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Nothin' But Net
When thirteen-year-old Tim Daniels gets a chance to go to basketball camp, he is faced with trying to be accepted by the popular players and remaining true to his friend who has become the butt of practical jokes.
- GenresSports
144 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2003
20 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Matt Christopher
435 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 7, 2014
The book I read was "Nothin' but net" by Matt Christopher. I enjoyed this book because it was about sports and camping. These are two things I enjoy. I enjoyed all of this book very well.
This boy named Tim wanted to go to a basketball summer camp. He and his best friend Billy, decided to go. Tim was a starting point guard at his school and Billy was a center. Tim was way better player then Billy. Once they got there, they got to meet new people. Billy was always getting picked on by the more experienced campers. The first night, he got shaving cream in his bed. Tim stuck up for Billy, but Tim got picked on too. The leader of the cabin told Tim that Billy would be fine and he shouldn't worry about it. Tim listened to him and let Billy be himself. Billy got another pranked pulled on him and Tim decided to help him get back. Tim locked the star point guard in a room with a live squirrel! He tried to get out but Tim slammed the door. Tim didn't know that his finger was stuck in the door!!! Tim had to take the place of the starter. He played in the game well but in the last seconds it was tied! He told Billy that he was going to give him the ball for the game winning shot! Tim dribbled down the lane and passed the ball to Billy. Billy shot and made it! They Won the game! Everyone liked Billy and Tim and they went home happy.
I would recommend this book to any male who likes sports. Preferably a younger audience. It is a good book that talks about overcoming fights with your best friend and fixing your friendship.
This boy named Tim wanted to go to a basketball summer camp. He and his best friend Billy, decided to go. Tim was a starting point guard at his school and Billy was a center. Tim was way better player then Billy. Once they got there, they got to meet new people. Billy was always getting picked on by the more experienced campers. The first night, he got shaving cream in his bed. Tim stuck up for Billy, but Tim got picked on too. The leader of the cabin told Tim that Billy would be fine and he shouldn't worry about it. Tim listened to him and let Billy be himself. Billy got another pranked pulled on him and Tim decided to help him get back. Tim locked the star point guard in a room with a live squirrel! He tried to get out but Tim slammed the door. Tim didn't know that his finger was stuck in the door!!! Tim had to take the place of the starter. He played in the game well but in the last seconds it was tied! He told Billy that he was going to give him the ball for the game winning shot! Tim dribbled down the lane and passed the ball to Billy. Billy shot and made it! They Won the game! Everyone liked Billy and Tim and they went home happy.
I would recommend this book to any male who likes sports. Preferably a younger audience. It is a good book that talks about overcoming fights with your best friend and fixing your friendship.
February 27, 2018
Personal response
I really enjoyed reading this book because it's about basketball, and about how Tim wants to get better. I didn't like the beginning that much but after that I loved it. Even if you don't like basketball, you will still want to read it because of how much excitement is in it.
Plot
It started with Tim playing basketball with his friends on the court. He was short, but a very good player. After they were done playing, his dad came to pick him up and told him about a basketball camp. He ended up going with a friend, named Billy. Billy wasn't a big basketball player, but he was really good at swimming. After they got dropped off at the camp, they were greeted and put into their dorm. The first few days were just practices and Billy was really out of shape so he was getting made fun of. Tim was trying to ignore him so the kids didn't know they were friends. After that, the first dance came up and he ended up dancing with a girl that wasn't that popular. The first game came up after that and Tim got good playing time. They ended up losing in the end, because Tim missed two free throws. Everyone hated Tim now because they were undefeated since three years ago and now Tim ruined it. The next day, the kids were pulling pranks on them. They both wanted to get out of there at that time. The next dance came up, and Tim didn't want to go but he went anyways. He just sat out in the back of the building and then the same girl came and pulled a prank on him with Mike Gruber. Tim and Billy were sick of it, so they decided to pull the water prank on MIke and it worked. The next day, a squirrel got into the dorms and it was in Tim's room so he went in there and slammed the door, but Mike Gruber ended up crushing his fingers when he slammed the door. Now Tim had to take Mike's starting spot. A little bit before the game, Tim told Billy that he was going to make the final shot to win it. It turned out that Billy got it and shot it to win the game. Everyone on camp finally liked them but they all had to leave the next day. The girl came up to him after the game and she said sorry for what she did. They then finally went home after that.
Characterization
Tim is a young boy who loves basketball and always wants to get better. He is always nice to everyone unless they treat him bad. He loves being with his friends and playing on the basketball team. Billy is Tim's friend that is really good at swimming. He is one of the best swimmers in his grade. He plays basketball on his free time but doesn't like it that much.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to middle and high schoolers. If you enjoy basketball, then this is the book for you. Even if you don't like basketball it will be a good book to read. I gave this book four out of five stars because I didn't like the beginning that much but other then that it was really good.
I really enjoyed reading this book because it's about basketball, and about how Tim wants to get better. I didn't like the beginning that much but after that I loved it. Even if you don't like basketball, you will still want to read it because of how much excitement is in it.
