Reviews (13)

A great read
Matt Christopher was one of my favorite authors when I was still in grade school and I still look back at his books with great admiration and fondness. Soccer halfback is no exception, it is a wonderfully told story of a young boy named Jabber who, against the wishes of his family, decides to play the sport of soccer instead of following his late fathers football roots as his family wishes him too.

When this book first came out, the game of soccer was about five years away from really exploding onto the U.S. sports scene. Being a soccer player (which was a minority at the time) myself I was constantly searching for books, fact or fictional, that dealt with the game of soccer. There weren't many at the time but Matt Christopher's _Soccer Halfback_ was a diamond in the rough that not only is a great story but one that taught me a great lesson:

It's okay to break the mold to do something you love even it's not seen as popular or you are ridiculed for it at the time. Thank you for the courage Mr. Christopher.

Soccer Halfback
The story I read is called"Soccer Halfback" by Matt Christopher. one of the setting was on a type of sports field like a soccer fieeld. the soccer field has two goals, out of bounds lines and a line through the center. The weather was mainly warm but sometimes it got cold for the players. Another setting is on a hilltop. people who flew hang gliders went there. it would usaully be sunny and warm and also sometime very windy. Sometimes so windy that the hang gliders would lose control and maybe crash. Those are the two settings in the soccer halfbak

The main character in the book is Jabber. Jabber is about 13 years old and loves soccer. But his whole family wanted him to play football like his Dad,Uncle and brother. They wanted him to play football because his dad had a good career at Notre'Dame in football. Jabbers father died when he was only about five years old. His family would like Jabber to continue with his fathers dreams.

Anther character is Pete. This is Jabbers older brother. Pete plays football and he hang glides. Pete really likes football like his father but he is really trying to get Jabber to like to like the game as much as him. But one day pete was playing touch football with his friend and lost his wallet. It made Pete very mad because he had alot of money in there. He was going to use the money to buy a new pair of football cleats. Do you think he'll ever find it? Maybe. A couple of weeks after Pete lost his wallet he got in a bad hang-gliding accident. He was hurt badly, but recovered quickly.

The story is mainly about Jabber's family trying to get him to play football. They want him to play football because his father played it and loved it so they think he should. That gets Jabber all in a ruckus. Now Jabber feels guilty about only wanting to play soccer. The only one who thinks he should stay with soccer besides him is his sister Karen. Will Jabber quit soccer and join football? Read the book and find out. I hope I convinced you to read this book because I really liked it and I think you would too.

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.

Soccer Halfback
My book is called Soccer Halfback by Matt Christopher.This book is about a boy named Jabber Morris.He loves soccer,but everyone else wants him to play football.Everyone except his sister Karen, who wants him to keep playing soccer.Will Jabber keep playing soccer or will he switch to football? To find out you have to read this good book! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This book is WONDERFULLY GREAT
this book is marvelously written, great story line, Chip Hilton is a great character and a role model, he is kind and giving and he doesn't let be a sports hero and fantastic go to his head. Great book for any sports fan. Definatly worth the money.

This is a great book
mavrlously written, great story line, Chip is kind and helping, and being a star never goes to his head ... Read more

Book Description

Chip Hilton's planned pleasant summer at home in Valley Falls is interrupted when State is selected to represent the United States in a college baseball series with two of Japan's finest teams.Chip and his teammates are thrilled by the opportunity. A trip filled with excitement and adventure,Chip experiences one of the greatest rewards of his young life when he undertakes to help a Japanese college student improve his pitching skill.Tamio Saito's greatest desire is to pitch for his alma mater's baseball team.How Chip wins the championship for his team with an almost unbelievable no-hitter pitching performance will thrill every baseball fan. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

good book BUT........
My son loved this book because his name happens to be Billy. I thought it would be okay to let him read a "big boy" book. Boy was I wrong!!!!! In our home "damn" is a curse and is not used by anyone in the house. We, as parents, are trying to teach our boys many important values such as respect, charity, kindness, love, etc. We also try to enforce the use of good words and not words that reflect anger, hatred, etc. How can you as a "kids" author use language that is "bad" and offensive? So what that the world says its okay. There are many parents out in the world who teach their children not to use curse words or to listen or read articles that contain curse words.

