Champ

by Marcia Thornton Jones

A sweet, funny new title from Marcia Thornton Jones, co-author of the wildly successful Bailey School Kids series!

RILEY is awful at sports. He wants to quit the baseball team, but his dad won't let him give up. So when one bad swing brings a three-legged dog into his life, Riley feels like he's been thrown a curveball. How can he take care of a dog and make his dad proud?

CHAMP is a former champion show dog. But when the accident that leaves him with Riley also leaves him with three legs, this dog has to learn some new tricks. Can Champ show Riley that winning doesn't always mean coming in first?

Together, Riley and Champ make a great team, but not everyone thinks so. Could they be separated?

Genres: Animals, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Fiction

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Marcia Thornton Jones has published 131 books for children with sales totaling more than 43 million copies world-wide. Her works include CHAMP (mid-grade novel), RATFINK (mid-grade novel), GODZILLA ATE MY HOMEWORK (chapter book), THE TALE OF JACK FROST (picture book) and LEPRECHAUN ON THE LOOSE (picture book). She is the co-author of seven popular series including The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids, Keyholders, Ghostville Elementary, The Bailey School Kids Jr. Chapter Books, Triplet Trouble, Bailey City Monsters, and The Barkley School for Dogs.

Marcia has been listed as a top 100 author by the Educational Paperback Association and selected for the Children’s Top 100 Books list by the National Education Association, International Reading Associations Children’s Choice Award. Marcia's books have received many honors and have appeared on on the Publisher's Weekly Bestsellers lists,

Marcia, a full time writer living in Lexington, Kentucky enjoys presenting at schools and conferences. As a veteran teacher with more than 20 years of experience, she easily relates the importance of writing to students of all ages.

Reviews

[James]

This book was about a boy named Railey. On a normal day, Railey was practicing baseball with his friend and accidentally the ball went on the street, so Railey went to pick it up then... Erch! A Ms. Leaner's car almost crashed into Railey. Railey is ok, but the dog inside, well... he lost a leg. So they took Champ (the dog) to the dog Ms. Leaner was about to kill the dog because she thought Champ was useless, but Railey said that he can prove that Champ wasn't useless.When he told his parents, his parent just said that he can keep that dog ,but he would have to take care of Champ himself. On the first few weeks of Champ living with Railey, Champ barked whenever Railey went away. One day, Railey's neighbor, Mr. Dougahs asked Railey why didn't spend more time with Champ so Champ would stop barking. Railey answered saying that if he didn't practice baseball so he could win baseball games, or his dad would be mad at him. Mr. Dougahs said that Railey could win the "Dog Optical Corse" together with Champ too, just like winning baseball games. From that day on, Mr. Dougahs keep on making optical corse items each day and each day Railey would take Champ to Mr. Dougahs' yard for training. They all had fun and best of all, Champ stopped barking! Day by day people started to come and watch Champ getting trained in Mr. Dougahs' yard. Then one day, a news maker made an article about Champ getting trained. Ms. Leaner came to Mr. Dougahs' yard and wants Champ back because Champ is back on the news and popular again. Railey thought that if he stopped training Champ, so Ms. Leaner won't want him back. After a few days of not training Champ started barking again. So Railey decided to join Champ back when the "Dog Optical Corse" came. When the "Dog Optical Corse" came, Champ, with only three legs… Completed it! Then, he didn't win, but, he still tried.Ms. Leaner and wants Champ back but no one agrees so she gives up.

I have a few traits to describe Railey.
Scared of his dad- Dogs make bigger messes that aren't pleasant to clean up but if my dad steeped in one, Champ is dead.
Little bit lazy-Railey didn't take Champ out for a walk yet.
Sorry- It's all my fault that Champ lost a leg.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book yes!
I have decided to try and read all the books I use for my reading groups in the classroom (Grade 4). The majority of the books are a bit meh...
This one was really well written with a moving story.
Great for these ages (10 years old and around depending on their reading skills).

[Sam Rusak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book with a good loving plot for man's best friend. After getting in a car crash this dog loses a leg and is not the award winning prize dog that it used to be. But when Riley's parents let him keep the dog, Riley ( a kid who is terrible at sports) starts playing catch with his dog and turns Riley into a fairly good baseball player. Riley's neighbor sees Riley and his dog playing fetch and recommends that they join the local dog show. After seeing what potential the dog has the original owner, the wealthiest lady in the town wants Champ back! Riley has to fight for his rights to keep the dog he truly loves.
This book was written in 3rd person so it doesn't say I did this or I did that. I think this adds to my enjoyment of reading this book because it doesn't just show Riley's opinion it shows both sides of the story. The characters are pretty well made up by reading it I can see what the people look like. This book like many others, has a rich lady who thinks she can get everything she wants, a best friend who only wants to help the main character,and the neighbor who wants helps out. The writing quality of this book is pretty good for the recommended age group. The word choice was just good enough that I could understand everything the author was trying to say.

