The Walk On

The Triple Threat #1

by John Feinstein

Bestselling sportswriter John Feinstein kicks off a new series for middle grade featuring Alex Myers, a student athlete who tries to take on the sports establishment in his new town.
 
Alex Myers is a quarterback, but from the first day of football practice, it’s clear that that position is very much filled by the coach’s son, Matt.
 
Alex has the better arm, but Matt has more experience—and the coach’s loyalty. Alex finally gets a chance to show what he can do when Matt is injured, and he helps win a key game to keep the Lions’ bid for the state championship alive. But just when his star is rising, Alex gets blindsided—the state has started drug testing, and Alex’s test comes back positive for steroids. Alex knows that’s not right. But he doesn’t know if it’s a mistake—or if someone wants to make sure he can’t play. . . .
 
John Feinstein has been praised as “the best writer of sports books in America today” ( The Boston Globe ), and this first installment in the Triple Threat series is his most thrilling and suspenseful novel yet. Fans of Mike Lupica, Tim Green, and Paul Volponi will want to check out The Walk On, and its companion, The Sixth Man.
 
“A cliffhanger of a football novel bristling with social, personal, familial and ethical issues to complement the gridiron action. . . . All the goods for the sports enthusiast—and more.” — Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Sports, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Football, Family, High School, Friendship

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

John Feinstein was an American sportswriter, author, and sports commentator.

Reviews

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was young, a long time ago, and just learning the joys of reading, sports books were an important part of my life. A lot of fiction and biographies for the young reader(mostly baseball legends if I remember correctly).

THE WALK ON looked like a good chance to get back some of those early feelings.

Alex Myers is a freshman in a Philadelphia school. His parents had separated and mom wanted to move closer to family. Alex is a quarterback with a strong arm and tries out for the high school team. Only one problem. The head coach is a hard-nosed man and his son, Matt Jr., is the starting QB.

Alex makes the team, third on the depth chart, and soon makes his mark when Matt is hurt in a game. As the team storms into the playoffs, Alex flunks a drug test for steroids and is suspended.

Knowing he's innocent, Alex must prove it and find out who's setting him up and why.

John Feinstein doesn't use stereotypical characters in his story. Matt Jr, is a good guy and supportive of Alex, even insisting his dad use him more.

Really liked this one.

[AviP_C2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freshman Alex Myers believes he’s destined for gridiron greatness, graced with an unnaturally strong and accurate throwing arm. But when his parents’ divorce means starting school in a new town, he learns the quarterback position is already taken—by the coach’s son. I can connect to this in many ways. When I was in a basketball program, and the position I played was taken by the coach's nephew. This made me mad, but it was not an excuse. This made me work harder just like how Alex did. No one believed in him, they always said: "Just wait for him to graduate." Towards the end of the season the coaches son got injured in the state championships. Alex was on as a quarterback. Seconds go by. Beep.Beep.Beep. Alex has to make the touchdown to win the game. He wins the title for the school and wins the MVP award. You have to chase your dreams the dreams won't chase you. anything is possible as long as you put in the work. I did on and off the court and I now start on the basketball team. In life there is always an opportunity to achieve greatness, you just have to be ready for the moment.

Great book, I would recommend this book to sports lovers.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. Well written and very fun. It took me back to my high school days. I was not a football player but I was a big fan

[Kent]

The book that I am writing a review about is "The Walk On", the author of this book is John Feinstein. The genre of this book is realistic fiction and I like that because when you read it, it feels like it is actually is happening and it keeps you interested. Alex Walker is a really talented Quarterback with a really good arm. He is so good at throwing the ball that they came of with the nickname "Goldie". He is expected for greatness. But, then something big happens in his life, his parents break up. So, he had to change schools and that had a really big affect. The school that he moves to is Chester Heights in Pennsylvania. The thing that he learned when he got there was that the Quarterback spot was taken by the coaches son. This book is written in third person omniscient. A thing that I liked about this book is was that I could relate to him because it was about football. He stayed positive even when the coaches son started over him. Alex respects Matt Junior because he is a Senior captain. There is no anger between those two even if they both plat Quarterback. A thing that I didn't like was that his parents divorced because he always thought about that. This book keeps you interested if you find football interesting. This book left me feeling happy because of what happened at the end of the book. I could relate with Alex because he went through hard times in football and I know how that is but then at the end something positive. I could relate to the book so much that sometimes I was actually mad because of what was happening in the book. I will remember about this for a long time. It is definitely my favorite book I have read so far.

[Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Walk On by John Feinstein is a superb and spectacular read. The diverse and unique way that John Feinstein was able to develop and describes Alex, Matt and Christine as if they were real was jaw dropping. His description of Alex and how he once was a cocky football player to a humble, smart, and popular person was truly stunning. I truly love how John was able to incorporate new ways to make Alex a better person, like using Matt Gordon Junior. I loved how he used Matt as a guide or mentor to show the ropes to Alex on and off the football field. Also John did an extremely stunning job at being able to describe each football play as if you were actually in the game, making you want to keep reading. I also admire how he shows a love relationship between a big-time reporter Christine and Alex, a football star. It allows this book to have more emotion and character development to affect later on in the story. Overall, the book is a fantastic read and I would highly recommend it, especially if you love football.

[Christopher Krites]

The quarterback.

If you like thrillers and sports you will love this book. The quarterback plays every game like it’s his last and he’s really determined to be the best. Before all of this he goes through some obstacles like school changing and being a new student. The setting of the book is mainly school, home, and football field. Hopefully you think this book is as good as I thought it was. Sports and thriller like theses are books that I would read I would give this book around 4-5 star rating.

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very interesting book and it really kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to know more so I started reading the next book.

[Elijah Simpao · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walk On is a solid 4 out of 5 for me. I enjoyed it a lot because it was cool seeing the come up of Alex and his struggles throughout the season. With having football experience it was cool reading a book about a sport I know so much about. Like listening to how Alex described everything during play I thought was very cool and enjoyable. Overall this book is definitely a good read if you enjoy sports or know a lot about them.

[Achantea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Football is a sport that is all about teamwork and getting to know yourself and your abilities on the field. It’s about working with others and allowing them to also reach their full potential as a person and as a football player. Football is watched by thousands every week, and for good reason. Football is such a vicious sport at the professional level and the sport provides good entertainment.
The Walk On is about a boy named Alex, and he just moved to Pennsylvania from Boston because his parents had gotten a divorce. As Alex gets started for football he learns just how hard it is going to be to be a starter as a freshman quarterback. Not only is the starter for his team good, but he is also the coach’s son. As things get easier for him things also start to get worse.
I like this book because my favorite sport is football. I also understand what it is like to have parents separate and move to a different school/state. This book is a great book to read if you are into sports. It is also a good read even if you are not into sports. This book frequently keeps me entertained from the football games inside the book to the personal problem Alex has to deal with. This book is a must-read if you are into football.

[Lucas Major · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far it's really good up date is kinda dumb

[Tyler Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book "Walk On" is about a kid named Alex. He is a freshman who just moved to Philadelphia from Boston because of his parents divorce. Alex is a smart kid and that really helps him be good at sports. As soon as Alex gets to Philadelphia the first thing he does is try out for the football team. But there is one problem, the coaches son plays quarterback and so does Alex. Matt, the quarterback is way bigger then Alex and can run but can't throw very
well. The first day of practice the coaches and his teammates find out that Alex is great at throwing the ball and call him "Goldie" for his golden arm. Even though he doesn't start the first five games, he finally gets his chance when Matt, gets hurt in the middle of an important playoff game. He does great in the game, but it all might be ruined when he tests positive for a drug test. Alex knew there had to be a mistake because the blood types weren't the same. So he had to figure out whose it was with some help of his friends then prove it before the state championship game so he could play, and he only has ten days.

