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Michael Jordan: On the Court with
Michael Jordan. The name conjures up images of buzzer-beating jump shots, gravity-defying slam dunks, and precision ballhandling. For over a decade, Michael Jordan has been showing the world how the game of basketball should be played. He led his former team, the Chicago Bulls, to six NBA championships and has racked up more awards than any player in recent NBA history. The winner of two Olympic gold medals, a onetime minor-league baseball player, and the most recognized athlete in professional sports today, Michael Jordan continues to make us believe that humans can fly. In this exciting biography, Matt Christopher, the number one sports series for children, goes on the court for an inside look at the triumphs and tragedies, the struggles and statistics, of superstar Michael Jordan. For more information on the Matt Christopher Sports Bio Bookshelf, please turn to the last pages of this book.
- GenresNonfictionSports
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
18 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Matt Christopher
467 books141 followersMatt Christopher is the writer young readers turn to when they're looking for fast-paced, action-packed sports novels. He is the best-selling author of more than one hundred sports books for young readers.
Matt Christopher is America's bestselling sports writer for children, with more than 100 books and sales approaching six million copies. In 1992, Matt Christopher talked about being a children's book author.
"I became interested in writing when I was 14, a freshman in high school. I was selling magazines such as the Saturday Evening Post, Country Gentleman, and Liberty, and I would read the stories, particularly the adventure and mystery stories, and think how wonderful it would be to be able to write stories and make a living at it. I also read detective, horror, aviation, and sports stories and decided I would try writing them myself.
Determined to sell, I wrote a detective story a week for 40 weeks, finding the time to marry, work, and play baseball and basketball before I sold my first story in 1941, "The Missing Finger Points," for $50 to Detective Story magazine.
After writing and selling children's sports stories to magazines, I decided to write a baseball book for children. I was living in Syracuse, New York at the time, working at General Electric. I spoke about my idea to the branch librarian. She was immediately interested and told me that they needed sports stories badly. So I came up with my first children's book, The Lucky Baseball Bat. I submitted it to Little, Brown, and the book was published in 1954.
I'm sure that playing sandlot baseball and then semiprofessional baseball with a Class C club in the Canadian-American League influenced my writing. I had my own personal experiences, and I saw how other players reacted to plays, to teammates' and fans' remarks and innuendoes, to managers' orders, etc. All these had a great influence on my writing. My love of the game helped a lot, too, of course.
Out of all the books I've written, my favorite is The Kid Who Only Hit Homers. It's a fantasy, but the main character in it could be real. There are a lot of boys who would love to play baseball but, for some reason, cannot. The only difference between a real-life boy and Sylvester Coddmyer III is the appearance of a character named George Baruth, whom only Sylvester can see and who helps Sylvester become a good ballplayer.
I've written many short stories and books for both children and adults, and find that writing for children is really my niche. Being the eldest of nine children (seven boys and two girls), I've lived through a lot of problems many children live through, and I find these problems excellent examples to include in my books.
Sports have made it possible for me to meet many people with all sorts of life stories, on and off the field, and these are grist for this writer's mill. I'm far beyond playing age now, but I manage to go to both kids' and adult games just to keep up with them, and keep them fresh in my mind.Very few things make me happier than receiving fan letters from boys and girls who write that they had never cared for reading until they started to read my books. That is just about the ultimate in writing for children. I would never trade it for another profession."
Matt Christopher died on September 27, 1997. His legacy is now being carried on by his sons, Duane and Dale Christopher.
Matt Christopher is America's bestselling sports writer for children, with more than 100 books and sales approaching six million copies. In 1992, Matt Christopher talked about being a children's book author.
"I became interested in writing when I was 14, a freshman in high school. I was selling magazines such as the Saturday Evening Post, Country Gentleman, and Liberty, and I would read the stories, particularly the adventure and mystery stories, and think how wonderful it would be to be able to write stories and make a living at it. I also read detective, horror, aviation, and sports stories and decided I would try writing them myself.
Determined to sell, I wrote a detective story a week for 40 weeks, finding the time to marry, work, and play baseball and basketball before I sold my first story in 1941, "The Missing Finger Points," for $50 to Detective Story magazine.