[Stacy Nyikos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Champ is the story of a boy trying to win his father’s acceptance, find out who he wants to be, and the dog who helps him. My daughter, Bella (age 10), loved this book. It was her pick for me to read this packet. For me, the book fell somewhere in between a meat-and-potatoes and dessert read. The storyline was meatier than regular dessert books – think, Nancy Drew – however the craft side to the piece did not have any unique aspects to it. The story is told in a straightforward manner, with a series of events that lead to rising action, a satisfying climax and resolution to the story with a sound ending. The characters are fleshed out enough not to be stereotypical, but not so much that there are parallel storylines running alongside the main plot. In all, this is the meatloaf version of a meat-and-potatoes story. Where the Red Fern Grows is the filet mignon.
What can I learn from the meatloaf version? Solid foundations. Uncluttered, basic storyline. Believable characters. An ungarnished but solid combination that won over my ten-year-old daughter’s heart, but is solid-without-flair enough to win over an editor’s pocketbook in today’s market?

[Mashrufh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Champ was a great and touching book.The main character Riley was horrible at sports so as a result, his dad makes him play baseball even though he was really bad. However, a significant change occurs when a three legged dog comes into Riley's life. A border collie dog named Champ who was a show dog that belonged to a snotty rich woman. When Riley's father ran over Champ, Champ broke one of his back legs. Because of this, Champ could no longer attend in dog shows so the snotty woman no longer wanted this worthless dog. Out of pity, Riley decides to keep the dog since he partially caused the accident. Even though Champ was practically disabled, Riley wanted to teach him how to become the show dog again with three legs. Although Champ did not win in the competitions, Riley taught a lesson that not everything was about winning. The greater lesson about the bonds created between these two beings. Marcia Jones' use of simile really brought out the friendship between Champ and Riley. I believe she did a fine job producing this touching book. Definitely 5 stars without a doubt.

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Champ was a pretty good book. Definitely for dog lovers.The main character Riley is horrible at sports. His dad makes him play baseball even though he stinks. Everything changes when a three legged dog comes into Riley's life. A border collie dog called Champ who was a show dog got into a car accident and broke one of its back legs.Now he couldn't do dog shows so the owner wanted nothing to do with Champ. Riley decides to take the dog in since he caused the accident. Even though Champs disabled Riley wants to teach him agility. Champ may be slower than all the other dogs but can Champ show Riley that winnig isn't everything.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This i a very sad, and charming book. In it a boy accidentally makes someone crash. When they crash their dog looses a leg! Then the lady has to give the dog away because he is useless, but the boy offers to buy him. What will happen when the boy gets him? Will the dog ever be able to walk? Will the boy and dog like each other? What will happen to the lady? Read this charming book to find out!!! :)

[Eeore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realy like this book because the boy in the book (Riley) at the beginning does sports but he is really bad at them. He had tried to do a lot of sports. One of them was baseball. He practice this with his friends, and it is an amazing story.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I volunteer in Zachary's class every Thursday, leading a reading group of four kids. Champ is an adorable book about a boy who can't please his father and his three legged dog. Its a great story about winning doesn't always mean coming in first.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our current read aloud at home. Kids and I love it. My kids are 7 and 9. I choked up at the ending but then I'm a sucker for animal stories. Thanks to the Little Free Library patron that dropped this in our Library!!

[Dawn Samsel · Rating 4 out of 5]

RILEY is awful at sports. He wants to quit the baseball team, but his dad won't let him give up. So when one bad swing brings a three-legged dog into his life, Riley feels like he's been thrown a curveball. How can he take care of a dog and make his dad proud

[Hawkeye · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is about a kid who finds a dog with one leg missing. surprisingly he taught champ to run an ajility competition. so he practices and practices all the time.

[Shayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Champ is a heart-warming,exciting,andlovable story of a dog and his new found owner.