I would rate this book 4/5 stars. It was a great story, but a the book was about 400 pages and a lot of the story was just them practicing and wasn't needed. Another reason I only give it four stars is because many of the events are unrealistic and probably wouldn't happen in real life. I would recommend this book to football players or anyone involved in sports. Overall it was a great book.

[Chase Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book had lots of suspense and was a very interesting book. I liked how he liked to play football and I could relate to how he acted on the field and off the field. 9 out of 10

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I personally love football. As a female, I have absolutely no experience playing the sport (except as an armchair quarterback). I've enjoyed Feinstein's other books (particularly the Sports Beat mysteries) and I appreciate the details given for the different plays, as well as the fact that each book seems to stand-alone (will have to see about this new Triple Threat series). This one just fell short of my expectations.

My biggest issue w/ this particular title were the college aspects added to this HS team. Being from the mid-west, both states I have lived/taught in would never have allowed a public HS to recruit players, let alone red shirt them and ask them to flunk (academic ineligibility rules, anyone?) to be able to play a 5th yr. Any drug use would immediately forfeit any playoff victories, preventing a state championship appearance. Any coach/player involved w/ behavior similar to what occurred in The Walk On would have received more punishment than what was given.

This is definitely a no for Gateway; not even for sure if Truman would want to consider it. So many better sports' books out there now.

[Anthony Chornyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walk On was a great book, one of my favorite books I read this year. It is about a freshman quarterback named Alex Myers who has to beat the older quarterback on steroids(Matt) and deal with Matt's dad(Coach Gordon). Alex's parents are divorced and he lives with his mom. His dad usually doesn't keep his promise to visit often. Alex makes friends like Jonas, Stephen, and Christine. Eventually, time for drug testing begins and Alex is surprised to see his test turn out positive, but Christine helps him find the mistake and clear him and his record.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one has the typical set up I've come to expect from most YA sports books--new kid in town is an amazing athlete, coach is biased and mean, coach's kid is the starter, drama ensues--but this one had enough story twists and engaging, likeable characters to keep me from putting it down. I love the friendships and sportsmanship displayed throughout...sometimes it's nice to read about characters who are genuinely good kids.

[Vinnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, in this book there was lots of suspense and was a very interesting book. I liked how this kid liked to play football and I could kind of relate to how he acted on the field and off the field. Also, this kid did not back down from a challenge, even though he is a freshman he plays like a college player. Overall, this book had lots of drama and was amazing.

[Jaquarryean Fair · Rating 5 out of 5]

The walk on was about a boy who is a freshman and plays for the varsity football team at his high school. But he wants to be the starting quarterback but the team already has a starting quarterback.
I recommend that anyone who likes football will love this book.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Walk On, by John Feinstein, is a realistic fiction book that not only contains an action packed sports situation, but also drama with friends, family, and even drugs. The protagonist of this story is high school freshman Alex Myers, a football quarterback with a rocket for a throwing arm. When Alex moves to Pennsylvania and joins the varsity football team, he expects to be starting and leading the team. But, when he gets to the team, things don’t go as planned. The Coach’s son also plays on the varsity team, and even though Alex is probably better than this other quarterback, the Coach doesn’t and will never see it that way. Then even more things start happening that go way beyond the football team. Alex finds a girl he has a huge crush on, somebody frames him for substance abuse, and his dad seems to have disappeared. Can Alex pull his life together and start having the football season he is dreaming of?
In The Walk On, John Feinstein does an excellent job of keeping the reader entertained. He does this using a combination of action in the plot and by relying on the emotions of characters. The action of the story: the football games, people getting fired, somebody faking the drug test, and things like that keep the story interesting. But, I think the most interesting way Feinstein keeps the reader engaged is by using emotions. Emotions are so unpredictable that the reader has to keep paying attention to see if they change. This is one of the reasons The Walk On is so effective. You never know what’s going to happen next. I think the theme of The Walk On is to never give up trying to achieve your goal no matter how many obstacles are stacked against you. This is evidenced during the story when Alex arrives at the new school and his coach advises him to transfer, saying that he might have better luck elsewhere because he will never start while the Coach’s son is at school. But, Alex sticks it out and as a reward, he ends up being able to play more and win more than he dreamed of. One of the strengths of this book is Feinstein's character development. He uses emotions to tell the story a lot through the course of the book, but soon the reader starts to be able to figure out what those emotions mean when coming from certain characters. One of the few weaknesses of this story, in my opinion, was the ending. It seemed like Feinstein didn’t really know what to say and he kind of just stopped the story in the middle of the scene. However, the ending didn’t really bother me too much because the book was so good. This book reminds me of Deep Zone by Tim Green because Ty, one of the main characters in the story, has the same never give up situation. When he got a huge gash on his hand, he still had to make his football team even though it hurt to catch the ball. I would definitely recommend The Walk On to a classmate because I loved the drama and suspense of the story, and anybody who has watched or played football would enjoy some of the plays Alex makes while on the field.

