"The game action alone is riveting even for readers who don't know a naked bootleg from a hook-and-ladder play, but Deuker enriches the tale with several welltuned subplots and a memorable narrator/protagonist who turns a corner on his own self-image while weathering brutal tests of his courage and determination. Definitely one for the top shelf."-- Booklist , starred review "Told in the first person, the story is initially funny, but the humor is soon eclipsed by the suspenseful plot and the copious play-by-play football action. These elements work together to create a rousing climax, which is then followed by a softer and more reflective denouement. Nicely played. "-- Kirkus Reviews "Deuker has crafted another entertaining and readable football story. The game descriptions are well done and will appeal to players and fans. Many teens who dreamed of being a star as children but don't make the team in high school will identify with Mitch.
" -- School Library Journal "A strong football story with nail-biting action and intrigue and a strong, appealing protagonist."-- VOYA "It's a solid Cooneyesque mystery/thriller, though, with enough straight-up gridiron action to draw a crowd, and it won't take much booktalking to sell middle-schoolers on this title."--The Bulletin Gym Candy An IRA 2009 Young Adult Choice Texas Lone Star 2009 list "Riveting" -- The Bulletin "An eye-opening recommendation to all budding athletes." -- VOYA "A superb sports novel with no easy resolutions." -- Kirkus Reviews Runner A Booklist Top Ten Sports Book A VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers Nominated as YA book of the Year in Texas "Deuker fans won't be disappointed."-- The Bulletin "Suspenseful and involving. Chance's dilemmas will quickly draw in readers and keep them turning the pages." -- Kliatt "Sinister goings-on, a murder, last minute heroism, and a new life rich with possibility make this a satisfying read.
" -- Kirkus Reviews High Heat A Booksense 76 Pick A Booklist Top 10 Youth Sports Book Winner of the Golden Sower Award "High Heat joins the Deuker canon with yet another fine study of a conflicted soul whose ethical salvation is determined in a sporting arena." -- The Bulletin "Good baseball books are in short supply for teens; do not let this one slip past." -- VOYA Night Hoops An ALA Best Book (star) "An excellent novel." -- School Library Journal "Deuker adds further luster to his reputation for top-flight sports writing matched to uncommonly perceptive coming-of-age stories." -- Kirkus Reviews Heart of a Champion YA book of the Year in Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and Tennessee. Paperback edition available from Little, Brown. Painting the Black A Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon Winner An ALA Best Book (star) "It ain't pretty, but it's real." -- The Bulletin "The well-written sports scenes will draw readers, but it is Ryan's moral courage that will linger when the reading is done.
" -- Booklist .