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

THis is a really good book the bad thing is I lost it one day when I was still reading it. Hopefully i can get another copy.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book because it talks how this kid takes this dog even if he is three legged and puts him in dog shows. the dog is a border collie and his name is champ and he is really smart.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of this book you most likely will cry. See how a three-legged dog survives a terrible car accident with the right care.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was kinda (actually REALLY) sad. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE dogs, so I thought it was good book. :)

[Jie Hao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm happy for Riley who finally found his true feeling. I also really proud of the three-leg dog. How brave to live though castoff by his master.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book about a determined boy and a loyal dog that teaches a life lesson; don't ever give up, practice makes perfect, and apply effort!

[Ms. Pirate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Champ is very inspiring I would recommend this book for ages 9 an up. I enjoyed it very much! That is all I can say if you want to find out more, read the book!

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

It really bothers me when adults in books are just mean or rude. It also takes more than one kind word or action to make up for all of that meanness.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book I picked up off the free shelf at the library about how a boy learns to believe in himself by working with a three-legged dog! I am always a sap for a good dog story!!

[Matilda Bunch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, Champ, follows a boy named Riley who is trying hard to not disappoint his father by giving up baseball. Riley feels like he is not very good at baseball, but realizes it is important to his dad. One day, after a fateful car crash, Riley is responsible for a newly three-legged dog. Champ, was an award winning prize dog, but cannot do what he used to after losing a leg. The owner is upset and does not think Champ is worth anything anymore. Riley, now in charge of Champ, starts playing fetch with him and helps Champ get used to three legs. Riley’s neighbor sees them working together and suggests that Riley should enter Champ into a dog show. They begin training for it, and despite not winning, Champ does a great job. This teaches Riley a valuable lesson: playing baseball isn’t just about winning. After Champs performance, the original owner decides that Champ still may be worth her time, but Riley has to fight for his right to keep Champ. This book teaches elementary aged kids that it’s not everything is necessarily about winning, but instead about persevering and having fun. I also think that this book shows that it is important to not just toss animals aside because they aren’t “perfect”, that an animal with three legs can be just as special as a dog with four legs.

[Baley Westberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, a boy named Riley is awful at sports, specifically baseball, and wants to give up but does not want to disappoint his dad. After a fateful car crash, Riley ends up with a new friend: a three- legged dog. This dog, Champ, was an award winning prize dog, but after he lost his leg, his owner did not want him anymore. Riley starts playing fetch with Champ and helps him learn how to adjust to three legs. One day, Riley’s neighbor sees them playing and recommends Riley enter Champ into a dog show. They start training for it, and Champ does very well despite winning. This teaches Riley that even though he may not be good at baseball, it is not about winning. After the original owner sees the dog doing well, she decides she wants Champ back. Riley has to fight for his right to keep Champ. This is a great book for elementary aged children. It teaches a valuable lesson that not everything is about winning and to keep persevering when you feel like giving up.

[Gagec6]

riley was playing baseball and then the ball went in to the road. then mrs. learner craches into a tree and her dog. loses its leg and she wants to kill it but riley says he wants it. so Mrs.learner gives it to him and he takes care of it.

champ was not useless he could help riley get better at baseball. and proctied him when he was sad. so if an animal dose int have all its legs it is still useful for someone. that is what riley said and did proved.

I like this book because it shows that not everthing can go right but it might still work out in the end. every now that champ only had three legs riley still loved him. And proved that he was useful to someone. so thats why u should not ever judge a book by its cover

[Bridge Lucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is written by three of my 5th grade students

Student 1- I give this book 5 stars because it is loving and charming and also gives a lesson to not give up on something broken.

Student 2- I give this book 5 stars because a dog lost his leg and he is still trying to enter a competition with only three legs. The other reason is because Riley adopts Champ when he needs help.

Student 3- I give this book 5 stars because I really liked it. I liked it because Champ was kind of funny with the things he did.

[Zeina Sabry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really get caught in it but it wasn’t so bad. I think it’s the book that could of done better or the author. I think that it was a little boring. But that’s probably because it was a homework assignment and I didn’t make it so fun. I rate this a four-star because I personally didn’t like it I read it with pushing because it was a homework assignment I could’ve given it a five star if it wasn’t.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It talks of never giving up, loyalty, & understanding that actually winning something doesn't make you a winner. It also addresses the subject of fathers that project their values upon their children

[Harie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book for years but never read it since I didn't like reading then and I just read it since I didn't have any books left. To be honest, I thought this book was only for kids but it's actually great for any age especially if you like dogs like me.

[Gylfie Whitneyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT book!