[Austin Hickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine this, 4th quarter, game on the line, down 4, 30 seconds to go, ball in your hands. First time you’ve touched the ball all game due to being a 3rd string quarterback. Although this was your imagination it was very real for freshman quarterback Alex Myers. Come along with him as he goes on this crazy journey through his freshman year. He has the arm talent and IQ to be one of the best around, but will it matter if he never gets to show it due to the starters dad being the head coach? Enjoy this book that has both a variety of character types and sentence lengths that makes you sit on the edge of your seat.

The Walk On is an outstanding novel due to the variety in flat and round characters, as well as the differing sentence lengths that gives the story some suspense. During the game scenes the sentences get shorter during the final minutes to make it more intense. One example of this is, “Spears lines up in the shotgun, takes the snap, and runs straight ahead.” I think this is a great example of both parts of my claim due to the fact that Spears is a very flat character that plays for the other team and really doesn’t exist outside of this game, and also how broken up and intense the sentence is. An example of a round character is Jake Bilney who is a teammate and apparent friend to Alex until steroid testing comes around and he switches up the blood to incriminate Alex.

The greatness of my book is not limited to my first claim as the book is also not very wordy, and is pretty easy to read and understand. The word choice in this book can be described as descriptive but still understandable. The flow and cadence of the sentences creates an environment that promotes reading momentum. A stellar example of this claim is after the team had won the big game, “A number of T.V cameras raced in his direction.” This is the perfect example because although it used some great adjectives, no word was too out of the ordinary for the reader to understand. Another example, “It was snowing, lightly but steadily, when the game kicked off that night.” This sentence is a great example of the already stated reasonings as well as creating an environment that can be easily envisioned by the reader.

In conclusion I believe that having a variety of different character types, and words makes The Walk On stand out from the rest. I believe that this book has way more to offer than what was outlined in this short review. Hopefully you’ll give this book a shot just like Alex’s coach gives him.

[Derek Geib · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fiction novel, The Walk On, by John Feinstein, is about a boy, named Alex Meyers, who has just moved to a new town and a new school, Chester Heights, in Pennsylvania. The move was caused by his parents splitting up. Alex was a natural born quarterback. He tries out and makes the varsity team for football. After tryouts, Alex makes a new friend named Jonas. He has a great arm and his new teammates named him “Goldie” after the first few practices. There is two things standing in his way of becoming the starting quarterback, a stubborn coach who believes in seniority and the coach’s son. Even though Alex is clearly the best quarterback on the team, he is the third string. He stays there until the starter and backup go down in a huge game. He wins the game in miracle fashion and keeps the Lions’ playoff bid alive. When the coach’s son returns after a few games, Alex is limited to a few snaps in practice and in each game. In their final game, against their rivals Chester High School, Matt has Alex go in to win the game. He wins the game on a beautiful throw, splitting three defenders. The school is buzzing after game because the team is in the quarterfinals for the state championship. This is where the problems begin. The team gets tested for drugs and after the first game, Alex’s tests come back positive. He knows he didn’t ever used drugs and so did his parents. So, his parents challenge the results and get another test, but he can not play in the next game. He sits at the TV watching anxiously as his team plays in the semifinals.
The plot was set up extraordinarily. There were some many twists and turns that you did not know what was going to happen next. Matt going down in a huge game, Matt giving up his spot, and the failed drug test to name a few. The book is laid out perfectly and well thought out. The head coach's character is portrayed perfectly by John Feinstein. I've been in this situation before and the way he had the coach act was exactly like my experience.
All in all, John Feinstein illustrates the story of a ninth grade boy perfectly. He hits on all the hardships ninth grade can bring and even throws in unexpected things like the failed drug test, randomly. He keeps his readers on the edge of their seat because the story is unpredictable. I was never able to put this book down while I was reading. The narration and dialogue are incredible. An example, “There’d be no second chance. When they ran the play in practice, it took anywhere from five to six seconds to complete...when it worked”(Feinstein 259). It is a very well written book and you should definitely read this if you are into sports.

[Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Myers a teenager from Boston, Massachusetts who needs to move the summer before his freshman year because his mom and dad were separating , so him, his sister Molly, and his mom moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to his moms family. About two weeks after the move Alex tries out for football at Chester Heights high school. Right when he got to the tryouts everyone could tell he was new, but another kid named Jonas Ellington who moved down to Pennsylvania because his dad got a job there but he was living in New York. Jonas was also a freshman but he was trying out to be a wide receiver unlike Alex who was trying out to be quarterback. Alex and Jonas had the potential to be starters on varsity, but the only problem for Alex was that the starting quarterback was the coaches son Matthew Gordon. Alex was by far a better quarterback than Matt, he could throw further, ran faster, but Matt had the leadership and the experience that Alex didn't have. Matt was a good person he gave Alex the nickname "Goldie" because of his golden arm, and was always giving Alex tips on how to get better as a quarterback. Even so Alex wanted to be staring quarterback for varsity, but would he ever get the chance to shine?

Am important quote in this book is " We're golden Goldie as long as we have you"(359) This is an important quote because it shows the moment were he first accepted into the school by the people on the football. Even coach Gordon who always hated Alex for showing off his arm all the time accepted him for being a good player and magnificent kid. Alex was excited when he heard this because even though he was still second string he finally felt like he belonged here which he hadn't felt since he moved.

This book is one of my favorite books because it always had me on the edge of my seat looking to read more. Also it showed how a kid could handle all of this while only have three friends. Overall this was an amazing book.

[Tyler Johnson]

Book Report

Freshman Alex Myers believes he’s destined for gridiron greatness, graced with an unnaturally strong and accurate throwing arm. But when his parents’ divorce means starting school in a new town, he learns the quarterback position is already taken—by the coach’s son. Alex Myers is a quarterback, but from the first day of football practice, it’s clear that that position is very much filled by the coach’s son, Matt. Freshman Alex Myers believes he’s destined for gridiron greatness, graced with an unnaturally strong and accurate throwing arm. But when his parents’ divorce means starting school in a new town, he learns the quarterback position is already taken—by the coach’s son. The tyrannical head coach wants to win, but not at the expense of his son’s playing time.

This first installment in the Triple Threat series follows roughly the same formula as Feinstein’s Sports Beat mysteries: lots of play-by-play action, sensational plot developments, and an attractive, whip-smart, sports-crazy romantic interest for Alex. Feinstein skillfully captures the mania that surrounds high school football, but does so uncritically, making it easy to see how high school athletics can become breeding grounds for entitlement. Though Alex’s chances of getting to play are never in doubt, his path—injury, fake injury, doping—takes some highly improbable routes.