After writing and selling children's sports stories to magazines, I decided to write a baseball book for children. I was living in Syracuse, New York at the time, working at General Electric. I spoke about my idea to the branch librarian. She was immediately interested and told me that they needed sports stories badly. So I came up with my first children's book, The Lucky Baseball Bat. I submitted it to Little, Brown, and the book was published in 1954.
I'm sure that playing sandlot baseball and then semiprofessional baseball with a Class C club in the Canadian-American League influenced my writing. I had my own personal experiences, and I saw how other players reacted to plays, to teammates' and fans' remarks and innuendoes, to managers' orders, etc. All these had a great influence on my writing. My love of the game helped a lot, too, of course.
Out of all the books I've written, my favorite is The Kid Who Only Hit Homers. It's a fantasy, but the main character in it could be real. There are a lot of boys who would love to play baseball but, for some reason, cannot. The only difference between a real-life boy and Sylvester Coddmyer III is the appearance of a character named George Baruth, whom only Sylvester can see and who helps Sylvester become a good ballplayer.
I've written many short stories and books for both children and adults, and find that writing for children is really my niche. Being the eldest of nine children (seven boys and two girls), I've lived through a lot of problems many children live through, and I find these problems excellent examples to include in my books.
Sports have made it possible for me to meet many people with all sorts of life stories, on and off the field, and these are grist for this writer's mill. I'm far beyond playing age now, but I manage to go to both kids' and adult games just to keep up with them, and keep them fresh in my mind.Very few things make me happier than receiving fan letters from boys and girls who write that they had never cared for reading until they started to read my books. That is just about the ultimate in writing for children. I would never trade it for another profession."
Matt Christopher died on September 27, 1997. His legacy is now being carried on by his sons, Duane and Dale Christopher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 9, 2007
I like this it thought mehow to be a team player
March 25, 2021
I thought this book was really good it stayed on the whole time and was real interesting and it was like last chance the doceermanty on netflex😄.
October 19, 2012
On the Court with Michael Jordan
Carpe Diem, as we say today, seize the day. This was Michael Jordan’s motto. MJ didn’t even make the High School Varsity team at first. This was someone who had motivation and determination. He eventually was recruited to play college D1 basketball with the Tar-Heels in North Carolina. Then he pushed on and completed the impossible task, making it into the NBA. Not only did he make it into the NBA, he changed the game. Finally, he completed the unreal goal, of the impossible. He became the most influential, inspiring, remarkable basketball players ever! This book shares some of his journeys and adventures in his life before, during, and after he was in the NBA.
“Although they knew it was no Chicago Stadium, the Jordan boys thought their backyard court was the best in the world. They called it ‘the Rack’” (Christopher Pg18). This is one of my favorite parts of the beginning. You meet Michael and his brother Larry. Their father built the boys two small wooden back boards and baskets. He then handed them a basketball. The boys were so excited and played all the time at “the rack”. They damaged the grass in the yard from playing so often. “The dirt became as hard and smooth as concrete” (Christopher Pg18). The boys would often challenge each other to games. Larry had a size, speed, and skill advantage over Michael. This gave him motivation. The theme in this part was Man vs. Man, because the Jordan boys could not stand losing to one another.
The most powerful basketball team assembled was the 1992 Dream Team (Not the 2012 Team USA!!!). The team averaged winning by 50 points a game, very consistent. At the time, the team had distinguished players were injured or very old as well. Johnson came out of retirement to play, Bird had his back problems, and Stockton broke his hand. This was when they called Jordan. “No one was more popular than Michael Jordan” (Christopher Pg159). Jordan was so admired and “in-style” that he made Spain root for the Dream Team! The man was an unstoppable force, and the team got the job done. The gold medal belonged to America! The theme would be the will to succeed in this part of the book.
Michael Jordan was different from everyone else. He had something that not Kobe, not LeBron, not KD, nor Wade had. He had this “X-Factor”. Everyone liked MJ! “The Philadelphia crowd greeted him with a standing ovation that lasted three minutes” (Christopher Pg222). Three entire minutes of applause for Jordan, at an away game. His last shot on the court was on the free throw line. Knees bent, extend, flick your wrist, and “Swish”! Jordan had ended his career, and was at peace. Honor and respect your elders and superiors.
