Gr 4-8
Jonathan Rossi is a well-rounded sixth grader: a member of the basketball team, interested in school, aware of girls, and sensitive to the aspirations of his parents. Therein lies his dilemma. His father firmly expects him to sacrifice all his free time to basketball practice, just as his older brother does to football. Their mother accepts the sports direction of her male-dominated family unquestioningly, even while reminding them that sports are not necessarily for everyone. As Jon's middle-school world enlarges, he finds friends who make time for books, for piano, for violin concerts. More and more he resents his team's demanding and demeaning coach. A class assignment to write about a moral dilemma is the catalyst for Jon's ultimate decision to take charge of his own life.

It is heartening to find a protagonist who does not have to be antisports in order to enjoy music and literature, one who cares enough for his father's opinion to see a dilemma created, yet one who can muster sufficient self-esteem to make the choice that is right for him. Cooper's view is keenly focused and convincing. The plot unfolds at a spritely pace, in a simple style amply sprinkled with dialogue. Even older reluctant readers will take to this newest entry in an attractive series. -- Katharine Bruner, Brown Middle School, Harrison, TN