Mike Lupica is the author of multiple bestselling books for
young readers, including QB 1, Heat, Travel Team,
Million-Dollar Throw, and The Underdogs. He has carved out a
niche as the sporting world's finest storyteller. Mike lives in
Connecticut with his wife and their four children. When not writing
novels, Mike Lupica writes for New York's Daily News,
appears on ESPN's The Sports Reporters and hosts The Mike
Lupica Show on ESPN Radio. You can visit Mike Lupica at
mikelupicabooks.com
Gr 4-7-Nick Crandall, a seventh grader, is looking forward to being the star catcher of his junior varsity baseball team. However, when the varsity team catcher is injured, Nick must suit up behind the plate with the eighth graders. Frustrated by Nick's presence, the team members go to great lengths to make the boy feel unwelcome. Nick cracks under the pressure. As with most Mike Lupica novels, Nick's home life plays a significant role in this installment (Philomel, 2008) in the series. The fact that Nick is adopted, and that his parents are both professors with little interest in sports, are burdens for Nick to bear. Predictably, Nick saves the day at the big game, and even finds a way to connect with his dad, all within a few weeks. This title is a good choice for reluctant readers with a background in baseball, as not all terminology is explained. Keith Nobbs's narration helps to build tension and excitement. While Nick's emotional intelligence is a bit advanced for his age, it allows the story to move at a rapid pace. For boys and girls who have outgrown novels by Matt Christopher.-Richelle Roth, Boone County Public Library, Florence, KY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Praise for the Comeback Kids:
"Lupica portrays the action clearly and vividly, with a real sense
of the excitement and unpredictable nature of the games. These are
worthy additions to collections seeking to draw in middle-grade
boys with an enthusiasm for athletics." -School Library
Journal
"These should score big with middle-graders looking for
alternatives to Matt Christopher's titles." -Publisher's
Weekly
"This title is a good choice for reluctant readers with a
background in baseball." -School Library Journal
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