Tim Green
HarperCollins (2008)
ISBN 9780061122750
Reviewed by Brianne Plach (age 10) for Reader Views (7/08)
Welcome to the world of the National Football League! “Tiger” Lewis is predicted to be a top draft choice. His future looks bright and he should be rolling in fame and fortune very soon. He is all excited about the upcoming draft. He wants his younger brother Ty to join him for the “big draft weekend.”
Ty would love to spend more time with his older brother but he has major obstacles in his way. Ty is a pretty good football player as well. Only thing is he can’t even compete for his school’s team. Uncle Gus and Aunt Victoria are Ty’s legal guardians now that Ty and Tiger’s parents have been killed in a car accident. Uncle Gus demands that Ty work in his cleaning business. What kind of life can this be for a young boy who has high hopes for a future like his older brother? Gus is obsessed with gambling! He can’t seem to ever pass up a good or a not so good bet.
Ty Tiger is drafted by the Jets. Ty is excited for his brother. “Football Hero” tells the story of a draft choice in his rookie season in the National Football League. The author Tim Green uses his own experiences as being a draft choice and NFL rookie to bring insight to the story.
Middle schoolers will love this story. Aspiring athletes will see the turmoil that goes into their beloved game and the hard work that it takes. There is a touch of mystery in the story as you wonder if Uncle Gus can ever be cured of his addiction without drastic trouble or destruction. Even if you want to read just one book about the NFL, football or young adults this summer, you will want to snag this one. “Football Hero” by Tim Green is a sure-fire touchdown for young readers!
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