Underhand

by M.J. McIsaac

Overview

Fifteen-year-old Nick Carver is tired of living in his older brother's shadow.

Markus is the lacrosse team hero, love interest of Nick's longtime crush and now the recipient of a prestigious scholarship from the Philston Weiks Academy. When a mistake at provincials results in Markus's goal being discounted, rumors start going around school that he cheated. Suddenly, Philston Weiks is "rethinking" Markus's scholarship offer. They've also invited other players, including Nick, to try out for Markus's spot. Nick is flattered but conflicted. He's pretty sure his brother didn't cheat. But can he prove it? And if he does, will he ruin his one chance to finally be in the spotlight?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459804180
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	03/01/2014
Series:	Orca Sports Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
Lexile:	HL570L (what's this?)
File size:	803 KB
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

M.J. McIsaac is the author of several books for young people, including Boil Line and Underhand in the Orca Sports line and the Orca Currents title Alien Road. She has a master's degree in writing for children and is an accomplished illustrator as well. She lives with her family in Whitby, Ontario.

Editorial Reviews

01/20/2014
In this entry in the Orca Sports series, written at a fourth-grade level, a rumor about cheating in high school lacrosse riles up local players. Markus is a star for the Maplehurst Vikings, earning him kudos from coaches and other players—even his teammate and younger brother, Nick, who plays in his shadow. When gossip about a key play in a Vikings game threatens Markus’s scholarship to a prestigious prep school, Nick puts his jealousy aside and unravels a mystery to get at the truth. McIsaac’s blend of suspense, sports action, and realistic drama keeps the story moving in the hallways, in the locker room, and during game play. Simultaneously available: Above All Else by Jeff Ross. Ages 10–up. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

"McIsaac proves she can create engaging, high-impact fiction, bringing a necessary edginess to the lacrosse scenes and antagonism between the players."

Quill & Quire

"Action and suspense abound as the excitement of the lacrosse games is vividly described...Will engage and thrill lower-level readers and reluctant readers."

Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee

"An action packed read and sports fans will appreciate the play-by-play scenes of the games. Readers new to lacrosse will still be able to understand the basic game play and rules. The characters are believable and the fast paced book will hook readers."

Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group

"Fast-paced action, strong characterization, short paragraphs, and relatively simple vocabulary produce a smoothly executed...read. Nick’s voice is strong, and his love of sport, desire to excel, and sense of fair play are well-expressed...An enjoyable read that is well constructed, and it will likely find its audience among sports lovers and reluctant readers."

CM Magazine

"[An] enjoyable, fast-paced story...with relatable characters and a believable storyline..Highly recommended."

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