Standing their ground against bigger and stronger kids isn't the most fearful obstacle Nick and Kia face. Making the squad doesn't change the feelings the other players have towards them; being a teammate doesn't always make someone want to be your friend, your buddy, or your pal. So how can they work together to be Clark All-Star winners, even if they can't conceivably beat Vista Heights in the big game?

      This all leads the reader into conventional sports' truisms that pass as virtue. All the players have to learn that being a team player means overcoming individual differences for the greater good. They must accept that there are winners and losers in games, and that a willingness to dig deep just might get them back into the finals again next year. The delicious irony for Nick and Kia is that next year they will only be in grade four; they get to be on the team for two more years.

      The book's morality tale is not totally offensive: however, it promotes the organized, competitive, destructiveness that drives many young children away from sport and recreational activity. Eric Walters needs to rethink his philosophy of elementary school physical education.

Not Recommended.