We so often encounter stories depicting the harsh realities of body image issues and eating disorders, but few of those stories cast a male as the maiWe so often encounter stories depicting the harsh realities of body image issues and eating disorders, but few of those stories cast a male as the main character. With "The New David Espinoza," author Fred Aceves offers readers a glimpse into the world of male body building, body dysmorphia, and steroid use. David Espinoza is not only bullied for his slender frame at school, but a video of him changing in the locker room while being slapped by a fellow student goes viral in the most negative way imaginable. This devastating experience inspires David to dedicate his summer months to putting on as much muscle as possible, but slow progress and a desperation to leave his "previous self" behind eventually leads David towards some tempting shortcuts with extremely high costs. Books from unique perspectives touching upon underexplored struggles are always appreciated, and readers of this novel might also enjoy "It's Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini, "Heroine" by Mindy McGinnis, and "Skin and Bones" by Sherry Shahan - Christina B.
The New David Espinoza by Fred Aceves narrates the story of a high school senior's transformation from zero to hero, which ends up being not as glamorous as anticipated. Motivated by a viral video of him getting slapped by a bully, David decides to begin a workout journey to create a better version of himself in order to stop the bullying and earn respect. This quickly turns south as he wrestles with the query- how far am I willing to go to get what I want? David toes the line with his new obsession every day, not looking back. This didactic YA novel deals with heavy themes of mental health and drug abuse and illustrates how seemingly instantaneous a life can shift when dealing with these issues. Overall, this book was an enjoyable read. - Adelina G., SPL Teen Volunteer...more
If you know the Valley of the Sun, Cactus League baseball or are a fan of sports fiction, this is the book for you! Being a resident of Scottsdale, AZIf you know the Valley of the Sun, Cactus League baseball or are a fan of sports fiction, this is the book for you! Being a resident of Scottsdale, AZ, I was especially intrigued by the many local references to iconic restaurants (The Pink Pony and Don and Charlie's), Salt River Fields and Talking Stick Casino, as well as the history and archaeological information about the area that Nemens cleverly includes. The author's love of baseball is also evident in her strong characters, from an aging batting coach and a long-time organist with crippled hands to rookies hoping for a spot on the Los Angeles Lions team and a family of squatters, who all play a pivotal role. Add some women of a certain age, hoping to get involved with the handsome, wealthy, young players and a star who battles his own demons of being addicted to gambling, while dealing with a messy divorce, and you have a great read for Spring Training fans and non-fans alike. -Louisa A....more
Author Peggy Rowe, the mother of television's Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe, is an amazing storyteller. She recounts fun stories of her life growing up inAuthor Peggy Rowe, the mother of television's Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe, is an amazing storyteller. She recounts fun stories of her life growing up in Maryland. Peggy was a tomboy and made her mother cringe at her love of horses. Peggy's mother, Thelma, was fashionable, an excellent cook and a compulsive tidier (aka neat freak). But Thelma loved the Baltimore Orioles above all things! I loved this book because these stories took you into a different time and place where simple pleasures like horseback riding and listening to baseball games on the radio were what people used to do. I was transported back into this glorious time. I laughed quite a bit too, and I highly recommend this book for a light fun summer read.--Sara H...more
JUST RIDE by Grant Petersen is an absolute blast of a book to read as it is an open and inclusive approach to riding your bike. Like the author proclaJUST RIDE by Grant Petersen is an absolute blast of a book to read as it is an open and inclusive approach to riding your bike. Like the author proclaims in the beginning, I can see how some purists among the cycling community may take issue, but as a member of that same community, I found JUST RIDE to be informative, entertaining and it absolutely widened my perspective for the riding experience as whole. Grant Petersen who is an avid and longtime cyclists gives tips on riding technique, road safety and practical gear with a dash of cycling etiquette. Above all Grant expresses the importance of fun. This last point has been beneficial in my cycling practice and had given me permission to enjoy every moment I am on my bike. -Thomas B....more
How does an undersized, initially injury prone, NBA basketball player become a two-time Most Valuable Player and help his team win 3 NBA championshipsHow does an undersized, initially injury prone, NBA basketball player become a two-time Most Valuable Player and help his team win 3 NBA championships in 4 years? San Jose Mercury News sports columnist Marcus Thompson II answers these questions in this book.