Overall this book was a 4 out of 5 star, because it didn’t take me behind all the scenes and give me a first person viewpoint on his life. This book did attempt to inform as its purpose, and it succeeded. The good detail displays Jordan in the incredible way he was/is. The author chronologically ordered the book, and included some of Michael’s relationships which I liked.
The main theme of this book was to live like there is no tomorrow. Give it all you got. And that’s just what Jordan did. He may no longer play professional basketball, but he will always be involved with the game. The day he dies, on his tomb stone, it should not only say RIP Jordan, but as well, RIP Basketball.
Carpe Diem, as we say today, seize the day. This was Michael Jordan’s motto. MJ didn’t even make the High School Varsity team at first. This was someone who had motivation and determination. He eventually was recruited to play college D1 basketball with the Tar-Heels in North Carolina. Then he pushed on and completed the impossible task, making it into the NBA. Not only did he make it into the NBA, he changed the game. Finally, he completed the unreal goal, of the impossible. He became the most influential, inspiring, remarkable basketball players ever! This book shares some of his journeys and adventures in his life before, during, and after he was in the NBA.
“Although they knew it was no Chicago Stadium, the Jordan boys thought their backyard court was the best in the world. They called it ‘the Rack’” (Christopher Pg18). This is one of my favorite parts of the beginning. You meet Michael and his brother Larry. Their father built the boys two small wooden back boards and baskets. He then handed them a basketball. The boys were so excited and played all the time at “the rack”. They damaged the grass in the yard from playing so often. “The dirt became as hard and smooth as concrete” (Christopher Pg18). The boys would often challenge each other to games. Larry had a size, speed, and skill advantage over Michael. This gave him motivation. The theme in this part was Man vs. Man, because the Jordan boys could not stand losing to one another.
The most powerful basketball team assembled was the 1992 Dream Team (Not the 2012 Team USA!!!). The team averaged winning by 50 points a game, very consistent. At the time, the team had distinguished players were injured or very old as well. Johnson came out of retirement to play, Bird had his back problems, and Stockton broke his hand. This was when they called Jordan. “No one was more popular than Michael Jordan” (Christopher Pg159). Jordan was so admired and “in-style” that he made Spain root for the Dream Team! The man was an unstoppable force, and the team got the job done. The gold medal belonged to America! The theme would be the will to succeed in this part of the book.
Michael Jordan was different from everyone else. He had something that not Kobe, not LeBron, not KD, nor Wade had. He had this “X-Factor”. Everyone liked MJ! “The Philadelphia crowd greeted him with a standing ovation that lasted three minutes” (Christopher Pg222). Three entire minutes of applause for Jordan, at an away game. His last shot on the court was on the free throw line. Knees bent, extend, flick your wrist, and “Swish”! Jordan had ended his career, and was at peace. Honor and respect your elders and superiors.
Overall this book was a 4 out of 5 star, because it didn’t take me behind all the scenes and give me a first person viewpoint on his life. This book did attempt to inform as its purpose, and it succeeded. The good detail displays Jordan in the incredible way he was/is. The author chronologically ordered the book, and included some of Michael’s relationships which I liked.
The main theme of this book was to live like there is no tomorrow. Give it all you got. And that’s just what Jordan did. He may no longer play professional basketball, but he will always be involved with the game. The day he dies, on his tomb stone, it should not only say RIP Jordan, but as well, RIP Basketball.
October 20, 2015
Personal Response
The Biography, Michael Jordan Legend in Sports, by Matt Christopher is a great book. The goals Michael had to achieve to get where he was is unbelievable. Michael didn’t come from a family that had a lot of money. He had to work hard to get things he wanted, that helped him become a great NBA player. Michael didn’t have the friends to be able to do things with, when he was younger. That influenced him to be the best he could be.
Plot
Michael Jordan, the youngest son in the family, was arguably the best NBA player ever. It all started in his backyard on a court his dad has made for his older brother. Every day after Michael got done doing chores, he went and shot hoops. Most of the time his brother was out playing one on one with him. Michael was not very big at that time, so his brother always beat him pretty handily. That made him work even hard, because he did not like losing at all. Michael was a true competitor. Once Michael found out how good he really was, he used that to his ability. Michael played three years at the University of North Carolina and won one NCAA championship with the team. After three years, he decided it was time to enter the draft. Michael slipped and didn’t get drafted number one overall like many people thought, but he did get drafted by the Bulls. He went on to have a great career with them. He won many scoring titles along with six NBA championships. Michael did take a break from the sport to try and play baseball. After a year of that he knew he was a basketball player, and went back to the NBA to finish out his career.
Characterization
Michael was your typical farm boy when he was younger. He didn’t have many friends, because he was always working. Michael still respected everyone in his town and his family was well respected. To him he always put his family first no matter what. Michael knew he was good at basketball, but he didn’t let the whole world know by being cocky. Every game day he just went out on the court and did his thing, and then went home after. He is one amazing guy and a great person for people to look up to.
Impact of Setting
His family lived in North Carolina and a small farm. Michael didn’t want to be far from his family so he stayed in state for college. Michael played in the late 1980's to the 1990's. Once he was drafted he had to move to Chicago, but still went home on many weekends.
Audience/Recommendation
I would recommend this book to any high school and college basketball players. Males would probably get the most out of it, just because Michael was a male athlete. The opportunity in life are endless. In this book it shows if a person wants to be something great their effort will reflect it. Michael never skipped a day of shooting hoops in the back yard, because he wanted to be something. I think a lot of people could learn great things from him and use them in their everyday life.
The Biography, Michael Jordan Legend in Sports, by Matt Christopher is a great book. The goals Michael had to achieve to get where he was is unbelievable. Michael didn’t come from a family that had a lot of money. He had to work hard to get things he wanted, that helped him become a great NBA player. Michael didn’t have the friends to be able to do things with, when he was younger. That influenced him to be the best he could be.
Plot
Michael Jordan, the youngest son in the family, was arguably the best NBA player ever. It all started in his backyard on a court his dad has made for his older brother. Every day after Michael got done doing chores, he went and shot hoops. Most of the time his brother was out playing one on one with him. Michael was not very big at that time, so his brother always beat him pretty handily. That made him work even hard, because he did not like losing at all. Michael was a true competitor. Once Michael found out how good he really was, he used that to his ability. Michael played three years at the University of North Carolina and won one NCAA championship with the team. After three years, he decided it was time to enter the draft. Michael slipped and didn’t get drafted number one overall like many people thought, but he did get drafted by the Bulls. He went on to have a great career with them. He won many scoring titles along with six NBA championships. Michael did take a break from the sport to try and play baseball. After a year of that he knew he was a basketball player, and went back to the NBA to finish out his career.
Characterization
Michael was your typical farm boy when he was younger. He didn’t have many friends, because he was always working. Michael still respected everyone in his town and his family was well respected. To him he always put his family first no matter what. Michael knew he was good at basketball, but he didn’t let the whole world know by being cocky. Every game day he just went out on the court and did his thing, and then went home after. He is one amazing guy and a great person for people to look up to.
Impact of Setting
His family lived in North Carolina and a small farm. Michael didn’t want to be far from his family so he stayed in state for college. Michael played in the late 1980's to the 1990's. Once he was drafted he had to move to Chicago, but still went home on many weekends.
Audience/Recommendation
I would recommend this book to any high school and college basketball players. Males would probably get the most out of it, just because Michael was a male athlete. The opportunity in life are endless. In this book it shows if a person wants to be something great their effort will reflect it. Michael never skipped a day of shooting hoops in the back yard, because he wanted to be something. I think a lot of people could learn great things from him and use them in their everyday life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2014
I would defenantly recomend this book to Micheal Jordan fans.If you dont like Micheal Jordan but you like basketball and a very good storyline this book is for you. This book is about his child hood, to middle school, to high school, to college, and then to nba life in basketball. I thought this book was a defenant five star book. The reason I thought that was because, one I love basketball and it is my favorite sport, and two Micheal Jordan is one of my favorite basketball players of all time. I thought that this book was very enthusiastic and entertaining. I usually do not read that much because I feel like I am wasting my time because I could be doing something else like playing basketball or playing any other sports that I like. This book I was Really, really into and just couldn't put it down. It was like a Magnet was pulling me in. When I was reading, I felt like I was in the book watching him play at all different levels and it was awesome. I will probably read this book again in the mid-future.
