Product Description
When a mysterious man promises to make him a great player, Sylvester accepts and begins a phenomenal home-run streak. Black-and-white illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

The kid who only hit homers...Awesome books
This was a preselected book by my grandson who loves
to read. I am glad I was able to order it on Amazon
and that they make it available through their great
program for those who love to read.

Boring
This book was on my son's summer reading list.I thought it would interest him since he enjoys baseball, but he could not get through it.I finally read it to him, and honestly it was painful for me to read as well.It was a cute story, however.

A Good Book For A Kid
The main character in the book reminds me of my friend who goes to my school and is on my team. He did not like baseball at first, but after 2 years of playing is now one of the best players on our team.I liked this book because it reminds me of my life. Also, the book is great because it is a story that can happen to anyone.

The book that kept me awake!!!
I thought this was a great book because when I had to go to bed, I was still reading an hour later! I could not put it down. I would recommend "The Kid Who Only Hit Homers" because if you're into baseball and suspense, this is the book for you.

Sam W, 11
Framingham, MA

The Kid Who Only Hit Homers
The Kid Who Only Hit Homers
By Matt Christopher

If you're a kid who likes baseball, than you should read the Kid Who Only Hit Homers by Matt Christopher. This book is about a kid who is named Sylvester Coddmyer. Sylvester is a kid who loves baseball but is not that good at it.He doesn't want to sign up for his team, but that all changes when he meets someone named Mr.Baruth. Mr. Baruth really is Babe Ruth.Babe Ruth practices with Sylvester every day. He teaches him how to hit and how to catch.Sylvester joins the team. Every game he hits a homerun.The moral ofthe story is practice makes perfect.


Sam F, 10
Cunniff School
Watertown, MA ... Read more

Product Description
Joey is sure he will not get along with the exchange student from Nicaragua who is staying with his family for a year, but they find common ground on the baseball field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!By AC from North Boulevard
The book I am reviewing is written by Matt Christopher. The book's name is Stealing Home. I think this book deserves five stars because the book is fun to read, has a lot of feeling, and it also is great because it has a lot of friendship in it. This book is about a kid named Joey and a foreign exchange student that comes to live with Joey. The problem in the story is that Joey is jealous that Jesus is getting all the attention and that he is a new superstar on Joey's baseball team which Joey just was. The problem is solved when Joey really thinks about how he would feel if he went away for a year and the people you were staying with were mean to you, so Joey decides to let Jesus have the best time he can have and to not be jealous.I'd recommend this book to people who like baseball.Other books written by this author are Long-Arm-Quarterback and Halfback Attack.

Stealing Home
As an older fan of Matt Christopher books, I was very impressed with the story line in this baseball book.I would highly recommend this book as it serves as a life lesson too. ... Read more

Product Description
Basketball forward Daren McCall is quick with an insult, quick to take offense, and quick to blame anyone but himself for his troubles. So when center Lou Bettman accuses him first of badmouthing him, then of vandalism, Daren turns the tables and insists that Lou is out to get him. The team splits into two camps. The fight heats up when Daren falls victim to an outrageous act. But did Lou retaliate, as Daren suspects, or is someone else trying to teach Daren a lesson?. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Excellent Book on Basketball for a child
My Grandson enjoyed this book.It is very well written and easy to read.Very nicely detailed.Thank you

The Great Basketball Book
Daren mcall,very nice and loves to play basketball. Heloves to help others. He helps out Gary and teaches him a little bit of how to play basketball. Daren and Lou get into a fight, but they get over it in the end.

They won their first game 52,45.Then Daren's neighbor wanted him to help Gary learn how to play basketball.Their next game was against the Blazers.They had won that game, but Daren didn't play well at all.The next game was against the Rebels.
If they lost that game they would be out of the playoffs.The RANGERS WON!!!They got to go to the tournament.

In the past,At the basketball court and Daren's home.

You shall never give up even if you are losing and if you are under pressure.You may never know if someone did something unless you ask them or you have proof.

I liked this book a lot;it kept me alive and I was never bored of the story.I wish all books were like this one!!!

The Great Basketball Book
Christopher,MattCenter Court Sting

Daren McCall, He is a kid that is very nice nad loves to play basketball. He loves to help others. He helps out Gary and teaches him a little bit of how to play basketball. Daren and Lou get into a fight, but they get over it in the end.

They win there first game 52,45.They didn'd play well but they did ok. Then Daren's neighbor wanted him to help their son learn how to play basketball because Daren was very good at it.
He was very rough and Gary got really mad.There next game was against the Blazers. ( they were really good )SO there coach made them practice very hard. They had won that game, but Daren didn't play well at all. Then gary's father asked Daren if he could get gary and try to tell him he was to hard and he wouldn't be as hard on him. The next game the Rangers had was against the Rebels. If they lost tht game they would be out of the playoffs. The RANGERS WON!!! They got to go to the tournament.

In the past, At the basketball Court and Darens Home.

You shall never give up even if you are losing and if you are under pressure. You may never know if someone did something unless you ask them and you have proof.

I liked this book a lot; It kept me alive and i was never bored of it.I wish all books were like this one!!

Center Court Sting Review
We give this book a five. One reason is because the characters play basketball. For example, Daren the main character doesn't know how to play basketball very well. Also, Daren's team name is the Rangers. Another reason is because it is exciting. Specifically, the Rangers keep scoring every time. Also, thatthe Rangers won most of the games. In conclusion, we recommend this book.