Golden State Warrior guard, Stephen Curry is the son of former NBA player, Dell Curry, but he rose above his father’s achievements to become the NBA’s most beloved player. You learn about the heart and the hard work that it takes to be the best. Presented in themes from Steph’s killer instincts—known as the “Baby Faced Assassin”—to his solid family foundation of God first, family second and then everything else, Thompson provides great insight to what makes an NBA champion and a two-time MVP.
Although “Golden,” Curry is not immune to adversity. There were struggles early on with his size and injuries. His ankle injuries early in his NBA career could have easily sidelined him permanently. Curry has suffered from “Curry Hate” from many in the league that said the NBA is soft and he does not deserve the MVP’s or the championships. After a 73-win season, Curry and the Warriors struggled in the 2016 NBA finals against LeBron James and the Cavaliers. We discover Curry plays best with a chip on his shoulder, but he is humble and a team player.
Curry is still in his prime, and more books will be written about him in the future, but I highly recommend this book to sports fans to get the background story on Stephen Curry. --Sara H....more
In 1976, baseball was in danger of losing out to the National Football League as the nation’s favorite pastime. However, on June 28, 1976, a quirky, gIn 1976, baseball was in danger of losing out to the National Football League as the nation’s favorite pastime. However, on June 28, 1976, a quirky, gangly, curly-haired Detroit Tiger named Mark Fidrych pitched against the Yankees on Monday Night Baseball. His excellent pitching was overshadowed by such antics as patting down the mound, talking to the ball, and high fiving his teammates after great plays. Detroit fans had been loving him all season (Tiger Stadium was sold out every time he pitched), but the nation adopted “the Bird” (named after Sesame Street’s Big Bird) after his nationwide debut and he became a national phenomenon. He brought fun back into baseball and he brought the fans back to the ballparks.
This book chronicles Fidrych’s childhood in Northboro, Massachusetts, his quick rise through the minor leagues, and his debut for the Detroit Tigers in the 1976 season where he earned American League Rookie of the Year. In the following seasons, injuries plagued Fidrych and he never reclaimed the glory of 1976 and was forced to retire to his farm in Northboro in 1983.
I loved this book as it not only captured the nostalgia of an earlier time in baseball before multimillion-dollar contracts, but it looks at how one person can go on after a professional baseball career. Living modestly with no regrets, he gave back to his hometown community, his adopted Michigan community, and the fans by helping raise money for the Special Olympics, American Legion and other causes. He loved encouraging kids to play baseball and would never say “no” to an autograph request. His tragic accidental death in April 2009 left us with a legacy from Fidrych of fun, humility and compassion. Mark Fidrych was the genuine article on and off the baseball diamond. – Sara H....more
This charming teen novel has an authenticity to the story of a young girl trying to earn a spot on the Olympic gymnastics team. No wonder - the authorThis charming teen novel has an authenticity to the story of a young girl trying to earn a spot on the Olympic gymnastics team. No wonder - the author is indeed a gold medal-winning gymnast herself! Charlie Ryland leads a double life, balancing the demands of training and competition while attending high school and keeping her sports dreams a secret from her friends at school. Add a cute boy and the prom into the mix and Charlie is in for one heck of a time! -- Louisa A....more
I thought I was reading Friday Night Lights in a cold, European setting; I was incorrect. My first hint was the relationship between the husband and wI thought I was reading Friday Night Lights in a cold, European setting; I was incorrect. My first hint was the relationship between the husband and wife (the general manager of the hockey team and his wife.) He is the famous hockey player, she knows nothing about the game yet she has the killer career as a brutally fearless attorney while he is courteous and thoughtful off the ice. He knows he has no killer instinct and that she does. Something terrible happens after the junior team wins a critical game. It will test their marriage, the team, and the town in ways no one can foresee. Interestingly, the author creates a dynamic where the teenagers, both team players and children of the general manager, somehow are more prescient in the moment than any of the adults. Backman ascribes some of their worldliness to 'the internet' but much goes unexplained. He also does a nice job of inserting bits of future information, so readers get a sense of resolution; never the entire story but just enough of it. The ending that is provided is unique and oddly satisfying. It is consistent with his notion that the teens had answers their parents couldn't find. Is there a different notion of justice in a small town isolated by a dense forest, where everyone knows your business? This tale explores the issues surrounding that idea through memorable characters and a fascinating book. -Suzanne R. ...more