December 21, 2008
This book is similar to the many biographies written on the athlete. Yet, reading from a different perspective can offer more insight into a person's life or actions. This is similar to reading one specific newspaper in regard to a totally different one. I believe that in order to really understand something important to oneself, one must look from different perspectives.
The book shows the rise to stardom of the player and what he did to achieve success.
The book shows the rise to stardom of the player and what he did to achieve success.
April 8, 2009
it talks about the legendery career of micheal jordan. his dad was killed by to 18 year old trying to rob him at night when he was sleeping on the side of the rode and than killed him. he played for 20 years. had 2 three peats
February 26, 2009
i learned that any body can play basket ball. micheal was one of them. he was poor befoere and look at him know.
November 1, 2010
IF U LIKE MICHAEL JORDAN. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO U. AND this book is about his child to middle school high school and college and nba life.
December 22, 2010
I really liked this book because it was all about michael jordan and his life and journey through the NBA.
Want to read
October 28, 20221) I chose this book because I wanted to read about Micheal Jordan and learn more about him. How this book connects to my reading interest because it's about sports and how a sport players life.
2) The plan to finish the book before thanksgiving is to just read more about him and learn more about him. To also find out what he did in his life and what made it want to be a basketball player.
2) The plan to finish the book before thanksgiving is to just read more about him and learn more about him. To also find out what he did in his life and what made it want to be a basketball player.
April 23, 2021
If you work hard this is telling you how hard Michael Jordan had to work to be a professional at basketball and also tells you about his child life and what he had to go through to get to where he is today and if you believe in working hard you have to read this book because it can help you throughout your life.
January 13, 2021
Glad I stuck with it from putting it down previously. Thought I knew a lot but quickly realized I still had a lot to learn about him.
October 31, 2022
This book kept me captivated by every page, when I put it away I still wanted to continue. This is a great book. I do wish it was made later as it doesn't cover his whole career.
October 23, 2014
I would give this book a 5 star rating because it was an amazing story about Michael Jordan. In the book, it had a great story to it and I loved reading about Michael Jordan. The genre of the book was Nonfiction. The main character in the story was Michael Jordan. This story showed the troubles that Michael went through as a youngster and how he fought through it. The setting of the story was his house, the gym, etc. In his house, he had a basketball court made out of plywood and other junk. But because of that, he is the best overall player ever. The most important part in MJ's life was he didn't make his high school basketball team. This made MJ work harder to achieve his goal, of being the best player ever! I would recommend this book to anybody who likes sports and interesting stories.
May 8, 2015
I rated this book a 4 for many reasons. One of these reasons is that it is a very educational book on Michael's life and how he has influenced many more to follow in his footsteps. Another is because he was a very great basketball player and he has shone alot of integrety for this and it describes all of his leaderships and points. This book was a very easy read and it didn't take me very long to read it only about 2 weeks. This book was about how Michael Jordan as a kid grew up very poor and how his basketball court was just dirt with an old hoop. Throughout the years he was cut from his 7th grade basketball team but he didn't give up and is now the best basketball player of all time with 6 NBA championship rings and 1 NCAA Championship ring. I would recommend this book to young kids who enjoy reading about sports and look up to Michael Jordan.
Read
December 9, 2014On The Court Michael Jordan, A great written book. Matt Christopher did a very good job on this book.
This book has a very nice plot and will allow you to never put the book down.
This book makes you feel like you are right next to Michael the whole story. It puts you in his shoes.
The book starts by telling his life from the bottom up, starting with where he was born who his siblings
were and who his parents were. It listed the harsh things he went through in life. How he used to do his
school work and then go to the basketball court and practice from early in the morning to late in the evening. This is a book you would consider reading twice.
Overall i rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
This book has a very nice plot and will allow you to never put the book down.
This book makes you feel like you are right next to Michael the whole story. It puts you in his shoes.
The book starts by telling his life from the bottom up, starting with where he was born who his siblings
were and who his parents were. It listed the harsh things he went through in life. How he used to do his
school work and then go to the basketball court and practice from early in the morning to late in the evening. This is a book you would consider reading twice.