This book is about Alex Myers going through some tough times like his dad not being there all the time and then getting suspended from football. Along his long journey through high school he becomes close to his teammates and his encouraging starting QB that Alex thought he wouldn’t like, but soon finds out he is his biggest star. Matt even nicknamed him goldie for his golden arm. Alex is one of the best if not the best, but he still has a lot to learn.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heed my warning. If you like football, you will not be able to put this book down until you finish. I am the last person you would ever expect to read a book about football, but let me tell you, this book is every bit as good as watching a real game.

Like Mike Lupica’s Game Changers, this is the first book in a series called Triple Threat where you have an athlete that excels in football, basketball and baseball. The Walk On is about Alex, the new kid in town who wants a spot on the varsity football team. He’s a freshman, but his QB skills are stellar. Good enough to be a starter. Standing in his way is the head coach, whose son is the current QB. Coach Gordon manages the team with an iron fist. No one questions his authority or judgment. No one changes his calls on the field. No one talks to reporters behind his back. What Coach doesn’t know is that you can only hold back the truth for so long and school reporters, Christine and Steve, will stop at nothing to get it out in the open.

Feinstein used to be a reporter and he loves to infuse journalism into his sports fiction. In this case, it creates an effective way for a slime ball coach to get caught through some tough investigating. An interesting twist is that Matt Gordon Jr. is nothing like Matthew Gordon Sr. Matt sees what his father is doing to Alex and must stage injuries in order to get field time for Alex. This drama plays out about half way through the book when they are down 14-0 at half-time in a game they have to win. 1st and 2nd string QBs go down, forcing Alex into the game. It’s edge of your seat, people. Then just when you think the coach is starting to mellow, BAM!, his bad judgement gets in the way again. This time he’s going down.

Great book for all ages. Get in a locked room and read it.

[Ryan Hibbard]

SPOILER
The Walk On
The Walk On book features an amazing story about a freshman going to a new school. Alex Myers a freshman quarterback trying to make and start on varsity. The starting quarterback happens to be the coach's son. Alex has high aspirations and will have to work hard to start again at his new school.
Alex was forced to move from his hometown to a new school. His parents had to move for work, and also just divorced. Alex's dad is gone a lot and not really in the picture a lot. Alex lives with his mom and little sister.
Alex's school life isn't amazing either. He focuses on class and has few friends, The football and this one girl are all his friends. Christine his only girlfriend who he has a crush on is the head writer of the school newspaper. Alex and Christine get very close and end up liking each other. They go to the school dance together.
Alexs started playing football with the team and after tryouts he was on varsity. Alex was one of four freshmen to make varsity. He was supposed to be third string quarterback and than things quickly changed. After the starting quarterback and backup quarterback got hurt Alex had to play. His team was losing by a significant amount until he went into the game. When Alex played he threw the ball down field twice and won his team the game in three different drives. He has the best throw on the team.
When Alex's team makes it to the final he is a starting quarterback because the coach's son is suspended. Alex plays the whole championship and after the first snap of the game and the book ends,

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For class, I had to read the realistic fiction novel The Walk On by John Feinstein and as of now, I really enjoy it. This is because it is about football and I really like football because it can teach you so much in life and shows you never to give up. This is book takes place is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is about a 14 year old freshman, Alex Myers, who’s parents are going through a divorce and recently moved to Philly from Boston to get closer to family. When Alex got to his new school, he knew he wanted to play varsity football for the Chester Heights Lions. He could tell it would be very difficult from the 1st day of practice he attended. He had to fight for playing time against a senior QB and a star junior QB who was the coach's son, which basically means Alex wouldn’t start until Matt Gordon graduates. Also, when Alex arrived at Chester Heights, he met another freshman, Jonas Ellington, who was new to the school and was very good at football as well. Jonas played wide receiver and had the perfect build for it, he was about 6’5 with incredible catching skills and he also made varsity along with Alex. That is where I am at as of now I’m the novel, but I’m sure the character will continue to develop as the book goes on. John Feinstein uses a writing style that makes you feel as if your actually with the main characters during the whole book. He describes Alex’s problems as if your with him. I would recommend this book to anyone that’s interested in sports books, specifically football. Also, for anyone that enjoys John Feinstein’s novels.

