Triple Threat

March 1, 2005
Gr 4-6 -Nick and Kia, 10, are on the basketball court at the recreation center in this eighth book in the series. Their game is quickly interrupted by three bullies who tell them to get off "their court." One of the guys kicks Nick's basketball into the street where it is deflated by a bus. Angry and defeated, the two friends head toward Nick's house where the boy's father is waiting to take them to the mall to see "Junk Yard Dog," an NBA player, and his brother QTMC, a motivational speaker. Kia talks JYD into playing at the rec center in order to defeat the guys who chased her and Nick away. While a bit predictable, the action-filled game teaches all of the players that respect is important and winning is not everything. The book is a bit heavy-handed in presenting morals, and there is an emphasis on lessons being learned and advice given by parents and other adults, but the many action scenes will appeal to die-hard sports fans. In some of the black-and-white drawings, Kia and Nick look younger than they are supposed to be." -Kelly Czarnecki, Bloomington Public Library, IL"

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