad used to tell me about playing pick up baseball when he was a kid. He bragged about fielding two teams of nine and playing all day every Saturday.Since at best my pick-up games were played two-on-two (see discussion blog below), I of course was extremely jealous.This book gave me a glimpse of what that life could have been like.It felt very wholesome, safe, and pure.This book is worth picking up for that alone, but the important messages it leaves for readers--the kind of messages we parents aim to instill in our kids--are the real gems to this story.

GREAT BOOK!
This book is perfect for the little ones into baseball!!My sons both wanted to keep reading chapter after chapter!It is such a warm, loving story with great values!

The kid loved it
I bought this for my seven year old grandson. His parents read it to him over a few nights. He truly got into the story and the suspense and the feelings of the characters. My daughter-in-law said she wished modern books were so engaging for children. No wonder it is still selling.

Sportsy boys with lower reading skills will enjoy this one
Good book to use as first chapter book with boys reading (instructionally) at early third grade level. The names are kind of outdated, but it's hard to find a real book at lower reading levels. This one fills the bill. ... Read more

Product Description
Tired of warming the bench, Sylvester Coddmyer III accepts the offer of Cheeko, an ex-ballplayer, to help him improve his game, but Sylvester soon begins to feel that there is something fishy about Cheeko. Reprint. AB. SLJ. H. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Far too many references to the occult
Sylvester Coddmyer III (Syl) is coming off a phenomenal season where he was hitting home runs all the time. However, this season he is suffering a crisis of confidence and is warming the bench. Last season a mysterious friend named Mr. Baruth had appeared and tutored him, giving him the confidence to succeed. Suddenly, another mysterious friend called Cheeko appears and by applying his pointers, Syl is able to regain his all-star form. Unfortunately, Cheeko is a bit of a dirty player and Syl's relationship with some of his friends begins to suffer. However, at the end, Syl understands that confidence comes from within and that playing fair is the best way to approach the game of baseball.
While the overall message of the book is a good one, the approach is of questionable value. Mr. Baruth is the ghost of Babe Ruth, the greatest hitter in the history of baseball and Cheeko is the ghost of Eddie Cicotte one of the ringleaders of the group known as the "Black Sox." "Black Sox" refers to the Chicago White Sox team of 1919 where some of the players deliberately tried to lose the World Series in order to enrich a group of gamblers. The occult aspects are further enhanced by the actions of Syl's friend Snooky and his regular references to astrology. Baseball is such a dynamic and exciting game that references to the occult detract from what should be the main theme, keeping your confidence level high, which is the most critical point needed for success.

Return of the Home Run Kid
Sylvester was a kidthat the last year only hit homers but these year he was playing badly. His coach Mr.Baruth asked him to be a bench warmer for the Redbirds team.Sylvester, in his way home, knew a misterious man called Cheeko who helped him to play better this season. Sylvester now is playing hot.

Return of the Home Run Kid
Sylvester Coddmyer III was a pretty nice kid who grew up in a nice family. He was an only child at the age of 12. In the past year Sylvester had an almost perfect homerun season, he had Mr. baruth's coaching tips to help him get through. The next year came along and there was no Mr. Barthum to help him out. He started out as a bench warmer, if he ever got to play it would just be for an inning or so. One day on the way home from practice a man named Cheeko said do you want me to help you out a little. Sylvester said sure, they practiced about 4 times aweek and befor you know it Sylvester is back hitting homeruns. Inside Sylvester really wondered who this Cheeko guy was anyway.

It is cool how he hit home runs as he did last season.
Last season, Sylvester Codmyre III hit home runs every time but once, when he was up. But in his second season, again he started out slumping. Then he started hitting them back into home runs and he started being good atdefense again. It is a good book because it's the second version butSylvester has a different helper. ... Read more

Product Description
Twelve-year-old Ron Baker finds a minibike while scuba diving and, with the help of a former motorcycle rider and racer, restores the bike and enters competition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

inappropriate for young readers
i bought this book for a third grader.i wanted to preview the book before giving it to the student.upon reading the first two chapters, there were many words and phrases that i though were bad for a young child to read.
Example: "i wanted to cuss him"... "darn it"..."jerk"

I would not recommend this book for young readers.