[Gavin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gavin Smeeton
8B
Feb. Book Plug
2/25/19

The book The Walk On by John Feinstein is a realistic fiction and was the first book of the series The Triple Threat. The main character of the story was Alex Myers, who was new to town and to the high school. Alex is going to be a freshman in high school, and he is very athletic. Alex is a quarterback in football who had to prove himself if he wanted to play and show his skills to the coach. When he went to football practice he noticed that position was filled by Matt, the coach's son. Alex continued to play hard, until one day he got the chance to play because Matt got injured. He did well and won important games. Then one day there was a spot drug testing for all the guys on the team. Matt was nervous because he took steroids and this would ruin his chance of playing football again. He came clean to his father, his coach, but his father said don't worry about it. Come to find out one test came back positive for drugs, but it wasn't Matt's. You will have to finish reading the book to see what happens next. Who's test came back positive? Or does the real culprit come clean with the truth about the whole situation? I rate this book seven out of ten because I can relate to the story about trying hard if I want to play sports or doing well in school.
If you enjoyed the book Swagger by Carl Deuker, you will enjoy reading this book because they both relate to sports and making hard decisions.

[Karen Gedeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walk On – written and narrated by John Feinstein - Alex Myers has moved to the Philadelphia area because his parents divorced. His mother’s family is there, and while he was close to his father at one time, his dad stayed in Boston and is working more and more with them talking less and less. Alex was born to be a quarterback; he can throw a ball like no one in town has ever seen, but when he goes out for the football team as a freshman, he finds out that not only do they have one of the best teams in the country, the coach has put his own son in the quarterback position and the kid is really nice and a decent QB. While Alex knows he better than Matt at QB, he is forced to learn how the politics of the game are played off the field when the coach slights him. The QB coach/newspaper adviser sees Alex for the talent he has and councils Alex but is soon forced to resign. Finally, a mandatory drug test comes back positive. Luckily Alex has a couple solid friends: befriends a girl on the newspaper staff who wants to help out and the two along with Alex’s receiver Jonas set out to find out the truth and get him reinstated on the team. Those who enjoy football will fly through this book looking for more. Grades 6-9.

[Rj Parlier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a kid who moves to a different town and trys out for the football team as a quarterback and he knows he is better than the starter but the starters dad is also the coach so he knows he won't get the starting position on varsity but tries his hardest in practice and gets third string because the other kid that tried out is a grade higher than him. The main characters in this story are alex, matt, and jonas. Alex is the freshman that tries out for quarterback matt is the starting quarterback and also the son of the coach and jonas is a wide receiver and also the first friend alex made when he came to his new school. In the story i could relate to alex because he had just moved and had to start from the bottom to get to the top with struggles he had to face. When i first started playing football I had never played before in my life and my coach worked with me personally to get me on good grounds so I could continue to learn without his help but the player I am today is because of my coach. I really liked this book because I love football and I have always loved reading sports books but it also has a very good story and if u read it you will see what im talking about.My recommendation is for readers to read this book because it is full of action

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Walk On
John Feinstein
9/16/18
Liam Fitzpatrick

The book The Walk On by John Feinstein is a descriptive mystery novel about a kid named Alex Myers. The book start off talking about the relationships in the story like him moving to a new school and his dad always working. But I would say that is not the main plot of the story, and a matter of fact the plot is quite interesting. Someone who reads books in a couple sitting would like this book. For example the author hooks the reader in with problem after problem where at one point how is it going to turn out good for Alex.

An important character in this book is Jake Bliney and If you read the book you will see why. You could say it is like a normal book with the problem and the love interest but what I like about the book is how the story plays out with the plot. I like this book because it is in the genera that I read which is realistic sports fiction. I root for the under dogs sometimes and that’s what happens in the book. Alex want to be varsity quarterback as a freshman which is very unlikely for his situation. This book was really good for my taste and I really recommend the book, The Walk On part of a series of three called the triple threat.