Play by Play CL

There's plenty of tenderness in this down-to-earth story about an average boy who wants to be more than average. When a new coach introduces soccer at school, Jeremy sees his chance. As in most rousing sports stories, team effort and friendship are the things that really matter, but the practices and games are clippingly handled and carry those themes. Jeremy has more talent than he knowsnot just for accurate kicking but for loyalty, perception and forgiveness. He has to be strong to stand up to his best friend Lloyd, a sports nut who ""gets crazy and says mean things'' when he competes. Although the author never settles whether girls are welcome or not on the motley team, he is sensitive to Jeremy's need for encouragement and warmth from his father and coach. (812)