What a discovery...........
Dirt bike racer is about a teenage boy who was scuba diving one day with his friend and decides to dive deeper than he usually does, and on his way down he catches something out of the corner of his eye. It was a dirt bike! And from then on the fun began.
The coolest part of the book was when he actually started riding the bike. I couldn't believe how fast he got used to it. Usually it would take you awhile to get used to a new dirt bike, especially if you have never ridden dirt bikes before. But hey, it's a book.
I would recommend this book because it's a great story for guys, like me, who don't like reading. This is a great book for somebody who is actually interested in dirt bike books. There is plenty of action and some comedy. The book has some illustrations, but my favorite one was of a list of the parts he needed for the bike, since it was in the water for so long. All in all it was the best book I have read this year.

Dirt Bike Racer
This was a great book, I could hardly put it down. It was nothing less than amazing. The best part was...THE WHOLE BOOK!! It had a great story line. Fasinating. it was only 281 pages but thats not all, there a second book I haven't gotten to yet. I would like to read it sometime in the near future. All it takes is the ability to read and your off, into the book and you don't even notice. Matt Christopher is a great sports writter. The reason i like his books so much is because I love sports. It's true. the book really got alot out of me. i used to like dirt bikes but, one time, i was riding with my friend and i hit a ditch and i went for the air and then hit the ground, hard. It hurt alot (of course) but i stoped riding for a long time, even till this day I haven't gotten near a dirt bike. but now ill look into it and i might even have enough courage to start riding again. Maybe. Well overall it was a great book and I hope that you will be able to read this book and the next book to.

dirt bike racer
One of the books I read from the author Matt Christopher is called Dirt Bike Racer. The book began at Ron's house. One day he went scuba diving and he saw a dirt bike. Then two weeks later he went back to see if it was still there. Then Matt took it with him home and his dad helped him fix it.

In the middle of the story they heard something in Ron's garage.The neighbor saw it, too, and he called the cops. They were in the garage and they found screws on the floor from the dirt bike. The thief was going to steal parts of the dirt bike.

I like this story because I like to ride dirt bikes. You can go off ramps and to do flips and back flips. This author, Matt Christopher, seems to like sports just like me such as football, baseball and dirt biking. It was exciting for Ron to find a dirt bike in the ocean. If you read this book you would like
it as much as I did!

Dirtbike Racer
Dirt Bike Racer is about a young man whos name is Ron and one day Ron and his friend Tony went scuba diving underwater, Well ron happen to see a dirtbike underwater in the lake.So him and his buddy pulled it out from the lake and took a look at it. It was going to need some work done to it and he was going to need money.So then ron meets some blind old man named Mr.Perkins. Mr.Perkins gave ron a job so that he can fix up his dirt bike.
Do you want to know more.... Read the dirt bike racer by Matt Christopher. I encourage many people to read it.Its an exciting and thrilling book! ... Read more

Product Description
This action-packed boxed set includes four of Matt Christopher's bestselling baseball novels. Includes "The Kid Who Only Hit Homers, Return of the Home Run Kid, Baseball Pals," and "Miracle at the Plate." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

All star Selection
Great selection for any young (or not so young} sports fan!Get them away from the video games and get them reading.Our 11 year old fan was fully engrossed in these books. Life lessons are learned in each one, fun to read and we loved hearing "Can I just read 1 more chapter ?". ... Read more

Product Description
A shy, unhappy sixteen-year-old with a talent for working with motorcycles runs away from his foster home and gets involved with a variety of people, both bad and good. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

dirt bike
The book dirt bike runaway by matt Christopher is a very good book .I would recommend the book to anyone of any age. The book is very action packed and it one of the best books I have ever read. In the book there are allot of twists and turns in the beginning a boy named peter gets beat up by a boy named decks. After the fight decks invites peter to come race with him and his crew. If you want an action packed and good book then. I think you should read Dirt Bike run away.

dirt bike
The book dirt bike runaway by matt Christopher is a very good book .I would recommend the book to anyone of any age. The book is very action packed and it one of the best books I have ever read. In the book there are allot of twists and turns in the beginning a boy named peter gets beat up by a boy named decks. After the fight decks invites peter to come race with him and his crew. If you want an action packed and good book then. I think you should read Dirt Bike run away.

