Book picks similar to
The Roar of the Crowd by Rich Wallace
sports
fiction
classroom-library
realistic-fiction
A Whole New Ballgame
Phil Bildner - 2015
They have a crazy new tattooed teacher named Mr. Acevedo, who doesn't believe in tests or homework and who likes off-the-wall projects, the more "off" the better. They also find themselves with a new basketball coach: Mr. Acevedo! Easy-going Rip is knocked completely out of his comfort zone. And for Red, who has autism and really needs things to be exactly a certain way, the changes are even more of a struggle. But together these two make a great duo who know how to help each other—and find ways to make a difference—in the classroom and on the court.With its energetic and authentic story and artwork, this is a fresh, fun book about school, sports, and friendship.This title has Common Core connections.
Flying Lessons & Other Stories
Ellen OhMatt de la Pena - 2017
In a partnership with We Need Diverse Books, industry giants Kwame Alexander, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle, and Jacqueline Woodson join newcomer Kelly J. Baptist in a story collection that is as humorous as it is heartfelt. This impressive group of authors has earned among them every major award in children’s publishing and popularity as New York Times bestsellers. From these distinguished authors come ten distinct and vibrant stories.
The Lemonade War
Jacqueline Davies - 2007
The world is a thirsty place, he thought as he nearly emptied his fourth pitcher of the day. And I am the Lemonade King.Fourth-grader Evan Treski is people-smart. He’s good at talking with people, even grownups. His younger sister, Jessie, on the other hand, is math-smart, but not especially good with people. So when the siblings’ lemonade stand war begins, there really is no telling who will win—or even if their fight will ever end. Brimming with savvy marketing tips for making money at any business, definitions of business terms, charts, diagrams, and even math problems, this fresh, funny, emotionally charged novel subtly explores how arguments can escalate beyond anyone’s intent.Awards: 2009 Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2007 New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, North Carolina Children’s Book Award 2011, 2011 Nutmeg Award (Connecticut)Check out www.lemonadewar.com for more information on The Lemonade War Series, including sequels The Lemonade Crime, The Bell Bandit, and The Candy Smash.
Last Shot: A Final Four Mystery
John Feinstein - 2005
When Stevie wins a writing contest for aspiring sports journalists, his prize is a press pass to the Final Four in New Orleans. While exploring the Superdome, he overhears a plot to throw the championship game. With the help of fellow contest winner Susan Carol, Stevie has just 48 hours to figure out who is blackmailing one of the star players . . . and why. John Feinstein has been praised as “the best writer of sports books in America today” (The Boston Globe), and he proves it again in this fast-paced novel. “A page-turning thriller and a basketball junkie’s bonanza.” —USA TodayFrom the Hardcover edition.
Williwaw!
Tom Bodett - 1999
In this sentimental but rousing tale, September Crane, 13, and her 12-year-old brother, Ivan, are often left to themselves while their father fishes for their living. . . . Bodett interweaves the story of the williwaw, a wild storm that took their mother's life and family boat, with a spiraling series of bad choices. . . . Along the way, we learn about boat safety, respect for the sea, and self-sufficiency in a desolate but splendid place. . . . The weather's majesty and power are convincing, and the sister and brother are appealing characters . . . [with] very recognizable adolescent longings." --Booklist
Players
Joyce Sweeney - 2000
Philip's varsity basketball -- a team that's poised to make all-city. There is only one slot to fill on the roster, and the team chooses hot-shot transfer student Noah Travers for its second string. But Noah's ambitions are bigger -- he wants, and expects, to play starting center.When starting-center Luke mysteriously faints before a game, and Theo suddenly quits the team, everyone suspects Noah is at the root of the trouble -- everyone except Corey. Corey can't believe anyone would be malicious enough to drug one player and force another off the team.But as each player is sabotaged and the trust among the teammates disintegrates, Corey can no longer ignore the obvious. The all-city championship is too important, and he must find out the truth before he becomes the next target.
