Always a Catch

Gr 9 Up—Jack Lefferts is trying to find his place in the world. He has a difficult relationship with his father; the two of them have never quite seen eye to eye, until Jack is given the chance to transfer to Oakhurst Hall Boarding School. It is a prestigious academy where Jack will presumably receive an excellent education. Jack's piano talent is the key to his acceptance into the school, but he surprises everyone by trying out for the football team instead. Jack must balance his time on the gridiron with school work and his music. The story moves quickly as the football season progresses. Jack as well-crafted character, for whom readers will root. Jack faces a true test of who he is and what kind of player he wants to be when he finds out that members of his team are using steroids. Richmond has written an above-average story that will appeal to fans of the genre and authors, such as Mike Lupica and Tim Green. There are moments of teen drinking and drug use that make this title for older readers.—Patrick Tierney, Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School RI