Beyond Lucky by Sarah Aronson

Beyond Lucky by Sarah Aronson
250 pages

I think I would have honestly enjoyed this one more if it weren't the third sports book I have read for the Mark Twain awards. I am not much into sports books. But love the fact it is a good soccer book, for a boy or a girl. The kiddos in my community are gonna love this one!

The Underdogs by Mike Lupica

The Underdogs by Mike Lupica
280 pages

I don't care for sports books, but this one literally had me bawling towards the end. Such a positive book for kids...a must read for your sports nuts, or any boy for that matter (or girl!)
Football is everything for twelve-year-old Will. But soon there will be no football for this dying little town. But without his team, Will has no idea what he will do, or who he even is. He goes all out, turning for help to someone so big and distant, that it is very unlikely that he will even get an answer. But he does...the team is saved. But, can he pull together enough people who still have faith to even fill the roster?

Hothead by Cal Ripken Jr. with Kevin Cowheard

Hothead by Cal Ripken Jr. with Kevin Cowheard
135 pages

I was wildly impressed with this book, and sport books usually aren't my thing. I felt this book was so very real, and I could instantly think of a dozen kids that would/should read this book.
Connor is a baseball legend in his hometown. And his team is headed towards the championship. But he finds himself making mistakes on the field. Even worse, he finds himself losing his temper in a huge way, that makes him a lousy friend and teammate. But with all the the stress at home, his dad losing his job, and the late night overheard discussions about 'losing the house' it's no wonder that he is having a hard time holding it together. But he has to reign in his temper, maybe talk to someone about what is going on at home, before he completely loses it, or gets booted from the Orioles.