Common Sense Media Review
Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Thirteen year old Nate is already a star football player when he wins a chance to throw a football through a target and win a million dollars. His dad has lost his job and his family may lose their house. But even worse, his best friend Abby is losing her eyesight to a disease. His team is counting on him to win games, his parents really could use the million dollars, and Abby needs his support. It's hard enough to be a teenager without all those problems. Nate's dad used to be the one he shared everything with, but these days they don't even watch football games together. It looks like even his hero Tom Brady can't help him when Nate gets replaced as quarterback on his own team. But Nate puts the team first, and his parents convince him that just attempting the contest throw will be a once in a lifetime experience.
Is It Any Good?
This story is all about football, and it's all about heart. Most kids have felt the impact of the economy on their families or their friends, and this realistic picture of parents struggling will help readers cope. It's heavy on the football play by plays, but for sports lovers it will be manna. It's also a good story about a father/son relationship, and the mom's pretty cool too. Abby is almost too good to be true, but her courage sets an example and provides the lesson that football is not the most important thing in the world, even for a jock. Even being a famous quarterback or winning a million dollars is less important than friends and family. No, this story isn't too corny to make a great father/son read aloud.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the concept that it's not whether you win the game, but how you play it. Why is this a good metaphor for life?
How many people face a disease like Abby does, retinitis pigmentosis? Was it avoidable? What did you think about the way Abby accepted her disease? Was she hiding how she really felt?
What did Nate do that helped Abby the most? Would you have done the same things, or done other things for her?
Nate faced a great deal of pressure to make the million-dollar throw and win the money. He showed courage in many different ways. What were some of those ways?
What is the hardest part for adults about losing their jobs? How can other people help them?
Book Details
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