Game Changers

In this series opener, Lupica offers another sports hero who must prove himself to coaches who can’t see beyond his short stature. Ben McBain’s father played college football with Doug Flutie, who at 5-ft.-9-in. was the smallest player ever to win the Heisman. Ben has inherited his father’s athleticism but, unfortunately, his petite mother’s build: at age 11, he hasn’t yet cracked five feet. He’s also got the coach’s son, Shawn, filling the spot he wants: quarterback. When Shawn chokes under pressure during the first two games, Ben, an uncommonly mature tween with an encyclopedic knowledge of famous moments in gridiron history, is torn between helping a teammate and hoping he’ll be called on to replace him. The contemporary setting (kids carry cellphones) has a 1950s feel: Ben’s mother knows nothing about sports, is home whenever Ben returns from school, and is always available to make lunch or brownies for Ben and his pals. The on-field action is well described right up through the formulaic ending, which finds Ben in the Flutie role during the championship game. Ages 7–11. Agent: Esther Newberg, ICM. (May)