Eighth grader Maisie Dobbs hasn’t been interested in boys before, but she definitely likes basketball. So, why does she find herself trying out for thEighth grader Maisie Dobbs hasn’t been interested in boys before, but she definitely likes basketball. So, why does she find herself trying out for the school wrestling team (which one particular boy, Eric Delong, is a part of) instead of joining the basketball team again? While her initial reasons for joining are confusing to her, Maisie belatedly learns that everyone else questions her motivations, too: Her friends and most of the other students think she’s strange, her brother is disgusted, her teammates don’t want anything to do with her, the coach would prefer it if she weren’t on the team…. and to top it all off, she isn’t even getting any closer to Eric Delong. Although unprepared for the backlash she receives, Maisie perseveres in this witty story about sports, boys and girls, and gender norms. A great story for any girl that has wanted to do something typically considered “for boys” only, while also highlighting the fact that some things that are standard now (such as girls’ wrestling and other girls' sports) weren't always the norm. – Hannah V....more
This book was really good! There are a lot of heavy and difficult topics in this book that were hard to read about. But by reading this book teens wilThis book was really good! There are a lot of heavy and difficult topics in this book that were hard to read about. But by reading this book teens will get educated about drug use, rape, eating disorders, abduction, following your dreams, boys, etc. I recommend this book because even though it takes a while to process the whole book, it has a really good meaning behind it.
Theo seems to be a normal high schooler with a passion for Ballet, but on the inside she holds many secrets that she at times doesn’t know what to do with. Once her old best friend, Donovan comes back after being abducted 4 years ago, everything in her life seems to be upside down. As you read this book you will follow along with all of Theo’s problems and also experience her growth and how she overcomes these situations.
This book is breathtaking, beautiful, and real and I would suggest everyone to read “Pointe.” -Skyla C., Teen Advisory Board Reviewer
Ballet, eating disorders, abduction, and a flash of romance don’t even to begin to cover what this book is really about! In this dark psychologically intense story our heroine is forced to grapple with painful issues and dangerously destructive behavior. I liked the more diverse elements of this book because it left the story free of the typical tropes, or clichés, which appear so frequently in YA literature giving the book a very real feeling. Not Otherwise Specified by Hannah Moskowitz, Panic by Sharon Draper, or Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson will be enjoyed by fans of this book that were left wanting more. - Alexis S....more
Twin 12-year-olds Josh "Filthy McNasty" Bell and Jordan "JB" Bell are basketball stars at their middle school, following in the footsteps of their oncTwin 12-year-olds Josh "Filthy McNasty" Bell and Jordan "JB" Bell are basketball stars at their middle school, following in the footsteps of their once pro-basketball star dad ("Da Man"). Filthy is your typical middle schooler: basketball and family are his world. But things are flipped upside down when his brother gets a girlfriend, he is suspended from the team, and his father's health issues escalate. This 2015 Newberry Winner is told through a mix of free verse and rap-like poems. They are easy to understand, yet possess opportunities for close reading the underlying complex ideas. The vocabulary-themed poems scattered throughout go beyond explaining the words' definitions; they give insight into Filthy's emotional state of mind. A quick, enjoyable read with a heart-stopping end. - Megan M....more
The inspiring true story of a small farming town high school baseball team and the radical young teacher who served as their coach. A must listen to fThe inspiring true story of a small farming town high school baseball team and the radical young teacher who served as their coach. A must listen to for baseball fans or anyone out there who likes to root for the underdog!