Plot
It started with Tim playing basketball with his friends on the court. He was short, but a very good player. After they were done playing, his dad came to pick him up and told him about a basketball camp. He ended up going with a friend, named Billy. Billy wasn't a big basketball player, but he was really good at swimming. After they got dropped off at the camp, they were greeted and put into their dorm. The first few days were just practices and Billy was really out of shape so he was getting made fun of. Tim was trying to ignore him so the kids didn't know they were friends. After that, the first dance came up and he ended up dancing with a girl that wasn't that popular. The first game came up after that and Tim got good playing time. They ended up losing in the end, because Tim missed two free throws. Everyone hated Tim now because they were undefeated since three years ago and now Tim ruined it. The next day, the kids were pulling pranks on them. They both wanted to get out of there at that time. The next dance came up, and Tim didn't want to go but he went anyways. He just sat out in the back of the building and then the same girl came and pulled a prank on him with Mike Gruber. Tim and Billy were sick of it, so they decided to pull the water prank on MIke and it worked. The next day, a squirrel got into the dorms and it was in Tim's room so he went in there and slammed the door, but Mike Gruber ended up crushing his fingers when he slammed the door. Now Tim had to take Mike's starting spot. A little bit before the game, Tim told Billy that he was going to make the final shot to win it. It turned out that Billy got it and shot it to win the game. Everyone on camp finally liked them but they all had to leave the next day. The girl came up to him after the game and she said sorry for what she did. They then finally went home after that.
Characterization
Tim is a young boy who loves basketball and always wants to get better. He is always nice to everyone unless they treat him bad. He loves being with his friends and playing on the basketball team. Billy is Tim's friend that is really good at swimming. He is one of the best swimmers in his grade. He plays basketball on his free time but doesn't like it that much.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to middle and high schoolers. If you enjoy basketball, then this is the book for you. Even if you don't like basketball it will be a good book to read. I gave this book four out of five stars because I didn't like the beginning that much but other then that it was really good.
October 15, 2007
This book taught me a valuable lesson; therefore this is now one of my favorite books. The title of this book is Nothin’ but net by.matt Christopher. This story takes place at a camp called Camp Wickasaukee. The main characters are Tim and his best friend Billy. This is how the story takes place.
Tim is signed up for a basketball camp called camp Wickasaukee. Billy is a kind of chubby nerd and not athletic but he decides to go with Tim. While they are first at this camp Tim is having a great time but Billy is having a rough time. The other kids are pranking and teasing him. Tim tries to ignore this and Billy so, that he won’t get teased either. Tim is having a great time and is learning some new things. Billy is still going trough bad and rough days. Tim blows a big basketball game and now kids are pranking him. Tim and Billy are both having some bad times. Tim gets an idea. He knows that it is almost time to go so, he decides to play his best and win the game, since he will be playing 1st string point guard. He then thinks of a plan to get the kids from picking on Billy. He decides to let Billy make the winning shot. Tim is very happy because his plan succeeds. All the kids are now close friends with Tim and Billy.
I enjoyed reading this book because basketball is my favorite sport and this book is a little about basketball. The author’s purpose of this book is to inform and persuade others. He is informing others on basketball and how to deal with bullying. I feel that the author is trying to persuade others to not turn your back on close friends and stick up for them. The deeper meaning for this book is to stick up for your friends. It is good to have true friends. Tim learned to be true to him and how important it is to have true friends. Matt Christopher, the author truly informed and persuaded me. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Tamara Jones
Tim is signed up for a basketball camp called camp Wickasaukee. Billy is a kind of chubby nerd and not athletic but he decides to go with Tim. While they are first at this camp Tim is having a great time but Billy is having a rough time. The other kids are pranking and teasing him. Tim tries to ignore this and Billy so, that he won’t get teased either. Tim is having a great time and is learning some new things. Billy is still going trough bad and rough days. Tim blows a big basketball game and now kids are pranking him. Tim and Billy are both having some bad times. Tim gets an idea. He knows that it is almost time to go so, he decides to play his best and win the game, since he will be playing 1st string point guard. He then thinks of a plan to get the kids from picking on Billy. He decides to let Billy make the winning shot. Tim is very happy because his plan succeeds. All the kids are now close friends with Tim and Billy.
I enjoyed reading this book because basketball is my favorite sport and this book is a little about basketball. The author’s purpose of this book is to inform and persuade others. He is informing others on basketball and how to deal with bullying. I feel that the author is trying to persuade others to not turn your back on close friends and stick up for them. The deeper meaning for this book is to stick up for your friends. It is good to have true friends. Tim learned to be true to him and how important it is to have true friends. Matt Christopher, the author truly informed and persuaded me. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Tamara Jones
June 19, 2025
Tim and Billy attend a sleepaway basketball camp, where Billy complains that he couldn't go to Europe with his parents. Tim has to stick with his friend while trying to get through the camp's weeks without causing any major problems. But he flukes a shot in a game against another camp! At the end, there is a redeeming quality, yet, spoiler alert, Matt Christopher's name will keep claiming these were written by him until the public realizes he didn't.
