Margie H. (maggiescorner) reviewed on + 5 more book reviews
From School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-Seventh-grader Whisper can't stand soccer. Her little sister is the family sports star. However, Whisper is the one who is tapped for a contest promotion and she must try to kick a goal past the town's leading professional star in front of a whole stadium full of soccer fanatics. The prize is one million dollars, but Whisper isn't sure the potential humiliation is worth it. She suspects that no one in her family really believes she can do it. Her classmates don't offer much support either. It seems her only ally is Jesse, a self-styled "computer nerd," and Whisper doesn't know if she wants to be seen with him, even if he has created a laptop simulation that could help her succeed. Gutman paints a sharp, funny portrait of middle-school society. The dialogue rings true and the various cliques and subgroups will strike a familiar chord with adolescent readers. This is an exciting sports story with a compelling message about individuality and self-confidence, as well as a touch of romance.
Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Gr 5-8-Seventh-grader Whisper can't stand soccer. Her little sister is the family sports star. However, Whisper is the one who is tapped for a contest promotion and she must try to kick a goal past the town's leading professional star in front of a whole stadium full of soccer fanatics. The prize is one million dollars, but Whisper isn't sure the potential humiliation is worth it. She suspects that no one in her family really believes she can do it. Her classmates don't offer much support either. It seems her only ally is Jesse, a self-styled "computer nerd," and Whisper doesn't know if she wants to be seen with him, even if he has created a laptop simulation that could help her succeed. Gutman paints a sharp, funny portrait of middle-school society. The dialogue rings true and the various cliques and subgroups will strike a familiar chord with adolescent readers. This is an exciting sports story with a compelling message about individuality and self-confidence, as well as a touch of romance.
Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
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