Sasquatch in the Paint

Gr 5–8—Theo Rollins had been one of the most inconspicuous members of his class until he experienced a six-inch growth spurt before the start of eighth grade. Now, Coach Mandrake wants to build his entire offense around him, much to the dismay of the other team members because Theo is a science geek who stinks at basketball. The first game he plays is a disaster and, after a spectator makes a racist comment causing him to make a costly mistake, a classmate named Rain gives him the nickname "Sasquatch." Later, Theo discovers that there is more to Rain than meets the eye. Faced with dismissal from the "Brain Train," the school's Aca-lympic team, because of the time he spends on basketball, Theo must make an important decision about his future. Fans of Matt Christopher and Dan Gutman will enjoy this humorous novel that delivers a heartwarming story about growing up, facing down bullies, and learning what true friendship is all about.—Wayne R. Cherry, Jr., First Baptist Academy Library, Houston, TX