Run Billy Run is a good book by Matt Christopher
Once there was a boy named Billy who had a very poor family.He had to run very long distances to get places. He had to run to the grocery store to get medicine and groceries. It was about 4 miles. He joined the track team. He missed a lot of days of track,because he had to work and chop down trees with his dad In track he didn't do as well as he thought he would. Billy finished in last place almost every race. One day his coach put him in the 1 mile run, and he whipped all the other racers. The very next meet he won the 1 mile race and the 2 mile race. In the 2 mile race he beat 1 of the fastest boys in the state. Finally, his dad bought a new car. They didn't have one before. I liked the book because the author made you feel like you were in the book.I would recommend this book to a child or adult. By Daniel Lahrman ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Flo Jo and the Funny Suits
(3 elementary students: ...): It's a very interesting book. It tells about Flo Jo's one-legged suits and her unique personal style. It inspires people never to give up on something you love a lot. There were times when Flo Jo was worried she wouldn't be able to compete, but somehow she perservered through the difficult times. In this book you will find out that Flo Jo made many new world records in running. (We don't understand how she could sign autographs with her six-inch long fingernails!!) Flo Jo wasn't allowed to run in the hand off relay because her fingernails were too long. In the end, the the coaches let her keep them (the second time). We would recommend this book for people who are looking for a good biography and love running. We think the reading level for this book is appropriate for grades 3 and up, or as a Read Aloud for grades 2 and up. ... Read more

Book Description

It is Winter Carnival time in beautiful Quebec City. The Screech Owls are in town to join in the winter fun and take part in the biggest hockey tournament on earth: the famous Quebec Peewee Invitational. This is where Guy Lafleur, Wayne Gretzky, and Mario Lemieux first showed the world their incredible talents – and now it’s the turn of Travis, Nish, Sarah, and their friends.

But the dream trip soon turns into a nightmare. Travis is asked to keep a diary that will be published in one of the big daily newspapers – and a terrible misunderstanding follows. Soon after Travis’s words appear in print, the crowds are booing the Screech Owls, and someone – no one knows who – begins a campaign of terror against the team.

The Owls know they are good enough to make it to the final. Sarah could even equal a tournament record set by the great Guy Lafleur! But if the Owls are to stand any chance at all, they must find out who is trying to destroy them.

The Quebec City Crisis is the seventh book in the Screech Owls Series. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Book Again In This Series
The tounrament where some famous hockey stars like Mario Lemieux, Guy Lafleur and Wayne Gretzky first showed the world their talents. Now it is time for the Screech Owls to do the same. The dream trip turns into a nightmare. Travis is asked by a newspaper to keep a diary and someone sabotoged it. The fans start booing them and the Screech Owls must find a way to find the culprit. Will they find him in time?

I think......
I think this book is excellent, i have read all the screech owl books in order up to this one, except i read Nightmare in Nagano before this cuz that wuz the only one my friends had that i had cuz we had to do a report. I haven't finished the book yet but i will be finished the book at the end of the month. I love Roys books and i absolutly adore the way he describes the hockey games that the Owls play (i play hockey in real life). I love the way roy has hockey and mystery genre into one book and how all of his mysterys actually make sense after all the hockey games and investigations. I love the mysterys and i plan to read the rest of the owls books (even if i can't keep up with the pace they are being made). Thanks roy for the many great books! Keep reading and never stop writing all those books that i adore soo much.

Later

Quebec City Crisis
A great book! It's suspenseful and fun to read about when the Screech Owls, a 12 year old traveling hockey team, travels to Quebec City for a hockey tournament. They didn't know it, but there would be trouble ahead. This mystery is a great book for both fans and players. I play hockey and find this series to be very addicting. You won't be able to put this book down. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

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

very entertaning
The kid kept trying until it happened I liked i

The imformation about football was terrible
Matt Christopher obviously was not a football player. He new nothing about what football is really like.When he talks about the football games he uses terms that the '50's would use. The story has a plot only 3 year olds would like. This book should never have been published. ... Read more

Book Description

Jeff Gordon entered his first car race when he was only five years old, an age when most children are learning to ride a bike. From that time onward, he's been a champion in his chosen sport. From the quarter midget cars of his childhood, he moved on to go-carts, then sprint cars, and finally midget cars. Then, in 1991, he got his first taste of stock-car racing - and never looked back. After a few years of getting his feet wet in the Busch Grand National scene, he vaulted into the Winston Cup ring.In 1995, he was the youngest driver of the modern era ever to win the coveted Winston Cup. Two years later he proved his abilities were no fluke when he won the title again. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A fast biography of a speedster!
Jeff Gordon is one of the lucky ones who found his passion at an early age - took to it & never looked back.

From BMX bicycles to 2.85-horsepower midgets to go-carts to open sprint cars with 650-horsepower engines pushing these little cars beyond 140 miles per hour, Jeff Gordon ate it all up & kept racing & winning. With black & white photographs, graphs of statistics, Career Highlights, technical data about all sorts of auto-racing & short, engaging histories of the various forms of auto-racing, the rest of the book, as they say, is history.

By the age of 21 he had become NASCAR's Rookie of the Year, breaking records, driving safely, losing some & winning most.

A plainly written autobiography of one of today's great drivers & heroes. ... Read more

Book Description

Tony Hawk is a skateboarding sensation.At he 1999 ESPN X Games, he astonished viewers by performing a 900, a trick thought impossible to do.But astonishing people was nothing new for Hawk.Since taking up skateboarding at age nine, he's almost single-handedly revolutionize the sport.Whether dominating vert competitions, inventing new tricks, or providing a positive role model for young skaters, Hawk's sheer athleticism and dedication have helped change the way skateboarding is viewed by the general public. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not worth it
Why would you want to read this book when Tony Hawk wrote his own? That has all the information on him you need to know--plus more that wasn't covered in this book. Tony Hawk rocks and I would rather read what he writes.

Good for Young Kids
Like all Matt Christopher books, this is a good basic introduction to skating and skateboarder Tony Hawk, with an emphasis on Hawk as a role model. Young skaters will learn a lot about the sport without the baggage that comes from other sources

a great book
this is a great book.buy it

Lots of glaring mistakes
This book was obviously written by somebody who doesn't skate and appears to have never met Tony Hawk. The book is filled with glaring mistakes. It's written that Tony and his wife "started their own family when their daughter, Spencer, was born." Spencer is their son!
There are some falsehoods concerning skateboarding as well. The author says that taller skaters have a more difficult time performing tricks in the air. Most of the best ramp skaters in the world are tall! He also states that Tony learned kickflips on vertical a decade before they were invented!
Save your money and buy a skateboarding magazine with an interview with Tony. You'll get better information, it will be more personal and have better pictures. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Schnakenberg makes learning fun!
My daughter and I read together regularly.She, like myself is a Bulls'fan.We both missed Scottie during his absence from the sport in the 97-98season after being injured.I was not surprised when she brought this bookhome for a book report.To my delight, I found that Mr. Schnakenbergwrites for children without talking down to them.While she learned moreabout her favorite basketball player, I found the author engaging andinsightful.I know how Scottie plays.After reading Mr. Schnakenberg'sbook, I now feel I know WHO Scottie IS.I'll be looking for moreSchnakenberg.I suggest other parents do the same!

The best bio of Pippen I have read
Scottie Pippen: Reluctant Superstar is an engaging, informative look at the life of this NBA great.My son and I read it together and enjoyed it thoroughly.It compares favorably to the other books I have read on the subject.In fact, it's the best of the lot! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If you like Greg Maddux you like this book
The reason I chose this book is because Greg Maddux is a good player and one of my favorite players. Greg Maddux has won Cy young awards and many others. He's played for the Chicogo Cubs and one of my favorite's theAtlana Braves. He has been playing baseball for 18 years. First he was aout feilderand then a pitcher in the Major League Baseball. He was anoutfeilder in High school, too. I liked it when the author told me that Greg startedplaying baseball at the age of 20. I wouldrecomend thisbook to people who like Greg Maddux .The book is a sport book that tellsalot abouthow brave he was to start playing baseball at the age of 20. Hethought positive not negatively. Being positiveis also important when youmake good friends, and do homework ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Julie Foudy rules!
This book is about Julie Foudy, the greatest soccer player ever! It begins by trying to explain just how impressive it is to watch her play. The book then goes to her childhood, and how her family helped her to become a great player. It explains all the sports she played in from the time she was a child till now. It also tells you about the people, and events, in her life that made her who she is today. Her role in the 1996 Olympics is explained, and so is her position on child labor. In my opinion, Julie Foudy is the best soccer player ever, and this book tells for how she got to where she is. ... Read more

Book Description

Dewey London and Bundy Neel are psyched about the new summer soccer league, until they learn about the contest to be team captain: whoever draws the best team logo will be named captain.Should artistic Dewey enter even though Bundy would make a better captain? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent sports biography of hockey's Cammi Granto
Cammi Granato and Women's Hockey might not be as important in the minds of sports fans as some women who play soccer, basketball and tennis, but up here in the Northland (home of the only team ever to win the NCAA Frozen Four of Womens Hockey) we are talking about something that is more akin to a religion than a sport. More importantly, Thom Loverro has written one of the best juvenile biographies of a sports star I have read in some time. Starting with the 3-1 over Canada that earned the United States the first Olympic gold medal in Women's hockey, Loverro tells the story of how the only girl playing a "boys-only" game in Downer's Grove, Illinois grew up to be a captain for the U.S. Olympic Team. The idea that Granato was a "Hockey Pioneer" is not far-fetched. Although she did not play in high school, because, of course, her high school did not have a girl's team, Granato earned a hockey scholarship at Providence. After graduation she played for four more years in Canada while going to graduate school at Concordia. While her older brother Tony became a right win for the San Jose Sharks of the NHL, Cammi became the best-known player in women's hockey. Loverro's quick paced biography covers all of Granato's accomplishments on the ice with plenty of statics and some nice quotes from the star herself. The book has lots of color photographs of Granato and a page of career highlights for those who love to consume statistics. This is an excellent sports biography for young readers, who will wish that similar books about other sports stars were half this good. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Magical Skateboard
A Review by Timothy

Skateboard Tough is a story about a little children that digs up a skateboard in his front yard. This kids name is Brett Thyson and he has one passion. That is to be a very good skateboarder. He's not the only skateboarder in the town, take Kyle Robinson for instance. Brett has always wanted to be a better skateboarder than Kyle. The skateboard he dug up used to belong to a professional skateboarder named Lance Hawker, according to some other kids in the neighborhood. The witch down the street gives the kids quite a surprise after Brett writes a letter to the local newspaper. The skateboard that he had found in his front yard is supposed to be "Magical." He can do any trick on it and he likes it a lot. Everyone else doesn't think it is fair although he just is happy he found it first. Brett has always wanted to beat Kyle in a competition. The problem is that there is no competition in the town.

Something that I liked about this book is the realism in the tricks that the young skateboarders did. Although I don't really think that just because a skateboard belonged to a professional doesn't mean that it can be magical. Also I liked the feud between all the young skaters. W.E, Kyle Robinson, Johnee, Shannon, everyone argued about being a better skater. Even though they were friends they still fought about things. I know I used to fight with my friends and other kids as I was skating down the street performing my nice moves. And whenever Brett skated past Kyle, an argument would always break out unless Kyle knew that Brett was better than him.

I recommend this book to young children, at least in the sixth grade. I personally did not like the book myself because I felt it was too childish for me. So hopefully young readers would love this easy read, Skateboard Tough by Matt Christopher

Fun Skateboarding Mystery
When workers dig up a skateboard in Brett's backyard he's so excited. While he's not a very good skateboarder, he enjoys it a lot. But the moment he steps on "The Lizard" all that changes. Suddenly Brett can do any trick he tries. Stuff that he could never do before. Soon Brett gets the feeling that there's something evil about "The Lizard" and starts investigating. But will he be able to find out the truth about "The Lizard" before it's too late?

This is an EXCELLENT book. A must have for any fan of skateboarding.

Skateboard Tough
Skateboard Tough is a book about a boy who had just moved to a new place. He made new friends and lived his life normal, until one day he discovers something buried in his back yard that changes his life forever. The events that happen next, I will not reveal. You have to get the book and read it yourself.

It is a really awesome book. When I first saw the book and picked it up, I was really anxious about reading it. I had a fun time reading the book. Anyone who reads this book will be amazed at how good it is.

I would definately recommend this book to anyone who is a skateboarder or even not a skateboarder. Anyone who likes nice, calm, soothing books, this is definately not the one. It is jam packed with surprises. Therefore, I would definately recommend this book to anyone and everyone who enjoys reading.

Matt Christopher's Masterpiece
This is the best skateboard book EVER.The best part of this book is when they have a skateboard compotition.I love this book and when i see it i'll buy it.Overall buy this book.If you feel the same way about this book please e-mail me at JarrodaKilburn@hotmail.com.

This book (Skateboard tough) is enjoyable
This book is a lot of fun.It's fun because it's about skateboarding, and I love skateboarding.It was about a kid named Brett who dug up a skateboard called The Lizard.There was a kid named Kyle Robinson who was the best skateboarder in town,but before that it was Lance(the Crackerjack)Hawker.Lance Hawker died while skateboarding in the street.So they say that The Lizard is haunted because he did tricks that he couldn't do on his old skateboard,Cobra.I'm not going to tell you anymore about this book because I want you to find this book interesting.So all I'm saying is that this book is a lot of fun. ... Read more

Book Description

When a phone call from Nish gets Travis out of bed one bright winter’s morning, it looks as if it’s going to be the best weekend ever.

The Screech Owls’ home town lies beneath a thick fall of snow, topped with a layer of hard, smooth, beautiful ice. The whole world has become one gigantic skating rink. If only there were a way, thinks Travis, for these two wonderful days to last forever.

But before the weekend is over, Travis wishes it had never begun. One of the Screech Owls lies in a hospital bed, unable to move – the victim of a cowardly drunk driver who has fled the scene of the crime.

Now the Screech Owls must face a challenge that would make the toughest hockey game seem easy. Somewhere in the town of Tamarack a criminal is in hiding, and somehow – for the sake of their teammate – Travis and the Screech Owls must find a way to pull together and bring the culprit to justice.

The Screech Owls’ Home Loss is the eigth book in the Screech Owls Series. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good Hockey Book
The Screech Owl's home town is in the perfect setting. Blanketed with snow and topped with a layer of ice. Travis wishes that these two days would last forever. By the end of the weekend he wishes they never began. Somewhere in their town their is a criminal that is hiding and the Screech Owl's must find him and bring him to justice.

Fantastic, suspenseful!
Wow, Roy Macgregor was at his best when he wrote this! Very suspenseful, with a strong plot and great characters! I've read the other books and this one didn't deplete them one bit! Terrific read! ... Read more

Book Description

When Travis, Nish, Sarah, and the rest of the gang pile onto a school bus headed for Florida, the Screech Owls expect a spring break filled with sun, sand, and lots of ice. With luck they may even make it to the peewee tournament final, to be held in the magnificent Ice Palace, home of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning!

Muck and Mr. Dillinger have planned a fun trip. As well as camping and swimming, they’ll get to go to Disney World. Nish, of course, has bigger ideas. With his new X-ray glasses he bought on the “stupid stop” on the way down, he’s hoping to see a lot more than just tourist attractions.

The only trouble is, Nish ends up seeing too much! Travis wasn’t looking forward to riding the Tower of Terror at the Disney-MGM Studios, but it’s going to take even more courage to face this. The Screech Owls have uncovered a plot to terrorize all of America!

Terror in Florida is the sixth book in the Screech Owls Series. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Exciting
The gang piles onto the bus and heads to Florida. They have the perfect dreams and are hoping to make it to the finals at the Ice Palace home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The coaches have planned a fun trip as they are going to WDW. Nish ends up seeing to many thigns with his x-ray glasses. The Screech Owls have uncovered a plot to terrorize all of America. Can they stop it in time? ... Read more

Reviews (3)

If you like sports you've got to read this book
If You Like Sports You've Got To Read This Book! It is an amazing book. Tackle Without a Team is a book about a boy named Scott Kramer who plays football on the Greyhawks.
He gets tossed off the team for having marijuana in his locker. Scott's older brother was arrested a few years earlier for the same thing! Scott has to figure out who would try to get him kicked off the Greyhawks? Read this book now!

An easy book to read
The book A Tackle without a Team by Matt Christopher and Margaret Sanfilippo is a sports and a little mystery book. This book is about a boy who loves and plays football and gets kicked off his team for marijuana found in his duffel bag. And now he tries to find the person who set him up. The main character, Scott, is a thirteen-year-old boy. He is so nice to everyone, so that's why he can't understand why someone would want to frame him. My opinion about the ending it was good but what happened was expected. I recommend this book to anyone who doesn't like to read very long books. I think someone who likes and understands football would enjoy this book.

Good but could have been better
This book was good but not great. It could have been longer and it could have had a little more action in it. Its pretty dumb how Bill put marijuana in his duffle bag just because he sucked at football and Scott was better than him. You don't plant drugs on somebody just because they are better at something than you. This book could have been better than it is. ... Read more