Babysitter's Club Collection (Books 1-4)
Ann M. Martin - 1992
When Kristy Thomas has the great idea to form a baby-sitters club--a chance to earn money and spend time with her friends, all the while doing something they each love to do--she has no idea how much the club will change everything.See where it all began, with the first four books in the Baby-sitters Club series.Baby-Sitters Club #1: Kristy's Great Idea Baby-Sitters Club #2: Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls Baby-Sitters Club #3: The Truth About StaceyBaby-Sitters Club #4: Mary Anne Saves the Day
Dancing in Cadillac Light
Kimberly Willis Holt - 2001
The town's going to pave the dirt road she lives on, her girly-girl sister, Racine, isn't driving her completely crazy, and Grandpap has just moved in with his new emerald green Cadillac convertible. Jaynell and Grandpap have something special. But why won't Grandpap tell her the reason he visits with the dirt-poor Pickens family on the other side of town? When Jaynell finds out Grandpap's secret, the legacy of an old man transforms a family, and a town."At once gritty and poetic, stark and sentimental . . . a solid page turner. Holt once again displays her remarkable gift."(School Library Journal, starred review)
Balto and the Great Race
Elizabeth Cody Kimmel - 1999
Dozens of children in Nome become sick with diphtheria. Without antitoxin serum, they will perish—and the closest supply is 650 miles away! The only way to get the serum to Nome is by sled, but can the dogs deliver it in time? Heading bravely into a brutal blizzard, Balto leads the race for life.A Kansas City Children’s Book Award for Grades 1–3
Mini Mysteries 2: 20 More Tricky Tales to Untangle
Rick Walton - 2006
Along with Marie and her best friend, Noelle, girls must figure out which clues in the story will help solve the mystery and which ones are red herrings--"those false leads that can send a reader in the wrong direction. A repeating cast of characters and real-life girl situations allow readers to connect with the stories they're reading. Once the reader solves a mystery, she can tear open a case folder in the back of the book to check her answer.
Double Dog Dare
Lisa Graff - 2012
This dual-perspective novel will appeal to girls and boys alike--and to anyone who has ever wanted anything so badly that they'd lick a lizard to get it.Praise for DOUBLE DOG DARE: “[A] perceptive and funny book….the way [Graff] handles her characters is spot-on.” –Booklist “Readers will be hooked by the first chapter….All in all, an enjoyable, lighthearted read about a difficult topic.” –School Library Journal “Graff's…story is lighthearted and humorous, but honestly addresses the emotions associated with divorce. Her characters' voices, interactions, and hangups are relatable, as they battle each other and adjust to their families' reconfigurations.” –Publishers Weekly
Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub
Jamie Gilson - 1982
And she's sinking fast. Hobie's certain 4B will never be so lucky. Their regular fourth grade teacher, Mr. Star, is as healthy as a horse. The very next day, though, Mr. Star rushes out of the room -- "indisposed," the principal says -- and Hobie and his classmates hear "s-u-b." They are prepared. No stranger could possibly withstand the volley from their vast arsenal of sub sinkers. Except, perhaps, Miss Ivanovitch. It soon becomes clear that it might not be the sub who sinks -- this time, it might just be the students.
The Silent Boy
Lois Lowry - 2003
She joins him on his rounds and has a keen interest in the people around her. She's especially intrigued by Jacob, a gentle, silent boy who has a special sensitivity toward animals. While Jacob never speaks to or looks at Katy, they develop an unusual friendship and understanding. The townspeople dismiss Jacob as an imbecile. Katy just thinks of him as someone special who has a way of communicating with the animals through his sounds and movements. And only Katy comes to realize what the gentle, silent boy did for his family. He meant to help, not harm. It didn't turn out that way.
The Best Christmas Ever
Sylvia Green - 2000
He loves living in a small town and knowin all the other animals that live near him. But Puss's owner,Jenni, moves to the city where there's traffic and people seem so unfriendly. He decides he's got to get back home.When Puss runs off, Jenni frantically searches for him. Puss soon discovers he misses Jenni terribly. And in looking for each other, they both realize living in the city isn't so bad after.Just in time for Christmas...