Sports books often deal with the moment; this one looks at all those moments that make a season. Told convincingly in the voice of an eigth grade quarterback,
with all the excitement, dissappointments, jealousy, and satisfaction of school sports, this is the freshest sports book of the year.—Michael Sullivan, expert on books for boys, www.talestoldtall.com

"another absorbing sports tale from the prolific and dependable Bowen" —John Peters, Booklist

The Story
Matt is counting on being the starting quarterback on his middle school team. But he’s got some serious competition from a new kid – the annoying but talented Devro Beech. As part of a class assignment, he keeps a diary of his football season.  As he writes, he starts paying closer attention to what’s happening on and off the field.  And he discovers that not everything is what it seems to be…not even Devro.

The History
In 1967 Jerry Kramer, a former football player with the Green Bay Packers, kept a diary that was made into book titled, Instant Replay. He gave people an inside look at what it was like to play pro ball. People loved it. Instant Replay was on the New York Times bestsellers list for 37 weeks.

Finalist for the South Carolina Book Award 2011-2012

Recommended List 2012, New York State Reading Association

… plenty of walloping gridiron action that will ring true… some unexpectedly potent drama …Purposeful about honesty and sportsmanship…a  great choice to hand off to readers who’d rather be tossing pigskins than flipping pages. —Ian Chipman, Booklist

Fred Bowen writes truthfully and passionately about sports, teamwork and adolescents. A great suggestion for reluctant male readers. —Children’s Literature

Every sports story has that "Uh-Oh" moment, when everything that was sure becomes unsure, …this has the best kind of uh-oh moment. You will never see it coming. —Michael Sullivan, Expert on Boys and Reading, www.talestoldtall.com

Bowen uses historical events—a game between Cornell and Dartmouth played in 1940—to anchor the plot realistically. This device will resonate with readers as it imparts an actual dilemma and conclusion without moralistic advice. They will feel the players' emotions when the Cowboys have to make an important decision… This book can be used as an excellent opportunity for a group discussion. —School Library Journal

The Story
Sam loves playing for the Cowboys. His teammates always pull together and play to win. Their effort pays off big-time when they beat their arch rival in a hard-fought game. But their celebration doesn’t last long. Sam makes a discovery that threatens their victory and their team spirit. Can Sam keep the Cowboys together or will his discovery destroy the team?

The History
In 1940, Cornell University beat  Dartmouth College in a hard-fought football game. But Cornell’s celebration didn’t last long; something wasn’t right in that game either. Then  the Cornell players made a decision that earned them the title “Men of Honor.”  Read about that game in the bonus history chapter of Touchdown Trouble!

The fast pacing makes this story of friendship and overcoming insurmountable odds engaging, especially to soccer fans. Additionally, play-by-play accounts of the games make the action easy to follow and highly suspenseful, as readers become engrossed in whether a score will be made or a game won.  —Children’s Literature

The fast pacing makes this story of friendship and overcoming insurmountable odds engaging, especially to soccer fans. Additionally, play-by-play accounts of the games make the action easy to follow and highly suspenseful, as readers become engrossed in whether or not a score will be made or a game won. -- Melissa Joy Adams (Children's Literature).

The Story
It is just the beginning of the soccer season, but Tyler is pumped. His team is stacked with awesome players and they have a real shot at being league champions. When a couple of the stars consider leaving to play on a travel team, Tyler is furious. Then  he finds out that star-power isn’t the only way to win games.

The History
In the 1950 World Cup, which was played in Brazil, the ragtag U.S. soccer team shocked the world when it defeated the power-packed team from England. Read about that thrilling U.S. victory in the bonus history chapter in Soccer Team Upset.