Track Attack

October 1, 2009
Gr 2-4-Jazz, Goose, Rita, Henry, and Rocky are back in another episode in this beginning-chapter-book sports series. Jazz is torn between her love of running and her love for her dad. A former track star himself, he can't stop giving her unwanted advice, coaching the coach, and even arguing with the referee during meets. Her friends take a backseat in this installment, but are still there offering support. Jazz and her dad work on their relationship, with Jazz understanding his love for her, and her dad learning his boundaries when it comes to track. Sports lovers will race through the story, picking up track and running tips along the way. Gane's black-and-white illustrations fully express the characters' emotions, struggles, and triumphs. Hicks sprints to the finish line with another winner."Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2009
Grades 2-5 Choosing new track shoes becomes an ordeal for Jazz when her dad insists that she should have spikes, even though her coach has laid down the law: No spikes. As much as she loves track and as much as she loves her father, she often finds it hard to reconcile the two. Dad knows plenty about running, but while his tips are sometimes helpful, his overenthusiastic approach is not. After he challenges a refs call, hes even asked to leave Jazzs track meet. Addressing a problem faced by many children, this early chapter book doesnt provide any easy answers, but it does end with better communication and the possibility of change. Jazzs emotionsembarrassment and fear of hurting her fathers feelingsare as sensitively portrayed as those of her father, a single parent who goes overboard in sharing his knowledge of sports and cheering for his daughter. Many expressive black-and-white pictures illustrate this solid addition to the Gym Shorts series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)