Backing Up the Beast

Gr 6–10—Each volume in the "Heads or Tails" series highlights a popular sport. In Backing Up the Beast, second string quarterback Scotty Reardon is dealing with ADHD and his inexperience as a freshman on the varsity team. Last Line of Defense has "Fixer" Halverson, a 6'1" eighth grader, enduring tension between his parents, mentoring a wayward younger brother, and spending time with Ellie, who can play basketball as well as the boys. The soccer story, One Goal, is about eighth-grade standout Kevin, his battles with peer pressure, and his confusing new feelings for best friend Autumn. The Iceman's Meltdown has pitcher Kellen face down a steroid investigation and the pressures of the state championship. The primary focus throughout is on sports; game descriptions are lavishly detailed. The quirky narration is in the second person, with readers standing for the main character. Every few pages teens must choose an option, requiring turning back or forward in the text. While the "choose your own" element may attract some readers, the overall narratives are often confusing and sometimes incoherent. Some story lines don't fully overlap with others or don't seem to follow from readers' choices. Many of the endings are perfunctory and abrupt.