About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Del plays striker on his high school soccer team, the Cardinals, and they’ve gone almost three seasons undefeated.
To Del, it’s just a game, but some of the players think winning is all that matters. When an ugly tackle results in a major loss for the Cardinals against their main rival, the Rebels, things get heated between the teams. That night, one of Del’s teammates has his ankle broken by an unknown assailant, leaving him unable to take part in the playoffs.
As Del tries to figure out which of the Rebels’ players is responsible for the attack, his coach brings in a substitute player, and he’s actually really good. Is it just a coincidence, or did someone finally take the above all else mentality too far?
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
Contributor Notes
Jeff Ross is the author of four previous YA novels, all with Orca Book Publishers. He teaches scriptwriting and English at Algonquin College in Ottawa, where he lives with his wife and two kids. His previous books have been listed on the CCBC’s Best Books for Teens and YALSA’s Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers. His soccer skills have been in question since he was six, but sometimes determination is more important than skill. Right?
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Editorial Reviews
"Part detective story, part teenage romance, part reality show, and quite an entertaining quick read. Author Jeff Ross obviously knows his subject, audience and characters very well."
— Resource Links
"A fast-paced mystery with some excellent dialogue, action scenes, and an important message: one should not jump to conclusions and/or judge others until all of the evidence is in."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