A Desprate Ride

Have you ever heard of a dirtbike? Have you ever ridden a dirtbike? If you have then you know how much fun they can be. In the book Dirtbike Runaway by the popular fictional sports novelist Matt Christopher, a young boy named Peter gets to live his dreams of riding in a motocross event, makes some lifelong friends, and learns that you can trust no one.
Sixteen year old Peter is a foster child who doesn't like sports and doesn't trust anyone. But then a nice family, the Bentleys decides to adopt him. For six months he lives with them, they are the perfect family, or so it seems. After a while, the Bentleys start to work more and more, Peter is left to baby sit their eighteen year old son. The Bentleys son finds some alcohol and wants Peter to have some so Peter runs away. Peter hitchhikes to a nearby town where he stumbles upon a motocross track. There, he is framed and attacked by a bad kid named Dex. Later on Dex causes many problems in Peter's life.
It seems like all is lost until Peter meets Giff. Giff understands Peter's problems and becomes his friend. He gives Peter a chance to work on his dirtbike and Peter proves to be a natural. Giff even starts off Peter's motocross career by letting him ride in the motocross events held each Saturday.He even gives Peter somewhere to sleep, and maybe even a home, but you'll have to read the book to find out.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who likes books full of action and speed. At first I was hesitant to read books by a sports author because I don't like sports, but since I own a couple dirtbikes I decided that I'd give it a try. I made the right choice and I even think I might read another novel by a sports author.

Peters second chance
The reason why I recommend this book is that if you have talents try to find a way to put it top good use. Another reason why I recommend this book is because it shows no matter how much you hate someone you should help them if they are injured or become injured. Also if you want something bad enough work for it you may get it. An excellent example of having a talent and using it is when peter fixes a bike that dose not even run. A good example of helping some that you hate that is in trouble and trying to help them is when Dex wipes out during a race, peter gives up the lead to help Dex to safety. If you want something bad enough work for it and you may get it. The example of this is when dex wiped out and peter helped him, peter finished the race ahead of dex, this is something peter wanted for a very long time.

Watch Kids!By Robert
Have you ever thought of running away from home? In Dirt Bike Runaway, Peter ran away from his foster home.Well in my opinion I believe that his adventures were exciting and mind blowing, BUT I don't recommended that anyone run away.In the story Peter meets Jess Kutter, Bill Rocco, Dexter.
The book starts out as a fight between Dex (A.K.A. Dexter) and Peter. In the middle he met Giff & D.C. You are not going to believe all the mischief these boys get themselves into.Peter is well on his way to getting the REAL family he deserves.Find out who he calls family.
Dirt bike runaway is a great book that will really knock your socks off! The author was Matt Christopher. This is one of the gratis book I have ever read .I would remand this book to anyone. I rate it a five stars.
... Read more

Product Description
When thirteen-year-old Tim Daniels gets a chance to go to basketball camp, he is faced with trying to be accepted by the popular players and remaining true to his friend who has become the butt of practical jokes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Made me a superstar auntie
Got a dozen of Matt Christopher's sports books for my 4 nephews this past Xmas.They were a big hit.I was able to chose books related to the sport each boy loved the most.They were so thrilled I was forced to take a bow.

Not Just Basketball
This book is for people that like sports. I recommend this for 4th to 5th graders and ages 9,10. I gave it three stars because it's not all about basketball. It is about kids playing tricks on each other and not enough about sports.It is deceptive from the title and the cover.
Tim is going to a basketball camp for summer vacation, but later he finds out that it's not all about basket ball. There were different sports like softball, handball, swimming ,etc. His best friend is going with him. They had tryout for sports teams. Tim makes it to basketball and softball. Biily (his friend) makes it to swimming and softball. Tim's favorite basketball player wil come to the camp.You will have to read the book to find out what will happen! ... Read more

Product Description
Jimmie's selfish move could ruin the whole team....