December 2, 2019
I like this book a lot and I can relate to this a little I encourage you to read
May 24, 2017
¨Personal Responds¨
This book was great. I really enjoyed it, because I'm into basketball. If you aren't into basketball I think you will still enjoy it just like I did. I didn't like that Tim, and his best friend that came with him started to go their separate way, and didn't really talk when they got to the camp but they were bunk buddies. I also didn't like that they got picked on for not being very good at what they were doing for a example Tim and Billy had to go get something that didn't event exist which is not very nice.
"Plot"
Tim Daniels was a good basketball player so his parents signed him up for a basketball camp. Tim thanked them so much for that but to his surprise his best friend Billy was coming with him. Billy was not the best at basketball. They both still went and liked it will at least Tim did but Billy was getting pranked and people were calling him names. Billy gladly found something he liked, and that was swimming as Tim went to basketball. They were both good at what they were doing too. Just like when Billy took first at the swim meet for their camp but Tim was having trouble with basketball, but it could have been what the refs were calling which was all bad on Tim and not the other team. Some time went by and Tim got better so did Billy but Billy and Tim didn't hang out like when they were friends until something big happened that almost drove them apart or did it read the book to find out.
¨Recommendation¨
I recommend this book to people that enjoy basketball, or people that just like to read. If I had to tell you a age I would probably say from sixth grade all the way to a freshman. It was a really easy read. This book would be a good book to get a easy goodreads on for sure. I also think that if you are older than a freshman you will probably be told to put it back that to easy for you.
This book was great. I really enjoyed it, because I'm into basketball. If you aren't into basketball I think you will still enjoy it just like I did. I didn't like that Tim, and his best friend that came with him started to go their separate way, and didn't really talk when they got to the camp but they were bunk buddies. I also didn't like that they got picked on for not being very good at what they were doing for a example Tim and Billy had to go get something that didn't event exist which is not very nice.
"Plot"
Tim Daniels was a good basketball player so his parents signed him up for a basketball camp. Tim thanked them so much for that but to his surprise his best friend Billy was coming with him. Billy was not the best at basketball. They both still went and liked it will at least Tim did but Billy was getting pranked and people were calling him names. Billy gladly found something he liked, and that was swimming as Tim went to basketball. They were both good at what they were doing too. Just like when Billy took first at the swim meet for their camp but Tim was having trouble with basketball, but it could have been what the refs were calling which was all bad on Tim and not the other team. Some time went by and Tim got better so did Billy but Billy and Tim didn't hang out like when they were friends until something big happened that almost drove them apart or did it read the book to find out.
¨Recommendation¨
I recommend this book to people that enjoy basketball, or people that just like to read. If I had to tell you a age I would probably say from sixth grade all the way to a freshman. It was a really easy read. This book would be a good book to get a easy goodreads on for sure. I also think that if you are older than a freshman you will probably be told to put it back that to easy for you.
September 10, 2011
This book Nothin' But Net was an intresting, good book. It started when Tim Daniels got signed up for a basketball camp. Tim's best friend Billy got signed up too. When they first arrived they hated it. The new kids would always get pranked on everyday. They knew these four weeks would be a diaster. I really liked it when they had there first game. The author made it exciting and thrilling. Even though the first day was a disaster, it was a perfect camp except for Billy and Tim. Eventually Billy got so mad he decided to fight back and Tim joined in. The pulled a prank on the kid who always pranked them, Mike Gruber. Mike got so mad he told the counselor, and Tim and Billy had to do bathroom duty for a week. The the book got really interesting the last week of camp. This was the last game of camp so this game mattered the most. The first half they were off to a decent start up by two. Then later on in the game they were down by a few but Tim and Billy didn't give up. With ten seconds left they were down by one. Tim decided to drive to the basket and a tall center came in to block it so he passed it to Billy. THREE,TWO,ONE, Billy shot the ball and swirled and spun in so they won the game and became the heroes of the day.
October 28, 2014
I thought this book was great, I honestly think that if you like basketball you should read this book. The one thing I thought was great was the fact that there was a lot of humor and lots of serious moments in the book. Tim Daniels the main character was a skilled basketball player but his friend Billy was not, Tim helped billy out when times were tough, such as when billy gets pranked by other campers from their camp their attending called camp Wichita.
May 29, 2015
It is about a 14 year old boy nameed Tim Daniels. He loves to play basketball. And looking to go to a summer camp that features alot of proffesional nba players, which makes him feel nervous that they might think he is not very good at the sport he eat, drinks and sleeps.
kids-books-research
November 15, 2007only adding to check out because my reluctant reader student likes basketball.
May 11, 2010
This is a really good book especialy for kids that are relly into books and want to play sports wen thet grow up its a really good book..
Currently reading
January 6, 2011This book is very interesting because it is about basketball and I love basketball so I can relate to this teens story. I am currently still reading the book but it is cool.
November 7, 2014
I think this book was very good you dont have to be a sports lover to like this book
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews