The GUYS READ library takes an inevitable and successful turn with their latest collection of short stories, THE SPORTS PAGES. Once again pulling from the greatest talent in the middle grade arena, such as Gordon Korman, Chris Rylander, Dan Gutman, Mike Lupica, and Anne Ursu, middle grade readers are in for a treat!
One of the many things we love about the GUYS READ series is the format. The 9 year old in my house is a huge fan. He will pick up one of the books, read a short story and put it down for a few days before picking it up again to read another story. He usually reads the stories in order, but you don't have to. No pressure and lots of fun!
The stories in THE SPORTS PAGES are among my favorite so far. Unlike my son, I skipped around. I read the first and last stories before making my way into the middle. This should not shock any of my readers when I tell you they were about baseball and written by two of my favorite MG authors - Dan Gutman and Chris Rylander. How I Won The World Series by Dan Gutman kicks off the book in the perfect way; and I Will Destroy You, Derek Jeter by Chris Rylander made me smile that even a Red Sox fan has to appreciate the character of Yankee Captain, Derek Jeter. Awesome!!
My son's favorite story actually surprised me, since it was not a fictional written by one of his favorite authors, such as Dan Gutman or Gordon Korman, nor was it written about baseball. Against All Odds, written by LA Kings Captain, Dustin Brown, earned my son's top spot. After reading it, I can understand why. My sons are both athletes, but the 9 year old got a taste for being on an All-Star travel team this summer, and the pressures that come along with it. Dustin talks about his early years in the sport, traveling and fitting in schoolwork and friends. He also wrote about the support he got from his family, and the payoff of all his hard work. My son dreams about playing for the Major Leagues, and if you replace the word "hockey" with "baseball" this story is his dream. I love that Dustin Brown shared his story in The Sports Pages, because sometimes I forget that dreams can become a reality.
I am a sports fan, and a big believer that kids learn a lot of life-skills on the playing field: guts, determination, teamwork, integrity, respect. Sure, some of these stories are awesome in their silliness, but some of the others embrace the spirit of sports and hopefully inspires some fire in their readers.
By far, my favorite of the series! GUYS READ: THE SPORTS PAGES is a winner!!
Book Extras:
Guys Read Website
Goodreads
Harper Collins Book Page
My review: GUYS READ: THRILLER
About the Book:
The authors:
Dustin Brown
James Brown
Joseph Bruchac
Chris Crutcher
Tim Green
Dan Gutman
Gordon Korman
Chris Rylander
Anne Ursu
Jacqueline Woodson
with illustrations by Dan Santat
Editor Jon Scieszka at BEA signing a copy of GUYS READ for the 9 Year Old!
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