Overall i rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
May 12, 2015
This book was a very good book in my opinion, it was about Michael Jordan and how he grew up and his life. Most of the book was his child hood and how difficult it was to be him as a child. He had to make his hoop by hisself homemade! Then the rest is really about his basketball career and how much he had to practice to become an NBA player. Also what it was like when he went to college.
My opinion on the book was it was a magnificent book and it really was good for me because I'm really into basketball too.
I recommend this book to people that like basketball or sports people. I would give this book a 4 out of 5
My opinion on the book was it was a magnificent book and it really was good for me because I'm really into basketball too.
I recommend this book to people that like basketball or sports people. I would give this book a 4 out of 5
Read
October 12, 2012On the court with Michael Jordan I have read the whole book. Its a short nonfiction behind the scene look at the most popular and polorising basketball player in history. This book is short for a childhood to end of career timeline. This book is strong in Michaels off the court issues like gambling, hollywood,and the jordan brand sneakers. Something that I really liked about this book was when in brought light to the DREAM TEAM.The dream team is the 1992 US olympic team that fetured magic, larry bird and
October 30, 2012
Michael Jordan: On the Court I can really relate to because I have been cut from teams just like Michael Jordan. Michael gets cut from his high school team and that didn't stop him, he just rebounds and comes back stronger. I enjoyed this book because it really trapped me in and I can really relate to it. Also when you see that Michael started with barely any equipment and on a dirt court, it really shows how dedicated and hard working he is. Then when you see he became the best basketball player ever it really touches your heart.
April 3, 2018
The timeframe of the novel makes this addition an incomplete history. The novel was written directly after Mr. Jordan's return to the Bulls. The level of reader is 3rd or 4th grade.
The text reads too much like a history lesson focused upon Jordan's stat line and the final score. A three sentence summary of the ballgame introduces, is sandwiched between or follows the presentation of the stat line.
The text reads too much like a history lesson focused upon Jordan's stat line and the final score. A three sentence summary of the ballgame introduces, is sandwiched between or follows the presentation of the stat line.
April 4, 2016
This Book is a must read because it goes deep in depth of the life of Michael Jordan. It shows his trials and tribulations in basketball such as how he didn't make his high school basketball team until his junior year. It also shows his hard work and dedication by skipping class and shooting in the gym. This book to me is good for motivation to strive to be the best. That's why this book is a must read
October 17, 2012
What: The book was really good and it kept me entertained. But sometimes it was not so intresting.But all in all it was really good.
Why: It was really good because they explained his childhood and his school life and his life in the pros.
How: IT was not boring because it kept me entertained and not bored!
Why: It was really good because they explained his childhood and his school life and his life in the pros.
How: IT was not boring because it kept me entertained and not bored!
February 26, 2013
I thought it was a great book. As a Chicago native, I have always enjoyed Michael Jordans story of going from high school cut(even though 6 championship rings later, no one really talks about that anymore)to leading the Chicago Bulls to 6 NBA Championships. The reasons that I liked this book is that I like Michael Jordan and I am a Bulls fan. There are no reasons to hate this book.
November 18, 2013
I loved this book it was one of the best books I have read! It really captures all of Michael Jordan's highlights from getting kicked off the High School Basketball team because of grades to his 6th championship with the Bulls. It also has his details from when he played baseball for the White Sox.
Read
January 2, 2014In this book it tells you all about Michael Jordan and his life. He went through a lot when dad got killed he retried soon after that and became a baseball player. He noticed that baseball was not going well so he played a charity game so the bulls can get a new arena. After he came back win back to back championships.
March 18, 2011
A great biography of the most exciting player in NBA history. A good kid version for a tough biography. This profiles the life and career, ups and downs, and celebration and sadness of Air Jordan.
November 15, 2013
It was a decent book about the legend Michael Jordan. But was very detailed about his life or his career. I have read other biographies about me. But this book has inspired me on how amazing Michael Jordan was.
December 8, 2015
I liked it a lot.I learned more of Michael Jordan than i knew before.I really like his nickname air jordan.Its great how he haves 5 mvp awards.He even has his own shoe called"Jordans".So yea, i was amazed by his basketball numbers.He is one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game.
March 4, 2008
I learned that dreams in life can come true if you work hard and do good in school.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews