Synopses & Reviews
"With the same 'you are there' immediacy that characterized his first novel, Wallace returns to the small-town setting from Wrestling Sturbridge; this time the game is soccer....This play by play account of sophomore Barry (Bones) Austin's second soccer season balances sports action with introspective moments off the field. After finally breaking last year's losing streak (2-11-1), the Sturbridge High players are suddenly at 3-0 and psyched to win the league champtionship. But the coach says they must first 'work together' as a team and overcome 'personality conflicts' not an easy task for Bones, whose best friend Joe (a more aggressive forward) captured the attentions of flirtatious Shannon just when Bones was about to make his move. Wallace's ear for locker-room banter and knowledge of fragile adolescent egos shine through in his vibrant characterizations of young contenders. Young adults will gleefully cheer Bones on as he grows both as an individual and as an athlete, and hurdles personal obstacles to attain victory".
Synopsis
It's soccer season, and sophomore Bones Austin and his team are struggling to make it to the district play-offs--against all odds. To make matters worse, Bones has a crush on the girlfriend of his best friend, Joey. Bones and Joey are forced to learn a little something about teamwork, even when hard times seem to be tearing them apart. Rich Wallace returns to Sturbridge, Pennsylvania, in his stunning follow-up to Wreslting Strubirdge, in Knopf Paperback for the first time.
About the Author
Rich Wallace lives in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. He has worked as a sportswriter and news editor, and is now the coordinating editor of Highlights for Children magazine. He coaches his sons' youth sports teams year-round, including soccer, basketball, and track and field.