When Jimmie is elected captain of his baseball team, his first decision is to appoint himself pitcher - much to his teammates' dismay. They already have a good pitcher, Paul. When Jimmie's pitches fail to find their mark, his teammates let it be known that they want Paul back on the mound. But even if Jimmie agrees, will Paul be willing to return? ... Read more

Product Description
The #1 sports writer for kids offers a read as exciting as a fast ball. Pitcher Koby Caplin is the best thing to happen to the Monticello Cardinals in years--but is he ready for prime time? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

"Prime-time pitcher"
I loved the book. I loved the book because it influenced me to read matt's book.

Prime Time Pitcher
Prime Time Pitcher
This book tries to tell you not to get all wrapped around yourself and not forget about your friends. This is a good book if you lost a friend, even if you're not a sports fan. This book is 138 pages long and is by Matt Christopher. He has written 37 other sports books for kids.

Koby Caplin is an 8th grader at Monticello Middle School and plays baseball there and he is a very good pitcher. A local news station wants to do a documentary on middle school athletics and they want to interview Koby. They have more than enough errors in the first game that is filmed on TV, Koby hopes every game they play doesn't end up like this one. He hates the things Sara is saying about him in the Monticello Middle School Newspaper, "The Megaphone." Can Koby handle the spotlight?

Try not to lose your friends but if you do this book would help you. If you like baseball you would like this book. In my opinion this is one of the best books I have ever read. I hope you like this book if you ever read it. I would give this book 4 ½ stars.

A must read
Once I started this book I couldn't stop. Read about Kobyand all he goes through in one of Matt Christopher best books yet!

It was just o.k.
In my opinion, it was just o.k. it didn't have what a good book should have which is a good ending.Try it, you may like it. ... Read more

Product Description
In a career that spanned more than 30 years, George Herman -Babe+ Ruth changed the way the sport of baseball was played. He was the first true power hitter, a strong pitcher, and in the outfield made some amazing game-saving catches. His love of the sport shined through in the way he laughed while jogging around the bases, in how he kidded and horsed around with teammates, and in his overall determination to win. But there was a darker side to Babe, one that nearly ruined his career-and his life. In the end, however, Ruth managed to overcome his personal demons, recapture his health, and go on to lead his beloved Yankees to championship status. Simply put, there has never been another player like the Babe. Get to know a true legend. ... Read more

Product Description
Cole Richards has been training in karate for four years. He's on the brink of advancing to his next belt level, but as he prepares for his test, new challenges come his way. First, his dojo announces a "create-your-own kata" contest to take place the same day as his belt test. Now he's torn between practicing for the test and making up a series of moves that will knock his sensei's socks off. But before he even begins with either challenge, he lands in trouble with a group of local teens -- and then with his best friends, too! How will Cole handle the mounting pressure?



With themes of jealousy, competition, and bullying, Matt Christopher brings together important life lessons and the thrill of karate. ... Read more

Product Description
A young baseball player has trouble living up to his family's reputation on a baseball diamond. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

ms janzen book report for nick van
The first book I read this trimester is "Too Hot to Handle". It is a sports book by Matt Christopher. In this book baseball runs in David Kroft's family. The father of David played very well. His uncle played professionally. David's older brother, Don, is the best short-stop inn the history of Penwood High School. David really likes baseball but he kind of sucks at it compared to his family. In the middle of this book Don hurts his leg and can't play anymore. So now David has to live up to the family name and play better. During his games he gets better but still makes to many errors. As he progressing he get s better and better so the last 50 pages there team is in the playoffs game 7 of the little league World Series. Bottom of the 9th bases loaded 2 outs you get the drift. So will David make the last catch? Will he bobble it? What will happen to David after the playoffs?
What I liked in this book was the dialogue or the self thought about David. This book was very exciting to read because every chapter had a new game a new problem in baseball for David to try and fix. I could not feel like I was in the book because a lot of the things that happen aren't very realistic. Also so stuff is just too amazing or spectacular for anybody to actually be able to do it. The only why you might be able to feel like you were in the book is if you were some jock superstar. The main conflict was very interesting because it had a lot of dialogue and "sports action". The characters in the story were realistic just some of the stuff they do in the story were unrealistic or unimaginable to happen in real life. For instance little leaguers throwing pitches at 95 miles an hour. the books ending was very interesting it was the last game in the playoffs and David is the one who either makes or breaks the game for his team.
The author's voice is in the third person of the baseball field as an announcer almost. The vocabulary in this book was very basic and not used in any different way except for some slang. The author speaks as if he's an announcer at the games except when they are doing dialogue of course but this is very different approach to sports books. The author's ability to use dialogue was amazing because the characters said stuff that they actually would if they were in that situation. The author could have described stuff a little bit better. The tone was pretty stupid because it was from the point of view of the announcer and I didn't really like it. The author could have done the describing job better he is bad at it.
I give this book 8 out of 10 because he has good dialogue and the characters are realistic but there just wasn't enough description in the book to always keep me interested. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sports.
I think this book is very good and you should read it. The only thing is only read this book if you like sports otherwise you'll be clueless and won't like it and you may ruin the book for someone else.

The Miracle Boy at Thrid Base
How would you feel if your dream was destroyed? In Too Hot to Handle, David takes his brother's place in baseball because he was injured. David had to take his place in the baseball season. Since David is the worst baseball player in his family, he tries to achieve his goal by being excellent on his baseball team.

The story is gripping because the story's problem is realistic and you can put yourself in the middle of it. Also, the challenges are realistic and he fixes them. David takes his brother's place after he gets injured. He tries his best to be better. David reminds me of me because he is the worst on his family at baseball and I am the worst at soccer in my family. Also David and I are the youngest in our family.

The theme is the harder you try the more you get out of something. David's life changed right after his brother's injury. He had to focus all of his energy on baseball.

Matt Christopher is the writer young readers turn to when they are looking for a great sports book. Matt Christopher wrote many books like Miracle at the Plate and No Arm at Left Field. His first award was Boys Clubs of America Junior Book Award. I recommend this novel to 3rd -7th graders that are on this really like sports because this can put you in the middle of the story. Read this book to see what happens next in Too Hot to Handle.

Too Hot to Handle
How would you feel if your dream was destroyed? In Too Hot to Handle, David takes his brother's place in baseball because he was injured. David had to take his place in the baseball season. Since David is the worst baseball player in his family, he tries to achieve his goal by being excellent on his baseball team.

The story is gripping because the story's problem is realistic and you can put yourself in the middle of it. Also, the challenges are realistic and he fixes them. David takes his brother's place after he gets injured. He tries his best to be better. David reminds me of me because he is the worst on his family at baseball and I am the worst at soccer in my family. Also David and I are the youngest in our family.

The theme is the harder you try the more you get out of something. David's life changed right after his brother's injury. He had to focus all of his energy on baseball.

Matt Christopher is the writer young readers turn to when they are looking for a great sports book. Matt Christopher wrote many books like Miracle at the Plate and No Arm at Left Field. His first award was Boys Clubs of America Junior Book Award. I recommend this novel to 3rd -7th graders that are on this really like sports because this can put you in the middle of the story. Read this book to see what happens next in Too Hot to Handle.

... Read more

Product Description
Twelve-year-old Brent Mullen discovers that the new assistant hockey coach is teaching the defensemen on his team illegal moves to help them win at any cost. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Jake's review
Body Check is not the best book I have ever read. It was not that good because it was supposed to havea lot more action in it than it did. It was more about people's personal lives. It did not really talk about hockey either; it justed talked about what was going on.

Body Check is about a hockey team that gets a new coach who is a big jerk. The new coach tries to get the old coach fired but nobody wants that.

The type of reader that would like this book would be someone who does not like challenging books. Somebody that would also like this book wouldbe someone who does not like action because this book does not have a lot of action and is very dull. ... Read more

Product Description
Trouble and struggle erupt on Mike's football team when Harry, his telepathic dog, is forced to remain home, unable to give the team his supernatural advice. Reprint. C. " ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

my 8 year old's favorite book
My 8 year old loves football. This is his favorite book. He read it completely in 1 day and has since read it a few more times.

A good story about winning, losing and cheating
I bought this just as my 6 year old son was getting into watching football on tv and pretending he was a football player. Harry the dog can talk to Mike the young boy via telepathy and ends up giving him the plays he overhears the other side planning to help the team win the first game. In the second game, Mike has to decide if he will use Harry's telepathic powers or go without. It's an enjoyable read aloud book with a lesson about how it's not really winning when someone cheats.

Great book for young sprts fan.
A great book for a young reader- our 6 year old sports fanatic, emergent reader, loved it.

Book review
We enjoy all Matt Christohers books at our house.GReat for boys who love sports but are not excited about reading.

1st grade football fanatic could not put the book down
My newly-reading first grader couldn't put the book down.He finished the 47 or so pages in no time.The vocabulary was challenging, the plot interesting and the illustrations "grown up."It would be interesting to boys and girls, football fans and non-fans alike.

If your child is not reading at the 1st grade level and able to decipher a few words like "triumphant" and "defenseman", I recommend Leonard Kessler's "Kick, Pass and Run."The difficult words are one's like "receiver" or "touchdown."Would work for a younger early reader.Note that it is easier, but still about 64 pages long. ... Read more

Product Description
It's early summer, and things are really heating up between Garry Wallis, star of Lacrosse Face-Off, and his nemesis, Michael Donofrio. At the end of last season, Garry sabotaged Michael's chances of becoming the league's top scorer. Now Michael is taking his revenge. He's got plenty of opportunity, too, for the Rockets are taking part in a week-long lacrosse tournament held at an overnight camp. Garry tries to ignore Michael, but the bullying finally gets to him-and what happens next sets off a string of near-disasters that finds Garry in the heart of a firestorm . . .

This latest installment in Matt Christopher's bestselling series combines all the lacrosse action and mystery his fans crave. ... Read more

Product Description
When inexperienced Phil Wayne takes over as coach of the Cayugans, Chip Chase figures that they're in for a losing season. But Phil surprises everyone by teaching the team a fantastic new play each week--plays that he later admits were mailed to him anonymously. Will Chip and his teammates discovery who the mystery coach is before the season ends?. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Sports books for kids
I'm a sports fan with kids -- and our family enjoyed this book.If you are looking for a fun book that is related to sports, take a look at this book.Good stuff to keep the children engaged.Great, creative, and fun ideas.Sports & reading -- are a great combination for children (especially young boys).Note, however, that my daughter enjoyed this as well!

Great for boys
I bought this for my sports-crazy godson to get him interested in reading, and it worked.Now all he wants to read are sports-related stories, but at least he's reading!

The Team That Couldn't Lose
I say this is a great book.It is about a kid who is on the last place team.And there is someone who is secretly sending them
plays. The main characters are Chip,Splash,turtle,and Daniel. The main reason I like this story is because I really like Football.

The Team That Couldn't Lose
I got this book for my 9 year old grandson who happens to be
dyslexic but is also an absolute fanatic about football!
He is reading it and loving it! I am THRILLED to have found these
books that are so enticing they will make even a struggling
reader want to read them. Thank YOU , Matt Christopher, for
understanding what will motivate a young boy to read!

Awesome!
The Team That Couldn't Lose by Matt Christopher is a very interesting book.The characters are Coach Kash, Chip Chase, and the rest of the Cayugans football team. Mr. McFall, an old player who played 60 years ago, has lost his old playbook because his wife sold it. A boy named Danny Livenmore bought it, and was sending plays to the Cayugans.
This book is a must read! It has a good author because he is a very young sports writer.He will probably have some good books in the future.
Matt Christopher is a former sports magazine seller. Also he worked at General Electric. And is a young sports writer for kids. Keep an eye out for more books by Matt Christopher. ... Read more

Product Description
Eleven-year-old Chris is small for his age, so he can't believe it when he learns he's been selected for the exclusive all-star traveling hockey team. It's not all fun and games playing for the Arctic Wolves, however. Some of the kids on the opposition are much bigger and rougher, and they pick on Chris because of his size. But Chris isn't the only one getting razzed. His teammate, Derek, is an aggressive player who also happens to be the only African American in the league.Chris and Derek develop some powerful on-ice chemistry that makes them a winning combination. But will that be enough for them to prove that size and race don't matter? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Cool As Ice
...I liked this book because I like sports books. I like hockey too that is what this book is about. I liked this book so much that I couldn't put the paperback book down for the whole five days that I read the book. I liked that book also because it was about two very special friends trying to get along with the others on there hockey team even thought Derek was a different race then everyone else. I would recommend this book to anybody that likes the sport of hockey.

