"Last Man Out" by Mike Lupica

Last Man Out by Mike Lupica is about a brother and sister whose father was a Boston fireman who died rescuing a family from their burning house. Tommy played football and his dad would always sit in the top corner of the bleachers to watch his games. His sister, Em, was the star on her soccer team and her dad also attended all her games. This story is how the father’s death affected Tommy and Em and how they were able to help each other.

This book is sad, but with a good ending—well sort of. It does show how important it is to enjoy every chance you get to play and how things can change very quickly. Both Tommy and Em felt angry at losing their dad and dealt with the pain differently. I liked this book and would recommend it.
(Karen’s review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 23:  Tommy wished this was all a dream and he could wake himself up.  A nightmare that would end as soon as his eyes opened.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Fast Break" by Mike Lupica

Fast Break by Mike Lupica is a fast read because it is so good!  It is about a 12-yr-old boy named Jayson who sees basketball as his way out of the projects.  When his mom dies, the guy she was living with abandons Jayson and he finds himself on his own, hungry and stealing bread and peanut butter to live.  This book is about him growing into a better teammate and also turning his life around with some help.

I loved this book because it drew me in quickly and I couldn't help but pull for Jayson to have a good life.  There is a lot of basketball in this book at middle school level; however, the main story line is more about Jayson overcoming obstacles in his life and learning to trust people.  I got so absorbed in this one that I missed my bus stop and didn't even notice until another rider told me!
(Karen's review, 5 stars)  

Teaser from page 25:  He walked toward the store and knew in his heart that he was being walked right into the Child Protective Services system.  He didn't know how it worked or where he was going, but he was smart enough to know that the game was officially over.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Shoot Out" by Mike Lupica

Shoot Out by Mike Lupica is about Jake, a very good soccer player who was on the best team, but moved and now finds himself on the worst team without even a chance of making it to the playoffs. Once he gets done feeling sorry for himself, he discovers a new role—that of team leadership and helping his teammates get better. His biggest challenge is Kevin, who is a loner and seems not to care about soccer at all since his mom died. He wanted to quit, but his dad would not let him. Jake decides to try being his friend and in the process, sees how much talent Kevin really has.

I think this story is one that could help a good player who finds himself on a very bad team make the best of it. It is a very quick children’s read, but I enjoyed it.
(Karen’s review, 4 stars)

Teaser from pg. 11: No, it wasn’t Belmont that Jake disliked. It was their so-bad-it-actually-hurt twelve-year-old travel soccer team.


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Tomorrow" by Damian Dibben

Tomorrow is told by a dog named Tomorrow.  He shares a secret with his master and what that is you will find out if you read the book.  When they become separated, Tomorrow will search for his master and will not stop until he finds him.  But does he?

I really enjoyed Tomorrow and especially the parts in the book with his dog friend, Sporco.  If you love dogs, I think you will enjoy this book as I did.
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 16:  I tore across the courtyard, up the steps, then drove through the door into our room--and relief.  A shape still lay beneath the blanket, and that smell that was vital to me--like midnight in a tall forest, stiff parchment paper and a whisper of pine sap.  My master.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Play Makers" by Mike Lupica (Game Changers series)

Play Makers by Mike Lupica is part of the Game Changers series. This one is about a boys middle school basketball team that struggles all season after one of their best players hurts his ankle. Ben is the team leader of the Ram and known for his skill, but when a new kid (Chase) who is even better joins another team, Ben gets a wake-up call challenging him to get better. Ben also has a girl friend, Lily, who is the one who gave him the heads up about Chase. Chase is out to prove he is the best and even tries to move in and become friends with Lilly, making Ben very mad.

This is a cute story about being a leader and friendship set in a basketball setting. I enjoyed it, but thought it had a fairy tale ending. It goes quickly with lots of basketball game action which I liked. I would recommend it to kids who enjoy playing basketball.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from pg. 29:  As easy as it would have been to just write it off as one bad day, one lousy scrimmage, Ben knew in his heart that he had looked as bad as he had because Chase was that good.


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!