Book Ordering Information

Eyes on the Goal Just before they’re due to start middle school, Jackson, Gig, Isaac, and Diego, four sports-loving friends, all attend the same weeklong soccer camp. Diego is an experienced soccer player, and Gig has a natural ability for the sport he never realized. But Jackson and Isaac are split into another group of players—a group with younger, smaller kids. For the first time, both boys aren’t the stars of their team. In fact, they can’t seem to get a handle on soccer. At the same time, Jackson is having a hard time getting a handle on his mom’s deepening relationship with her boyfriend, and her suggestion that they move in with him. And Gig is worried about his father’s deployment to Afghanistan. Here is a story about how life, like sports, can be unpredictable, frustrating, and exhilarating. Click to order from Scholastic, Red Balloon Bookshop, or Amazon.com		Top of the Order Jackson’s parents are divorced and his mother has started dating. Gig’s dad is in the National Guard and has been called up to serve in the Middle East. Isaac's dad wants him to go to a different middle school than all his friends. Diego is the new kid in school, a power-hitter who works with his family on the weekends and can't make every team practice. These four friends lead different lives, but on the baseball field, they're a strong team, the top of the order. In this crucial last year of elementary school, they’re faced with preparing for middle school and dealing with a new member of their team—a girl! John Coy takes readers into the hearts and minds of 5th grade boys, with plenty of baseball action that's sure to keep even the most reluctant readers turning the pages. Click to order from Scholastic, Red Balloon Bookshop, or Amazon.com

Box Out Liam has just been bumped up to starter on the varsity basketball team, and the pressure's on. With the girls' team heading to State, the boys' team is under even greater scrutiny than usual in Liam's small midwestern town. When the team's coach starts counting on the power of prayer—and enforcing teamwide participation—Liam finds himself in a spotlight that's more nerve-racking than any trip to the free-throw line. In trying to stand up for what's right, Liam is forced to stand up for himself—against his teammates, his fellow students, and even his parents. Click to order from Scholastic, Red Balloon Bookshop, or Amazon.com		Crackback Miles Manning, a high school junior, is feeling pressure from his father, his best friend, and his coach to be a better football player. Now he has to decide what he is willing to do and what he wants for himself both on and off the field. ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and starred review in Booklist Click to order from Scholastic, Red Balloon Bookshop, or Amazon.com

Around the World A girl and her brother join a pickup game in New York, but as the pages turn, the game shifts and spins around the world in this fast-paced tribute to international basketball. Bright, comic book inspired illustrations provide a feeling of movement and action. Featured title in the NBA’s Read to Achieve program Click to order from Red Balloon Bookshop or Amazon.com		Two Old Potatoes and Me In this Reading Rainbow selection, a girl and her father cut up two old potatoes and plant them in their backyard. They weed, water, and wait and follow the growing season to see if they will get new potatoes. Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book, Nick Jr.’s Best Family Books of the Year, and starred reviews in Publisher’s Weekly and School Library Journal. Click to order from Red Balloon Bookshop or Amazon.com

Night Driving As a boy and his father drive into the night, they watch the sun set, talk about baseball, sing cowboy songs, and let the miles roll past. The boy is excited to see mountains for the first time, but he isn’t sure how long he’ll be able to stay awake. Horn Book Honor List, New York Times Best Book of the Year, and Marion Vannett Ridgway Best Picture Book Click to order from Red Balloon Bookshop or Amazon.com		Strong to the Hoop Ten-year old James tries to hold his own and prove himself on the basketball court when the older boys ask him to join their game. Lively prose and striking llustrations deliver an important message about determination. ALA Notable Book, Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, Notable Book for A Global Society by the International Reading Association. Also available in Spanish: Directo al Aro Click to order from Red Balloon Bookshop or Amazon.com .

Vroomaloom Zoom Daddy takes Carmella on a car ride to help her fall asleep. But the wurgle lurgle of swamps, the pip o lip dip o lip of streams, and the hoopty doopty swoopty loopty of driving in circles don’t have quite the anticipated result. Children’s Literature Choice List for book of Excellence, Best Books of the year from Bank Street College, and starred review in School Library Journal. Click to order from Red Balloon Bookshop or Amazon.com