This graphic novel continues the story of Masumi, a young ballerina who struggles physically, emotionally, and mentally as she pursues the difficult pThis graphic novel continues the story of Masumi, a young ballerina who struggles physically, emotionally, and mentally as she pursues the difficult path of the ballerina. In this volume, Masumi must face Kaoru, the hard-core dancer who never misses even one day of practice. But is dance just about technique, or is it also about life, and the interpretation of the dance? Arioshi continues to bring ballet to life through her illustrations and her characters. She also explores the value of unrequited love and how it can infuse your art with passion.
Stanford Wong's summer is going to be great! He's finished 6th grade, has an awesome group of friends, and is looking forward to a great time at baskeStanford Wong's summer is going to be great! He's finished 6th grade, has an awesome group of friends, and is looking forward to a great time at basketball camp this summer. Then everything goes wrong - Stanford flunks English, his parents cancel basketball camp so that he can attend summer school, and he is forced into being tutored by the local girl genius, Millicent Min. If he doesn't pass, he won't move on to 7th grade and won't be able to play on the A-team next year. Suddenly his great life as a popular basketball star is in jeopardy. "Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time" is both humorous and touching - a great summer read for elementary and middle school readers. Kids who enjoy this book might also want to try "Millicent Min - Girl Genius" and "So Totally Emily Ebers", which follows two other prominent characters from Stanford's world. - Erin J. ...more
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach is an incredible debut novel about 4 young adults coming of age on a tiny Midwest college campus and a lifelong edThe Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach is an incredible debut novel about 4 young adults coming of age on a tiny Midwest college campus and a lifelong educator/scholar who finds he’s still a work in progress. Finely detailed characters and a baseball theme make this a great summer read. You don’t have to be a fan of our National Pastime to enjoy what is probably the best work of fiction this year. If you’re a fan of Jonathan Franzen, this is a must read.
Hank Haney, hired by Tiger Woods to help with problems in his golf swing, offers a revealing look at both the public and private life of who many consHank Haney, hired by Tiger Woods to help with problems in his golf swing, offers a revealing look at both the public and private life of who many consider to be the world's greatest golfer. If you're a golfer, or fan of the sport, the analysis Haney provides is helpful. If you're fascinated by a look into Tiger's fame, fortune and misfortune, you'll find some insight into the life of this very private person.
Confront the financial dichotomy of the American pastime. Baseball, divided between large and small market franchises, poses the intractable challengeConfront the financial dichotomy of the American pastime. Baseball, divided between large and small market franchises, poses the intractable challenge of small payroll organizations fielding a competitive team. Billy Beane, General Manager of the Oakland Athletics, does not merely seek to create a winning organization, but rather transform the game and business aspects of baseball, by emphasizing the precedent of process before outcome. An essential read for all baseball fanatics, Michael Lewis demonstrates the truth of Bill James words, that to most readily affect change, "It wasn't better to be an outsider, it was necessary." -- Stephen A....more
Bet you didn't know that Ernie Davis was the first African-American Heisman trophy winner did you? He once said, "I'm not unlucky" despite the knowledBet you didn't know that Ernie Davis was the first African-American Heisman trophy winner did you? He once said, "I'm not unlucky" despite the knowledge that he had leukemia. Find out why. By the way, don't miss the DVD of the same title. -Anna Q.L....more
The story of two athletic Jersey girls and the life changing summer they spent apart - one at a tennis camp in Florida and the other in ballet programThe story of two athletic Jersey girls and the life changing summer they spent apart - one at a tennis camp in Florida and the other in ballet program in New York. A moving teen tale that will linger in your thoughts for days afterwards!
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