Diving Off the Edge

by Jake Maddox, Bob Temple, Sean Tiffany (Illustrator)

Riley and Blake have been best friends forever, even though Blake is a daredevil and teases Riley. That all ends when Blake finds a new group of friends. Riley joins the swim team, and soon finds he doesn't need Blake's friendship to get by. But when Blake tries a crazy stunt and dangerous at the lake one day, can Riley put the past aside and save his former friend?

63 pages, Library Binding

First published October 19, 2008

About the author

Who is Jake Maddox? Athlete, author, world-traveler–or all three? He has surfed in Hawaii, scuba-dived in Australia, and climbed the mountains of Peru and Alaska. His books range from the most popular team sports to outdoor activities to survival adventures and even to auto racing. His exploits have inspired numerous writers to walk in his footsteps–literally! Each of his stories is stamped with teamwork, fair play, and a strong sense of self-worth and discipline. Always a team-player, Maddox realizes it takes more than one man (or woman) to create a book good enough for a young reader. He hopes the lessons learned on the court, field, or arena and the champion sprinter pace of his books can motivate kids to become better athletes and lifelong readers.

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book from a series that teaches pre-teens/teens how to deal with typical peer pressure situations. In "Diving Off the Edge", Riley first succombs to pressure from friend Blake, then becomes estranged when Blake's unkind manner makes Riley feel awful. When Riley rescues Blake in the lake, the book promises a renewed friendship with kindness and gratitude from Blake.

I've also read "Over the Net" and "Skater's Secret", by "Jake Maddox" (pseudonym cover author for various writers in this series). They are not catalogued yet with Goodreads.com. "Over the Net" is really good - a varsity teen volleyball player helps a younger player improve her skills and build her confidence! Especially recommended for kids who feel very self-conscious about making even one blunder, where it inhibits their ability to move forward and keep trying.

[Duane · Rating 3 out of 5]

For reluctant readers, this is a great series for preteen readers who enjoy sports themed books. Following Riley & Baley, these two boys are at the age where peer pressure is beginning to drive them in different ways. Riley wants to join the Swim Team, but Baley considers it just for jocks. The story lets the readers see the pressures that life brings us and the decisions we have to make on our own. A great book with a great message. Nice illustrations throughout.

[Elijah · Rating 2 out of 5]

About a kid that was ask to be in the swimming team and he takes the offer and his friend doesnt like him no more c=because he went on the team. The first meet he won all the races. They went to celebrate at the lake and his friend was there jumping of the cliff with some different friends. When his friend jump off head first and he drowned and the boy saved his life and they were friends again.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it but not really cause I sort of don't like to swim but really interesting>

[Kelsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It taught me a lot of things about swimming things I didn't know.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

i liked it because it has like an mystery in it that u have to find in it

[Aayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. It went from hating swimming in gym to loving the swim team. This book teaches you to stand up for yourself and not let others control you.