No Relief

Game Face

by Rich Wallace

Javon Park loves baseball. This summer, his team is fighting for the championship! As relief pitcher, Javon knows the final moments of every game belong to him. And after drum lessons from his older brother, Ki, Javon feels like he might have found his rhythm. Strike one, strike two, strike three. Will it be enough to take down a worthy opponent?

112 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Ro Menendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is written both for the baseball fanatic and any reader interested in sports. The baseball action is written with enough detail to allow the reader to visualize the plays and how the baseball field looks when the game is at its most engaging and at a tipping point. Many of the focusing thoughts Javon, the main character, has to keep his head in the game are actually used by kids in little league, some of my students have shared these strategies with me! Javon has a great relationship with his older brother Ki, which is a breath of fresh air from many of the sibling rivalries offered in YA. Ki and Javon both share a love of music, and readers will be able to explore the notion that having more than one interest can be helpful to what they are truly passionate about. The story also gives readers the opportunity to explore the outlook that anything pursued should be seen to the end, that victory is fleeting but the experiences and knowledge gained along the way are what we should value most. This is an illustrated chapter book, but the characters are drawn in a caricaturesque style that makes them look younger than what they are in the story, which might turn off older readers to giving this engaging sports series a go.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't wait to have a conversation with my 3rd graders. These characters seem spot on to me. I want to know if kids feel it too. The sports are real - are the emotions? Love the Game Face collection!

[Lorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Javon’s summer is filled with his favorite sport baseball, his cool older brother Ki who is teaching him to play drums, and hanging out with his friends at the pool. This year, his baseball team ends their season in a play-off for first place with a tough opposing team that often gets the best of him when he is in pitching relief. Can Javon keep his cool and help his team win the championship? It all comes down to one pitch.
This title is from ABDO Publishing’s Magic Wagon brand of high interest books for kids. It is part of a series featuring Javon and his other three friends each playing different sports in books that are told from each friend’s perspective. Javon’s struggles on the field are well balanced with his comforting home life and the love of his big brother Ki as he teaches him the drums. Middle grade readers looking for a fast paced, sports driven plot will enjoy this title.

I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.