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poachedeggs's review against another edition
3.0
A quick, light-hearted read about a retired football player who has Alzheimer's. It's American football, which we are totally unfamiliar with in Singapore, but I do like Friday Night Lights and anything related to football now reminds me of that show.
corkykat's review against another edition
3.0
This book is totally not my cup of tea. Realistic fiction? On top of that... Sports? I barely know the difference between a down and a field goal. But I really enjoyed this book. It was heartwarming, for the most part. If you like realistic fiction, give the story of Marcus Jordan a try. It's pretty exciting.
shighley's review against another edition
4.0
I had some major problems with some of Marcus's decisions in the book (namely, why not confide in his mom) and even the Popovich family (I think there was an intermediate step they could have taken), but my overall impression is above average. I listened to the book on CD, which was good, other than some annoyances when the narrator chose to do some female voices. I just could not picture the countless hours of Charlie and Marcus tackling each other, without equipment, without either one experiencing a serious injury. This is the second book I've read in the past few months where a family delayed getting treatment for a loved one that might have made some difference, however, I'm sure denial/realization is an important factor, and, who am I to say?
The book is so aptly named, and many of the descriptions are excellent. Oddly enough, while I was listening to this book, a study came out about the increased risk for Alzheimer's or ALS among NFL players (the link to concussions is inconclusive, and there was no increased risk for Parkinsons). http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/nfl-players-risk-death-alzheimers-disease-als/story?id=17159360#.UFfPLbJlQf4
There would be much for students to discuss (I can see this as a lit circle choice). However, this is yet another case where I think the book jacket and many reviews tell too much of the story. Part of the joy of reading is discovering and piecing together the story.
The book is so aptly named, and many of the descriptions are excellent. Oddly enough, while I was listening to this book, a study came out about the increased risk for Alzheimer's or ALS among NFL players (the link to concussions is inconclusive, and there was no increased risk for Parkinsons). http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/nfl-players-risk-death-alzheimers-disease-als/story?id=17159360#.UFfPLbJlQf4
There would be much for students to discuss (I can see this as a lit circle choice). However, this is yet another case where I think the book jacket and many reviews tell too much of the story. Part of the joy of reading is discovering and piecing together the story.
marydawnschuck's review against another edition
4.0
Marcus moves to town in the middle of summer and spends his time working on his skills before football tryouts. Charlie Popovich, retired NFL linebacker known as “the King of Pop,” befriends him. Marcus is amazed that Charlie is willing to help him out, but Charlie’s unpredictable behavior has Marcus worried.
Iowa Teen Award nominee 2011-12
I read this book as part of a goal to read all of the Iowa Teen Award nominee books for this year. The kids who have read it so far have really liked it. I'm always happy to find books that I can recommend to students... especially boys! :)
Iowa Teen Award nominee 2011-12
I read this book as part of a goal to read all of the Iowa Teen Award nominee books for this year. The kids who have read it so far have really liked it. I'm always happy to find books that I can recommend to students... especially boys! :)
jbojkov's review against another edition
4.0
I LOVE Gordon Korman!! I have read/listened to three of his books now and have never been disappointed. This is a football story- not one of my usual favorite topics, but I had trouble putting it down. I connected with the main character right away and enjoyed the relationship between the teenage boy the and older, retired football player who helped him find his real passion for the game. And how the boy helps the retired football player in return- seeing him for who he truly is.
librariann's review against another edition
4.0
Ages 10+ (even though the characters are high school and there is some dating romance and teen party drinking, it's pretty tame)
Gordon Korman consistently writes engrossing books and for that I like him.
Gordon Korman consistently writes engrossing books and for that I like him.
palliem's review against another edition
3.0
I wasn't so sure about this when I started it, but after a few chapters, I was drawn in. I didn't see the ending coming, but somehow it worked and made this more than just a "football book." I think my students will really enjoy this one.
jeanwk's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best YA books that I've read in a long time. The story provides a background discussion of concussions in football, but it is so much more than that: relationships, trust, families, high school pressure, and great football action.
rcaivano's review against another edition
I really only read this because I had to read a book with Pop in the title for my book challenge, so there it is. A good middle grade book about a high school football player who befriends an older man who helps him up his own game. They become friends and it turns out this man is an ex NFL pro who has dementia caused by frequent concussions. It's a pretty sad story.