Description
Eighth grader Matt Monroe is a shoo-in for starting quarterback for the Parkside Middle School football team this year. Or so he thinks.
Devro, a new seventh grader, looks impressive. He’s consistent and can run the plays almost as well as Matt. And he’s got speed. Could he ruin Matt’s chances of taking the position as quarterback? Utilizing Matt’s journal, author Fred Bowen shows readers the importance of reflection and teamwork as one strives to be a better player.
In the afterword, Bowen shares the real story of Instant Replay: The Green Bay Diary of Jerry Kramer, a book by Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jerry Kramer and sportswriter Dick Schaap covering the 1967 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl-winning season.
Reviews
“Another absorbing sports tale from the prolific and dependable Bowen… The author expertly balances the subplots and football action.” ―Booklist
“Fred uses these teachable moments in sports history to fuel his fiction—fast-paced, reluctant reader-friendly tales.” ―International Reading Association
Awards
Children’s Choices ―International Reading Association, Children’s Book Council, 2012
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2012
Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award (Nominee, Grades 6-8) ―State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana Center for the Book, 2013-2014
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―Minnesota Youth Reading Awards, 2013-2014
Virginia Readers’ Choice (Master List) ―Virginia State Reading Association, 2013-2014
Young Adult Top Forty ―Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, 2012
More Details
AR Level: 4.5
Lexile: 690L
Themes: Diary, Football, Sportsmanship, Teamwork
BISAC 1: JUV032030 JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Football
BISAC 2: JUV039220 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Values & Virtues
BISAC 3: JUV005000 JUVENILE FICTION / Boys & Men