An uplifting story about role models, football, and tackling fear set in the heart of Friday Night Lights country—from the bestselling author of Heat, Travel Team, and Fantasy League.
Clay is a quarterback's dream. When he zips across the field, arms outstretched, waiting for the ball to sail into his hands, there's no denying him the catch. Like most Texans, Clay is never more at home than when playing football. And his coach, a former star player for the Dallas Cowboys, is just like a second father.
But as the football season kicks off, Clay begins to notice some odd behavior from his coach--lapses in his memory and strange mood swings. The conclusion is painful, but obvious: Coach Cooper is showing side effects of the many concussions he sustained during his playing days. As Clay's season wears on, it becomes clear that the real victory will be to help his coach walk onto that famous star logo in the middle of Cowboys Field one last time--during a Thanksgiving day ceremony honoring him and his former Super Bowl-winning teammates.
In
Lone Stars, #1
New York Times bestseller Mike Lupica demonstrates once again that there is no children's sports novelist today who can match his ability to weave a story of vivid sports action and heartfelt emotion. A touching story that proves life is bigger than a game.
Praise for Lone Stars"Lupica has crafted another fine sports story for the middle school reader."—
VOYA
"Young readers, no matter their level of interest in the game, will be drawn in by this touching, timely story."—
Booklist
"There is plenty of great football action to keep the sports enthusiasts engaged, and the information about concussive injury is easily understood and applied. This is an entertaining read that also imparts an important message."—
School Library Connection
On sale: September 12, 2017
Age: 10 and up
Grade: Grade 5 & Up
Page count: 240 Pages
ISBN: 9780399172809
Reading level: Lexile: 840L
Mike Lupica (mikelupicabooks.com) is the #1 bestselling author of many popular books for young readers, including
Fantasy League,
Travel Team, Heat, and
Million-Dollar Throw. He has carved out a niche as the sporting world’s finest storyteller. Mike lives in Connecticut with his wife and their four children. When not writing novels, Mike Lupica writes for New York's
Daily News, appears weekly on ESPN's
The Sports Reporters, and is a special correspondent for MSNBC. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeLupica.
"Lupica has crafted another fine sports story for the middle school reader."—
VOYA
"Young readers, no matter their level of interest in the game, will be drawn in by this touching, timely story."—
Booklist
"There is plenty of great football action to keep the sports enthusiasts engaged, and the information about concussive injury is easily understood and applied. This is an entertaining read that also imparts an important message."—
School Library Connection
Praise for Mike Lupica“Lupica is the greatest sports writer for middle school readers.”—
VOYA on
True Legend “Lupica has the knowledge of the game and the lean prose to make a taut, realistic story not just about the game but about heart, character, and family.”—
Kirkus Reviews on
Travel Team “The dialogue crackles, and the rich cast of supporting characters nearly steals the show. Top-notch entertainment in the Carl Hiaasen mold.”—
Booklist, starred review of
Heat “Lupica gives his readers a behind-the-scenes look at major league sports. In this novel, he adds genuine insights into family dynamics.”—
Booklist on
The Batboy “Lupica will win a Pulitzer for his sportswriting one day (he should have won it already).”—
The New York Times on
Heat