Center Court Sting Review
We give this book a five. One reason is because the characters play basketball. For example, Daren, the main character, doesn't know how to play basketball very well. Also, Daren's team name is the Rangers. Another reason is because it is exciting. Specifically, the Rangers keep scoring every time. Also, thatthe Rangers won most of the games. In conclusion, we recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Skeeter is the best batter in the league but seems to be all thumbs when fielding or trying to make friends. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Look it's Miracle at the plate
Do you have problems with your fielding? Skeeter does.Everytime a fly ball comes his way he falls or miss judges were the ball is going to land.There is one thing that Skeeter is really, really good at!He can hit real well.In fact he is so great that he is the best hitter in his league.He almost always hits a home run or something else that is awesome.Matt Christopher calls this book Miracle At The Plate.If you are interested in sports books then read his books.They're outstanding!Once I picked up one of his books I couldn't put it down!The setting of this book is baseball field.Matt Christopher also writes sports books for girl's like volleyball.
Many of Matt Christopher's books have won awards.Matt Christopher can think up of so many different characters.He has a different character for every book that he ever wrote!Matt Christopher seems to get the readers attention by always having an awesome title and a great review.For example in the story he tells how Skeeter is afraid to slide.This book shows people that you should not be scared to slide into home or any other base. People get scared because they think that they might get hurt.You know in every book there's a weak spot.The weak spot in this book is when Skeeter goes to his cousin's house because I think that it goes off topic a little.I think that after you read this book you're going to want to read another and another.
Also you would then probably encourage your friends who like to watch baseball.Then they would encourage their friends and so and so on.I would recommend this book to any one who likes baseball.A strong point in this book is when they play baseball games because it is so exciting.

How differences can make you stronger.
In the book,Miracle at the Plate, by Matt Christopher a boy named Skeeter was the best hitter on the Barracudas grasshopper baseball team.The problem is Skeeter can't play the infield, because he cant't catch anything.Tommy, Skeeter's rival is the second best baseball player in the league and is tryingto take over Skeeters place.Alan, the best infielder on the Deerslayers and Skeeters cousin, come together and pratice together to teach each other their best skills and leave Tommy in the dust.
Matt Christopher brings together a variety of different players on rival teams to make the grasshopper little league baseball team the best in the state.Matt Christopher loves to write about baseball in my opinion.
This book is worth reading for people who love baseball. Christoper writes all about different types of kids that have different skills in baseball and tries to make them the best.

Good Book
The book I read is called Miracle at the Plate.It's about a boy named Skeeter Miracle who can hit real well, having the best hitting average in the league.The only thing is he can't field and looks like a clown in the outfield. A second string player named Tommy gives it his best shot to steal Skeeter's spot. Tensions between the two get worse when Skeeter accidently injures Tommy's pet dog Pancho. Will Tommy steal Skeeter's spot?This book is a fun baseball book.I really enjoyed this book.

Helps you overcome fears of hurting yourself while sliding.
This book is a good book about baseball. It is cool and as a baseball player and someone who hates sliding into home, it helps me. ... Read more

Product Description
Everyone knows Jim will be the star linebacker on the team if he can only conquer his fear of being tackled, but it takes a boy in a wheelchair to teach him that kind of courage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A valuable lesson about life and how you must face the possibility of getting hit
This book has a simple lesson, overcoming a realistic, yet irrational fear. Jim Nardi is a linebacker for the Vulcans, a team in a youth football league. Jim is generally a tough kid; he loves to hit people hard when he makes the tackle. However, he has an irrational fear of being tackled, when he has the opportunity to intercept a pass, he will drop the ball rather than take the risk of being hit.
This fear is creating problems for him; some of the other players on the team are beginning to make fun of him. Fortunately, his coach and older brother Doug is willing to let him try to play through it. Chuckie, a boy that contracted polio and is in a wheelchair trying to fight back to the point where he can walk again, further aids Jim. Chuckie's encouragement and sense of purpose gives Jim a perspective on his problems. The final game arrives and when the game is on the line, Jim makes a difficult interception and gives a hard shot back when he is tackled, learning that he can take the punishment to make the play.
Football is a tough game and injuries will always happen, which is how life is. The best way to do both is to accept that fact and play hard anyway, knowing that getting hit and maybe getting hurt are the consequences of being in the game. This is a valuable lesson that this book makes very well.

A Good Book!!
Catch That Pass is a good book because the kid Jim can't catch the football.Then he finally catches the football and runs as fast as he can run. His brother is the coach and he had the same problem as Jim. Something happens in the middle but I can't tell you because you need to read it to find out.

Catch That Pass!
Imagine yourself in the shoes of a football player who's afraid to be tackled. Think of the embarrassment.

Jim Nardi plays for the Vulcan's football team and his big brother is the head coach. He is about 12-13 years old, and is the main character.

The problem with Jim Nardi is that whenever he gets an interception he drops the ball because he doesn't want to get tackled. But his close friend Bucky, also on Jim's football team, tries to help Jim overcome his fear. Then at a game a pass is coming right to Jim, he intercepts the pass! But will he drop the ball? Read to find out.

This book is action-packed. In almost every scene Jim is on the football field in a game. This book is great if you love football, play football, and also if you cant overcome one of your fears in football.

The author, Matt Christopher, always describes Jim Nardi's actions on the field with excellent detail, and expression for every play of the game. I'd recommend this book to kids 9 through 14,also to people who like to read books with great details of expression and football action.

