Central Kansas Library System

Eighth-grade star quarterback Nate Brodie's family is feeling the stress of the troubled economy, and Nate is frantic because his best friend Abby is going blind, so when he gets a chance to win a million dollars if he can complete a pass during the halftime of a New England Patriot's game, he is nearly overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed.

All Landon Dorch has ever wanted was to be like everyone else. But his deafness and the way he talks have been obstacles all his life. In Bronxville, football reigns supreme, and what could be better for a hopeful lineman desperate to gain friends? But the same problems continue to haunt him. At best, his teammates keep their distance, and football proves harder than he thought. Just when it looks like Landon will be left out for good, star player...

When the coach's son, Shawn O'Brien, is chosen to play quarterback, eleven-year-old Ben McBain is not surprised--but when he tries to be a good teammate and help the inconsistent Shawn, he is startled to learn that his new friend does not really want the position.

"If anyone understands the phrase 'tough luck, ' it's Harrison. As a foster kid in a cruel home, he knows his dream of one day playing for the NFL is a long shot. Then Harrison's luck seems to change. He is brought into a new home with kind, loving parents--his new dad is even a football coach. Harrison's big build and his incredible determination quickly make him a star running back on the junior high school team. In no time, he's practically unstoppable....

Overweight, somewhat timid Mitch reluctantly agrees to be the sports reporter for the Lincoln High newspaper because he is determined to be a writer, but he senses a real story in Angel, a talented football player who refuses to stand out on the field--or to discuss his past.

Matt Rydeck, co-captain of his high school football team, endures a traumatic season as he witnesses the rape of a rookie player by teammates and grapples with his own use of performance-enhancing drugs.

"Lauren is the new girl in town with a dark secret. Colby is the football hero with a dream of something more. In alternating chapters they come together, fall apart, and build something stronger than either of them thought possible--something to truly believe in"--

"Teddy has been training all summer with his new friends Jack and Gus to make the new travel football team in Walton, but when his long-absent dad comes back to town and into his life he is faced with a much bigger challenge"--Provided by publisher.

"The companion novel to New Kid, where Brock is in another new town after being on the run with his dad again, and this time, he joins the football team"--Provided by publisher. "It's happened again. Brock Nickerson is on the run from the bad guys who have been chasing him and his father. But this time it's going to be different. At least, that's what Brock's dad promised. This time they are going to stay...for good. So Brock decides to go out for...

The notorious Miss Swamp reappears at the Horace B. Smedley School, this time to shape up the football team and make them win at least one game.