Cool As Ice
I read the book Cool As Ice. I am going to review it also. I liked this book because it is a sports book. I especially liked this book because it was about hockey, one of my favorite sports. I liked the book so much that I couldn't put it down for the whole five days that I was reading it. I liked this book also because it was about two very special friends trying to get alkong even thought he is a different race then all the other boys on the hockey team. I would recommend this book to anybody that likes sports especially hockey.

Cool As Ice
I liked this book because it is a sports book. I especially liked this book because it was about hockey, one of my favorite sports. I liked the book so much that I couldn't put it down for the whole five days that I was reading it. I liked this book also because it was about two very special friends trying to get along even thought he is a different race than all the other boys on the hockey team. I would recommend this book to anybody that likes sports, especially hockey.

Cool As Ice
I read the book Cool As Ice. I am going to review the book also. I liked this book because it is a sports book. I like the book because I like the sport hockey to. I like the book so much that I couldn't put it down for the five days that I was reading it. I liked this book also because it was about Chris and his friend Derek. I would recommend this book to any person that likes sports. ... Read more

Product Description
When Sean Bailor, an angry young wrestler, loses his perspective on what he is fighting for, he takes his aggressions out on his family and wrestling nemesis, until a friendly referee gives him tips on anger management. Reprint. AB. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Takedown
This book is about a boy named Sean who lives with his mom, step dad, and Brother Carl. He lives with his mom because his parents divorced since his dad was an alcoholic. Sean wrestles for Jefferson Davis high school and starts varsity team. Through out the book Max, one of Sean's enemies always picks and starts fights with him. Some of the matches that Sean wrestled were Max and Tommy. The first two matches he lost were against Max and Tommy. In between those matches Sean met an assistant referee named Clint Collins who wanted to help himwith some of his wrestling moves and holds. Every once in a while them to would work together on moves and holds. The last match he wrestled was against Max and I don't want to give the ending a way.
For my likes and dislikes I thought that they evened out. One of my dislikes is the ending, because I wanted to know who Sean's father was. Another was that I think he got punished too much. Some of my likes are that are that Sean beats Max in his wrestling match. Another is that how Sean rides his dirt bike a lot.
For this book I would recommend it to people who like to read about sports and boys who are in wrestling. Another is for boys in sixth to eight grade.

Nice After-School Special
After reading the wonderful wrestling book, PINS, I decided to read some others in the wrestling fiction category, and was surprised to see so many. Most of the others are geared toward a younger reader, and Takedown is no exception. It's kind of corny, involves some traditional family problems, the main character's problems in facing work needs, his struggles with his father, and a budding romance with a girl. There are some corny aspects that were amusingly covered in the film version starring hunk Lorenzo Lamas, and Edward Herrman as the non-jock classics teacher forced to become the coach. Takedown's a bit cliche, but a nice book for young kids. But for a more literary approach, read PINS.

Takedown
This book was about a 14 year old bot called Sean who liked wrestling. Sean's parents were divorced and when Sean met a man called Clint he thought it was his father to find out you have to read the book. This bookwas also about how Sean had to wreastle a bully to provehe was togher. Irecommend this book very much!

Takedown, By Matt Christopher
Takedown was about a boy named Sean who gets into a lot of fights.He was good at wrestling and he joined for the first time. He wrestles in three matches and wins the first two; you'll have to read the book to find outwhether or not he wins the third match. I liked this book because it wasreally cool and talked about wrestling and things that relate to my life atschool.I urge you to read it.

You should read this BOOK!
I think the book Takedown is a great book.I gave five stars because it talks about per-pressure,and tells what you should do if kids are picking on you.I liked the part when Sean beat the Bully in a wreasling match,andhe won the trophy.I didn't like the part when the bully and his friendsbeat up Sean fo wearing this pen that said "I'am the best".Seanmet this guy who thought Sean some wreasling moves,that know body nowsabout.Why'll they were talking Sean foung out that he was a refereforwreasling. ... Read more