When Coach Gordon suddenly retires, Quinn Brown has to prove to a new coach that he deserves to remain the Spartans' starting quarterback. But Coach Miller's style seems to be throwing Quinn off his game -- and big-mouthed second-string Luke is gunning for Quinn's position.
To top it off, Quinn has been paired up with a peer tutor for math, and the tutor's a new kid everyone's making fun of. Who would have thought that the new kid would be exactly the kind of friend a struggling quarterback needs -- both on and off the football field?
ERIC HOWLINGs recent sports novels include Hoop Magic and Kayak Combat, which was shortlisted for the Hackmatack Childrens Choice Book Award, was a Resource Links Years Best, and a Canadian Childrens Book Centre Best Books selection. Red Zone Rivals is his fourth sports novel. Eric lives in Calgary, Alberta.
"[Red Zone Rivals would be great for a middle school library or classroom. This book would be great to open up discussions on disabilities (physical and learning problems), bullying, relationships, illnesses, and dealing with change."
"Great addition to a hi-lo collection for junior high and high school."
"The lessons [Quinn learns are part of what we all hope our children will learn in high school, and one of the reasons some parents encourage their children in team sports . . . lessons in maturity, ethical principles, and honourable behaviour."
"Red Zone Rivals will appeal to both boys and girls, and I would recommend it for any class library. Recommended."
" Featuring covers clearly labeled with the sport in question, action-packed stories, and characters with diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds...sure to hook sporty middle school students."