Good football book
This was very good book, and as a football player I realy enjoyed reading this because in some of the game scenes in the book it made me feel like i was realy playing in the game. Some faults in the book i thought came when the writer took like two chapters to describe a game.If he would of shortened it up a little it would have been a little more enjoy able and i would have rated it a perfect 5 stars.
Sincerly,
Kyle

PRETTY BAD BOOK
I THINK THIS BOOK WAS REALLY REALLY REALLY BAD BECAUSE IT WAS ABOUT FOOTBALL ... Read more

Product Description
Twelve-year-old Michael, confined to a wheelchair after an accident, uses mental telepathy to communicate football plays to his quarterback twin brother Tom, then suddenly finds himself on the field in his brother's place. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Pretty good book for football.
This book was pretty good. I don't really like football and all those sports out their but I thought this book was really good. Anyone that likes sports or doesn't like sports should get this book right away.
This book is about a kid that plays football and a kid that doesn't play football but The kid that does not play football knows a lot of plays because he watches his brother play football. One day they were losing, so they did something. So him and his brother switch and the brother that knows a lot of plays helps win the game and go to the championships. It's an awesome book that everyone should read when they have a chance.

The Great Quarterback Switch
The Great Quarterback Switch

My book is called The Great Quarterback Switch by Matt Christopher. The book is about two twin brothers named Tom and Michael that love football. But one day a tragic accident happens. Michael walked out in the street and was hit by a car. So he was paralyzed for the rest of his life. The two twins go to their neighbor's house once in a while because they're friends, and one day the man says that if you think hard enough to change places with each other in a game, than it could happen. So one day at a football game, Tom is calling the plays and Michael is on the sideline thinking hard to change places. Then all of a sudden it happens! They switched places and Michael is in the uniform and tom is sitting in the wheelchair with Michael's clothes on. Michael calls the play and it works to perfection. So Michael gets his wish to play football again, come true. My favorite character in this book is Michael because once he switches places with Tom and, makes a good play and once he comes back to his real self, everyone is cheering for Tom. And Michael wasn't selfish enough to go tell everyone that he was actually the person who made the good play. Michael was really good at football, and it was very unfortunate that he had to get hit by a car and be paralyzed for the rest of his life.

The reason I recommend this book is so interesting that whenever I read it I never want to put it down. I always want to read the next line, or next page, or next chapter of the book.

the sweet book review
I think this book is kind of boring because I didn't enjoy it.I wouldn't recommend this book either because again I thought it was boring.
I think it was hard to concentrate on this story because I didn't enjoy it.Science fiction stuff doesn't really catch my attention.
Yes I thought this book was boring.TEC and ESP aren't things that interest me.I like football that's it.

The Great Quarter Back Switch
This book is about two twins that love the game of football, but one of the twins is handicaped. When his other brother plays in the football games, they switched their minds and the twin that was normal would be sitting in the wheelchair. I think that this book is very good. Its not the greatest, but its good for kids like in the middle school or junior high.

The great Quarterback switch
I would give,The great Quarterback switch 5 stars.Have you ever had a twin?Well ifyou do or if you don't you will still in joy this book. This book is adout twins one is a Quarterback the our is in a wheel chair.They can switch bodys so the our is in a wheel chair can play agian. They can not tall nobody they mite think they are crazy but they told their best friend.I would not chagne a thing in the book.
I think 2 grade and up could read this book if you like football.If you the sports Matt Chirstopher who worte this book he writes many sports book for 2 and up. Adults would like his books to.

... Read more

Product Description
Snowboard Showdown Out-of-control competition leads to disaster When Freddie Ruiz and his brother, Dondi, compete, it's like two mutts wrestling over the same bone-neither one is willing to give an inch. Unfortunately for Freddie, older, stronger, better-looking Dondi usually comes out on top in every contest. Except in one area: snowboarding. Here, Freddie is clearly king of the halfpipe. So when Dondi finally pushes Freddie too far, Freddie cooks up a snowboard showdown to make Dondi look foolish and himself the star. But will Dondi take the bait, or will he somehow turn the tables on his brother yet again? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Great Book
This was a great book by Matt Christopher - my son loves his books - what more could a boy want a sports, action and a great story!

ninja
Snowboard Showdown By: ???
9/28/06


This story is about two brothers, Freddie and Dondi.Freddie is jealous of Dondi because Clarissa likes Dondi not Freddie. So Freddie challenges Dondi to a snowboard competition and Dondi declines.Then after Freddie wins the competition he notices Clarissa is with Dondi at the mall.A week after that Dondi challenges Freddie to who can make it down Devil's Ravine.Then it's Freddie up first.He faked a hurt ankle when he went through the trees.In the end the brothers like each other again, and Freddie gets the girl.

The story was exciting because of the competition between the brothers.Freddie and Dondi would compete in skiing, snowboarding and trying to get the girl.I can relate to the snowboard competition because I know how to snowboard.The suspense somehow made me want to keep reading.The only downside was that some of the story took place at school and I thought that was boring.I wanted Freddie to win, and in the end he got the girl.

The author, Paul Mantell uses the third person to tell this story.He used snowboarding terms when talking about the competitions.He also used slang words that teenagers might use.He gave nicknames to some characters that were realistic and cool.I was able to feel the tension between the brothers while reading this book.I have read several Matt Christopher books and enjoy the story lines and surprises through out the books.He writes the way an 11 to 18 year old thinks and shows the bond between kids and sports.

I would rate this book at nine out of ten because it has characters and a setting I can relate to.It kept my interest throughout the whole book.In the end the conflict between the brothers was resolved.I would recommend this book if you like snowboarding or want to learn to snowboard.

This book is an awesome book.I like Matt Christopher books because all the characters think outside the box.Some times throughout this book I was thinking how much I would like to do the tricks he could do.I can't wait until it snows.

This Book Rocks
I love this book because I love snowboarding.In this book, two brothers have a contest to see who is better at snowboarding.Freddie and Donovan tease each other a lot.Donovan won't admit that Freddie is a better athlete. Freddie and his friends all think that he is better than Donovan.I also liked this book because the brothers play pig and I love to play pig.This book is exciting because you don't really know what happens next, things sort of pop out at you when you don't really expect it.You should read this book because it has action and is fun.
Nathan L.

book review by Gunnar Wainwright
I liked this book because it was about snowboarding.Well snowboarding is my favorite sport.I rate this book5 stars for people who like snowboarding.It is about a halfpipe contest. Read it to find out who wins.

Snowboard Showdown: Out of control competition Leads to Disaster
I was impressed with the condition of the book. ... Read more

Product Description
Assigned to play tackle instead of quarterback because of his size, Boots Raymond rebels and almost quits the team. Black-and-white illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

A Book Review
Tough to Tackle by Matt Christopher is a story about Boots Raymond, a right tackle who wants to be quarterback for the Apollos, but can't because he's over the weight limit.Boots' coach,Coach Higgins, put Boots' friend, Bud Davis, at quarterback, Boots get put on the line.Boots finds out that the line is actually fun.

The story begins on a windy day in September, with Boots Raymond on his front porch.Boots' friend, Bud Davis, is saying, "Are you coming?" Boots smiled, and darted down the steps of his front porch.

My favorite part of the book was when Boots jolted through through the offensive line.He sacked the quarterback, and the ball came loose.When he picked it up, he started to run.A halfback came up and Boots stiff armed him.Boots kept running and scored a touchdown.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes football.It's a great book because it's exciting and shows you how to like football.Ten to eleven is a good age for this book.This book is not to difficult to read.

Boys book
Bought this for my godson to encourage him to read.He loves sports, and thankfully- he loved this book!Now he searches for more at the libray.Misson accomplished!

This a book scored a touchdown. By BC from North Boulevard
Tough to Tackle




The book I am reviewing is Tough to Tackle, it is written by Matt Christopher. I think this book deserves four stars because it doesn't give enough details, but it was very descriptive book. This book is about Boots Raymond wants to play quarterback for the Apollos more than anything in the world. The problem is that because of his size, the coach tells him to play on the line. Boots hates playing tackle and almost quits the team. Boots has a brother in war and knows a lot about being apart of a team. His brother tells him some important things in football and offensive lineman. In the book Fighting Tackle who is also by Matt Christopher, it is a really good book because they are both kids who don't get to play there positions that they really like in football.

Read This Book If You Like Football!!!
This is an excellent book to read. I loved this book!!! I suggest that kids who like football should read this book. Litearly,I read this book in 2 days.

g-daddy's review
i thought it was a pretty good book because i like football. but but i think there should of been some more action and a little bit longer.i like the fact that boots didnt get to play quarterback and instead he had to play linemen and he ended up likeing the position. but i didnt like it that just because he wasnt quarterback he was gonna quit and if your gonna play a sport and you dont get your position then just dont quit cuz you could be better at that position. ... Read more

Product Description
"Renny and Bryce play on opposite soccer teams battling for the championship.Until recently, the soft-spoken but talented Renny warmed the bench while another player took the field.But now that player's out with an injury and Renny's been given the chance to show what he can do.And no one is more surprised at Renny's playing ability than his opponent, the hot-dogging, one-man team, Bryce.Bryce was sure Renny would be a pushover, but Renny, who had admired Bryce's showmanship, proves that solid teamwork is often hard to beat.And in the end, both boys come off the field a little wiser." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Soccer Fun
Middle School, but would work for upper elementary.

Renny and Bryce play soccer against each other in the championships.The book is about soccer, teams, and friendships.

Soccer Enemies Together
The book I read for my homework is "Soccer Duel".Soccer Duel is a great sports story about this boy named Renny and another boy named Bryce.Bryce is the best in the leuge.When Renny andBryce first played each other Renny won.They won every game even aginst the Ornge Crush. The Ornge Crush has a player named Turk Walters. He checked Renny twice. Finaly Turk was called out of the game. Rennys team won. At a restraunt Renny told Bryce what happend. Turk heard it and yelled at Bryce. At the last game Rennys team won and Renny took home the MVP. Bryce was sad but proud of Renny.

Soccer Duel
11-15-2006

Soccer Duel
Matt christopher
Little ,Brown, and Company

Do you like sports?Well I sure do, and if you do too, you definitely want to read Soccer Duel which is a sports fiction book and just one out of the many books in the sports series by Matt Christopher. In this book a boy named Renny just moved in to town. In his old town he was the star of his team but in this new town the coach doesn't give Renny a chance to show off how good he is because he is always sitting on the bench. But, in one of his games against the best team in the league, the Yellow Jackets who are undefeated the Blue Hornet's, "Renny's team," star center striker breaks his ankle. Renny has to go in to the game and even, though they were down by three when Renny entered, Renny showed his coach how good he was by scoring four goals and winning the game for his team. Then, the very upset Bryce, the best player on the Yellow Jackets, pretends to be nice to Renny, until the final game when the Blue Hornets are playing the Orange Crush to see who goes to the championship. The Yellow Jackets were already in. Bryce tells the very large defensemen on the Orange Crush to foul Renny behind the ref's back so he will get hurt and not be able to play and the Orange Crush will make it to the championship, instead of the Blue Hornets because Bryce was scared to play Renny. But then the plan backfired and the ref saw the big kid fouling Renny and he got ejected from the game. The Blue Hornets won. Read the book to find out who will win the three game championship.
I would probably say that the main character is Renny. He is very athletic and fast, he is also confident, respectful, and nice. His parents are divorced which makes Renny sad because he only gets to see his dad every once and a while. This character, I think, was very important to the story. The secondary character in the book is a boy named Bryce who is really mean and is very strong and good at soccer. He has a powerful kick and is pretty fast, but not as fast as Renny. His parents are also divorced just like Renny's parents are. And the third most important character is Norm. You could pretty much call him a nerd, he is very smart, he has red hair and freckles, and he is not athletic at all. When Renny first moved there Norm was his first and only friend. Some of the other characters in the book include Isaac, Eric, Coach Harrison, Jack, Convoy , Coach Mcmaster, Jordan, and Charlie but all of those characters were not important enough to describe in this paragraph.
I would say that the character that I connected the most to would be Renny because I am pretty fast and good at soccer,I am also confident. This book is part of as series of 64 books all about sports and there are probably more to come. Whatever sport you like you could find a book about it if you look for the Matt Cristopher series. The age group that might enjoy this book the most are people ages 8-13. It is a pretty easy read that you could get through pretty fast if you need A.R. points or something like that. There were a couple of twists in the book but I would say the biggest twist would be Renny's team was not expected to win the game that led up to the championship. Actually, they were not even expected to make it that far, they hadn't even won a game before Renny started to play. And that is why I think that you should read this book.

Next in the Series
SOCCER DUEL continues the Matt Christoper soccer series.
The exciting SOCCER HALFBACK is the first book.

Plenty of soccer action!

the soccer cool
this book is kind of like my live because, in my soccer games i always play left striker but there is one thing that is different that my parent's aren't diborsed so i am cool with that
this book shows a lot of pation with people that like soccer and that's why i rated as a five star book.
i really recoment this book to everybody ... Read more

Product Description
Rob Lasher is just an ordinary soccer player, good at the game, but not great. Then one afternoon, he saves his coach's life in front of all his teammates. Suddenly, he's the team's hero. As some members of his team and the rest of the town continue to laud Rob's heroic act, Rob realizes he doesn't want the attention and any unearned accolades that come with it. Kids will learn that doing what is right should be the norm, not the exception. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

soccer hero
grandkids loved it, good reading material,glad we found this and other books on this web site.

Couldn't put the book down!
Reviewed by Lake Furney (age 10) for Reader Views (12/07)

Rob Lasher is a player on the Pirates soccer team.After saving his coach's life everyone treats him like a hero.He doesn't like the attention and wants people to just forget about it. After the new coach makes Rob team captain, things get worse.They struggle to get along and work together as a team.

This book, "Soccer Hero," was awesome!Most of the time I didn't want to put it down.It's great for 8-11 year olds.
... Read more

Product Description
Danny Walker worries about being chosen for the All-Star team, after seeing the latest star play for the Jaguars, and finds himself becoming curious about this mysterious player, when he feels he somehow knows her from somewhere in his past. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Double Play At Short
I think the book Double Play At Short was a very good book. Matt Christopher is the author of this book, he writes many sports books. This was a book I couldn't put down because I was curious of what was goingto happen next.The characters were just like people I know. They acted the same way and had the same hobbies. This book is about a kid named Danny. He makes it to the championship series of his baseball league when he gets very mysterious of someone on the other team. He takes pictures of her and does a lot more to figure out who she is. If you read this book, you will find out what happens next. I think this book would be a very good book for any ages to read, whether it's an adult or kid. That's how much I think other people would enjoy this boook as much as I did.

Double Play at Short Review
I really enjoyed reading this great book!!

This book is about a boy named Danny.Danny plays baseball for the Bullets and they are in the Championship Series against the Jaguars.Danny is the short-stop for the Bullets.When they get to the first game Danny noticed the Jaguars short-stop.Danny notices that Tammy the Jaguars short-stop plays exactly like him.Then on his birthday they had a game and after the game the Jaguars started to sing Happy Birthday to Tammy. After this Danny started to wonder about this Tammy girl.So Danny went to the library to do a search on her and to see if he could find anything on her.Then during the games Danny can't focus on the game but only Tammy.Before this whole series started he thought he was a shoe-in for the All-Star game, but yet after the first game he thought that Tammy would beat him.Danny tells his mom about his concerns and being related to Tammy.READ THIS BOOK TO FIND OUT IF DANNY AND TAMMY ARE REALTED SOMEHOW!!! If you really want to know I think you should read this book.

I would recommend this book to people who like mysteries, sports, baseball, and enjoy reading.Also this is a very exciting book.

The 2 Baseball Players
The book was about an adopted boy named Danny Walker that had played short stop and wanted to make the all-star team.But, there is a new girl named Tammy who bats and fields just like him.In the end Danny realizes something familiar about Tammy.I thought the book was interesting and exciting because once you read some you want to read some more!

It was a GREAT book
I liked the story about a boy who plays baseball and encounters a girl. He has many similarities and he wants to find out more about her. His mom tells him that she is his twin and his mom died at birth.The boy's team faces his sister in the championship. His sister knows that they are twins and they both play ther best and he and his sister have a geat time after the game.

It was a GREAT book
I liked the story because of a boy who plays baseball and encounters a girl. Ho has many similarities and he wants to find out more about her. His mom tells him that she is his twin and his mom died at birth.The boy's team faces his sister in the championship. His sister knows that they are twins and they both play ther best and he and his sister have a geat time after the game. ... Read more

Product Description
Brett Thyson starts to think that maybe his new skateboard has magical powers when he starts to be able to do any kind of incredible trick when riding it. Reprint. SLJ. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Viviana's Book Review on Skateboard Tough
Matt Christopher wrote the book Skateboard Tough in 1994. This book is about a boy named Brett that wanted a new skateboard because his old board was scratched up. His mom decided to have a garage installed and during construction Brett finds a buried chest in his front yard.Inside the chest it contained a blue and white striped skateboard with the word lizard painted on the base.Brett discovers that the skateboard gives him good luck, helps him to do tricks that he could not do before, but it causes everyone else to have bad luck.For example, his sister's best friend Sharon, when she tried to ride the lizard, she fell off the board, almost got ran over by a car, and received several injuries.Everyone tells Brett that the skateboard is cursed and he does not believe them.In my opinion, I think it was a bad decision for Brett to continue riding the skateboard because everyone was getting hurt physically each time when Brett used the board.Since Brett ignored the warnings of his friends; they decided to ignore him.Brett was left feeling lonely and depressed, which lead him to bury the skateboard back in the front yard.Afterwards, Brett started using his old skateboard again, told his friends that he buried the lizard and apologized to his friends for ignoring their warnings about the board being cursed.In the end Brett learns that he cannot always get what he wants.I would not recommend this book because the story line did not keep my attention.Maybe if the author, Matt Christopher, added in more action and adventure this book could have been more exciting.Otherwise, skateboarders would really enjoy this book because it included many descriptions of the tricks.

Skateboarding Tough
Skate Boarding Tough is about a kidnamed Brett. He loves to skate board, but when he digs up a skate boardhe suddenly is able to do awesome tricks. Everyone thinks the skateboard is haunted but Brett knowswhat is really going on.

I like this book because it's a funny book and a mystery combined. The first page grabs you and makes you want to read more.

I recommend this book to people who like sports and funny books.So find a library and check it out.You're guaranteed to love it.

Kelly, Age 9 1/2 (and dad)

skateboard tough

What it's about is a boy named Brett was skateboarding on his driveway. Then a couple of construction workers hit a box while they where digging in the front yard. They gave the box too Brett, so he grabbed a screwdriver, and a hammer using it like a hammer and chisel too open it up. Then when he opened the box he found a skateboard with bog letters saying "the lizard'', but every time he steps foot on the skateboard he gets much better at skateboarding, he can do tricks he never could do on his old skateboard "the cobra''. But on3e of his friends W.E looked up on a search site "the lizard skateboarding'' and it came up with a story about a skateboarder who was about too go pro but then one day when he was skateboarding he came around a corner and got hit by a car, and his parents buried the skateboard in the front yard because they didn't want any bad memories of him. Then his nabor built a skate park in her back yard because of what Brett wrote on a newsletter too the editor. He entered one competition and he came in 1st place and his worst enemy names john entered the competition also but he came in second. This is a really good book and I recommend for people too read this

Skate Board Tough
Skate board tough is a good book for people who like skating. The plot is that the kid likes to skate but has a bad board and he finds one in the ground. The board is like magic and makes him skate good. The setting is at his home most of the time and on the side walk and athe end at the skate park. The conflict of this story is that the board he found used to belong to a dead person. another conflict is that he has nowhere to skate. The resolution is that his friend's dad builds a skate park and that he becomes a really good skater just like the dead boy that used to own the board.

Matt Williams, 7th Grade
Brett Thyson had just moved to Springton. While workers were working in his backyard, one of them points out a buried box. One worker gives it to Brett and he discovers a skateboard that originally belonged to Lance Hawker, a pro skateboarder who had passed away. So when Brett tests it out, it can make him do amazing tricks that he could not do before on his old board. Brett was thinking of writing a letter to the editor of their newspaper so they can build a skatepark. But it was never done. When Brett's neighbor, Mrs. Weatherspoon, heard of this she had her backyard emptied and had sktepark built for everyone to go to. Brett always wanted to be the best skater in town along with Kyle Robinson. As Brett is telling this to Mrs. Weatherspoon, a few days later she sets up a contest for Brett, Kyle, and everyone who would like to participate. Can Brett win with his mysterious skateboard?
The message of this book is to be fair. In the book some of his friends think the skateboard is huanted and ask him to bury it back into the ground. But instead, he enters a contest and does tricks he could not do before. All his friends thought it wouldn't be fair.
Matt Christopher(author)did some things well while writing this book. In the contest Brett enters, the author did a good job of naming the tricks Brett does. The author also does a good job of explaining all the characters physical features.
I thought this book was O.K.. I liked when the author explained everything about the plot of the book, not leaving out any details. My favorite part is when Brett is facing Kyle in the contest. ... Read more

Product Description
Dwight Howard was a high school phenomenon who soared head and shoulders above all other players to become the number one draft pick in 2004. The winning team was the Orlando Magic. Since joining the roster, Howard has powered the team to its first NBA Finals in more than a decade. He's an absolute monster on the boards and in 2009 won the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award. He's also a dunking champion, regularly posting more slams than any other player in the league. And he's not even twenty-five years old! With plenty of seasons still ahead of him, there's no telling how high Dwight Howard will soar. ... Read more

Product Description
Pressured by his family to play football instead of soccer, Jabber must choose between his own interests and his family's wishes. Black-and-white illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Soccer Halfback
This book was full of energy. As you know this book is a sports book and is very exciting. The book seems as if the author tells the story with play by play action, making sure you don't miss any action. The book is mainly about a boy who plays soccer, but some of his family really wants him to play football. It is his first year of soccer to and he is very good. That's why it is such a hard decision for him. I recommend this book to middle school kids. The vocabulary isn't hard and it's really just a book that's fun to read.

Socer Halfback
Jabber Halpkins is in the team, the Razorbacks. Throughout the year he and his team play against the Blue Jackets. The team goes through team problems with injuries and people quitting, but they win and beat the toughest team ever and make some new friends. I recommend this book to book worms that like sports.

Soccer Halfback: A Goal Kicking Book
BAM! "The Razorback player kicked the ball and hits Jabber Morris in the chest and knocked the breath out of him" That is just a small portion of the action that happens in "Soccer Halfback".
In the story "Soccer Halfback" this boy named Jabber Morris plays soccer and loves it. Bit the problem is that his dad (who played football) has passed away and now his whole family wants him to give up soccer and switch over to football. Will Jabber destroy all of his dreams to make his family happy?
I thought that "Soccer Halfback") has the so far the best book I have ever read it has action, love, and a lot of feeling. This book keeps you guessing until the very end when all of your questions you might ask yourself while reading get answered.
I think that this book could influence on anyone who has a lot of pressure on them and is someone who wants to make a lot of people happy. Well this is like all the bad things that happens to Jabber in "Soccer Halfback".See most people in this world has parents who wants you to do something you absolutely hate and you have a dream of being a soccer player, dancer, singer etc.
I recommend this book to anyone who plays soccer or like the game or for anyone who has a lot of things of their plate and your parents are pressuring to do something you hate, well this is the book for you.
Do you want to know if Jabber is going to destroy his dreams? You better read this book! You can check this book out at any local library.

Super Soccer Story
Do you like playing soccer?If so you might want to read Soccer Halfback by Matt Christopher.The book is about two brothers, Jabber and Pete.Jabber plays soccer and Pete plays football.Pete loses his wallet and Jabber finds it but Pete thinks he took it!This causes a minor problem.To read about other problems in this story, read this book.

I liked this book because it is really exciting reading about the teams playing each other.On a scale of one to ten I would give this book a nine.

I think Matt Christopher�s purpose for writing this book is to show that team work is special.

Super Soccer Story
Do you like playing soccer?If so you might want to read Soccer Halfback by Matt Christopher.The book is about two brothers, Jabber and Pete.Jabber plays soccer and Pete plays football.Pete loses his wallet and Jabber finds it but Pete thinks he took it!This causes a minor problem.To read about other problems in this story, read this book.

I liked this book because it is really exciting reading about the teams playing each other.On a scale of one to ten I would give this book a nine.

I think Matt Christopher�s purpose for writing this book is to show that team work is special. ... Read more

Product Description
Eleven-year-old Garry, embarrassed when his unathletic brother joins his lacrosse team, faces a bigger problem when the team bully turns on both of them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Brian's review
I liked the book a lot, because it's about lacrosse and lacrosse is almost my favorite sport. There are couple of reasons why I liked this book. One is it was a great book, it had a lot of people yelling and getting mad at each other.
There are some mean people and some nice people in this book. Todd and Jeff are the nicest players. Todd is overweight and the doctor told him to lose weight! So he plays lacrosse. Jeff, the coach's son, tries to help Todd become a better lacrosse player. Garry, Todd's brother, has played lacrosse for 4 years and is a little nice. Michael is very, very mean. He is the top scorer in the league. He doesn't want Todd to play lacrosse because he thinks Todd stinks. Evan is also very mean. He likes to be around Michael all the time.
I would recommend this book to people that like lacrosse. It was a great book and I think those kind of people would like this book very much.
... Read more

Product Description
No other family has conquered football like the Manning's. It all started with the dad, Archie, a former pro quarterback who taught his sons Peyton and Eli to play football. Now, as the brothers have both grown into pro quarterbacks', they're creating a legacy of their own, starting with two stunning Super Bowl wins. This exciting Matt Christopher biography gives readers the story behind this famous football family, as well as thrilling recaps of some of the most awesome games in NFL history. ... Read more

Product Description
When he learns why his best friend taught him an unbeatable pitch instead of using it himself, Bernie learns a sad lesson about friendship. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Submarine Pitch
The Submarine Pitch By Matt Christopher

Have you ever found something that seemed
like nothing, but was something very important?
Well, that's what happens in The Submarine Pitch
by Matt Christopher.I recommend this book
because there's always something to keep you from
putting down the book.I learned that you should
never say someone can't do something unless you
have seen he can't do it.

The Submarine Pitch
The Submarine Pitch by Matt Christopher is a okay book.It is about a boy named Bernie Shantz who used to play on a baseball team.His sister found a newspaper clipping in a vanity.It was about someone who through the submarine pitch.Then Bernie's sister and his friend Dave convinced Bernie to learn the submarine pitch.Bernie learned to throw the submarine pitch and rejoined his team.He has a few enemies spying on his pitching.When they play their enemies will Bernie play?Will Bernie stay calm and win? ... Read more

Product Description
Keith Stedman dropped the game-winning, undefeated-record-making pass that would have made him a hero instead of a loser.Still haunted by his gaffe, he's considering quitting football for good.His friends and family convince him to stick with it, but his troubles are far from over.Another player seems determined to do everything he can to keep the bad memory alive in the minds of his teammates-including Keith.Can Keith overcome his own obsession with the past and succeed in the present? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent Book
My 5th grader (11 y/o) son and I both Matt Christopher books.We had embarked on a joint reading adventure to encourage him to read more and also to try and develop an enjoyment for reading.Matt Christopher books are very good for that.

Ryan's Review
Football Nightmare is about a kid who drops a pass and he doesn't want to play anymore because of that incomplete pass. So everyone always nags him and begs him to play, and he almost loses a couple of friends. He always runs into his coach and his coach always asks him to play. No matter what anyone says, he still does not want to play. In my opinion, it is not good, and I don't recommend this to anybody.There was not enough football in it so if you are looking for a football book, this is not cool, sporty, fun, or good it's BAD--trust me you will not like it.Well, I read it because I thought it was mainly about football, but it wasn't.

this book
MATT CHRISTOPHER: FOOTBALL NIGHTMARE was an interesting book. It shows Keith Stedman life and his life nightmare. Keith Stedman is a hero on the team, and his little sister really looks up to him, his family always encouraged and proud of him. Even though he is an awesome player on the team he drops a winning pass and just that little thing wants him to quit. That is when the story falls apart. His little sister and family very disappointed but still knows it is his decision. He gets help from everyone and everything ends up getting fixed...you will have to read the book to know what all happens.

Football Nightmare Review
Have your nightmares ever haunted you?Well, Keith Stedman in Football Nightmare by Matt Christopher lives a life-like nightmare.This book is about Keith's life on and off of the football field.Being discouraged by Larry Vincent a kid who wants the starting slot instead of him and encouraged by his family but especially his little sister Traci.Will Keith to play, or will he just try to forget about his whole football past.

ALL EYES ARE ON ME
"All eyes were on me. I fell to the ground with the football right beside me. I hated myself. This is a quote from Football Nightmare.

I liked this book. What I liked about the book is that Keith doesn't gives up. I can relate him, because I dropped a pass one time. I like Matt Christopher; he is a good writer. This is one of his best books. I also like Undercover Tailback and The Shortstop From Tokyo.


Wharton ... Read more

Product Description
When he was a little boy, Derek Jeter had only one dream: he wanted to play shortstop for the New York Yankees. Today he lives that dream. One of the most revered players in Major League Baseball, Derek Jeter inspires young people with his determination and outstanding athletic abilities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Baseball Sensation
On the Field with Derek Jeter

On the Field with Derek Jeter is my favorite book because it is about my favorite player dreaming to be the player he is today! The setting is mostly on the baseball field. This biography is written by Matt Christopher and he has lots of good biographies. Derek Jeter is the main character and there are lots of people that helped him make his dream come true, like his dad! My favorite part is when he is assigned to the Minor Leagues! The book starts when his mom and dad meet. The theme of the book would be Derek Jeter's comes true. The book starts very exciting even thow it is very serious.
And I think anyone who is a baseball fan or a Yankees fan will love this book!
- Natatlie,9

Best shortstop in New York history
I am a huge fan of Derek Jeter's. That's why I chose this book. I gave it five stars because Matt Christopher described every part of Derek's life accurately. I had already read Derek's autobiography and in that book I learned that his Dad made him sign contracts. In these contracts with his father, Derek had to promise to get good grades -- or else he didn't get to play in any All Star games or anything. Later, dude!

Must read at the Plate with Derek Jeter
The book I'm reviewing is At the Plate with Derek Jeter by Matt Christopher. I think this book deserves five stars. This book is a Derek Jeter biography. A problem that occurs in this story is when he's in high school. He almost gets cut from the team. This tells you how Derek Jeter became a pro baseball player. I would recommend this book to anybody.

Emerson N.J. fifth grade student

Great book to read with a young baseball fan
This series in general, and the Jeter book in particular, are great for a 5-10 year old sports nut.I read this with our 6 year old, a chapter a night for a couple weeks.

It's well written and moves quickly.

It makes reading fun by being about something a sports fan kid will really enjoy.

And Jeter in particular is a good story because he's such an great role model for kids -- he crosses racial divides, espouses the virtue of hard work, respect and not taking anything for granted.

Highly recommended

It's a Grand Slam!
It's a grand slam! Baby. If you like nod slam Yeah baseball you are going to love this book. It's called on the Field with Derek Jeter. It's about a boy who has a fantasy to become the greatest short stop for the New York Yankees. His dreams come true. This book is cool and it is for all Ages. You will like this book but baseball Fans will love this book at One point in he book I all most cried I
recommend this book to you because I am a big baseball fan. ... Read more

Product Description
Rocky Fletcher is being stretched to his limit. Until recently, he'd only played wide receiver for the Pythons. Now his coaches want him to learn the safety position, too - a position that opened up when Bobby, Rocky's best friend, broke his leg. Even though he believes he is to blame for Bobby's injury, Rocky eagerly takes on the challenge of becoming a two-way player. After all, the only other player available is Jared, a sullen boy who switched from soccer to football this season. Yet as time goes on, it's Jared who excels at the position because, thanks to Bobby, Rocky keeps missing practices! What's going on between Rocky and Bobby-and why is Jared on the team when he clearly dislikes football so much? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Matt Christopher Books turned my Son into a Reader
My son was a typical 8 year old boy "I hate to read" - but he loves football and Matt Christopher books about Football have turned him into a reader.These are a little bit challenging for a 8 year old who is not a strong reader so he has mostly been reading out-load to me so I can help when he gets stuck...but I have seen huge improvement over the past months.

The Review of an Eleven Year Old
I thought that this was a very good book. It teaches young kids honesty and the meaning of freidship without it seeming like it. I think it is a great book for all those 10-14 year olds out there.

Very Good Book
I bought two copies of this book to read with my 11 y/o 5th grade son, to encourage him to read more and to check his comprehension.We both enjoyed the book.It was exciting enough to hold his attention with enough accurate details to allow me to check and also improve his comprehension.We highly recommend Matt Christopher books for young men. ... Read more