LAST SHOT: A Final Four Mystery

Author, journalist, National Public Radio commentator and college basketball junkie Feinstein is in the zone—the comfort zone, that is—with this crisp adaptation of his first book for kids, a page-turner set during college b-ball's championship tournament. At age 13, aspiring sportswriter Stevie Johnson has scored a coup: he's won a writing contest that has earned him a trip to the NCAA final four, with official press access. But the amazing weekend gets especially interesting when Stevie and his fellow contest winner Susan Carol overhear a potential blackmailing scheme, as someone threatens a star Minnesota State player to throw the final game against Duke. Can the newbie reporters unravel a scandal? Listeners will want to stick with Feinstein's knowing, relaxed reading to find out. Though the low-key narration does not always paint a big dramatic sound, the author's passion for sports and knack for creating an exciting plot is evident. Feinstein's shout-outs to real sports journalists, coaches and players are a bonus for fans, as is an interview at the end of the program about the author's early career path and his opinion of contemporary college athletics. Ages 10-14. (Feb.)