Christopher Matt

Matt Christopher delves into the life of Jeff Gordon, the racing sensation, and recreates his memorable moments with exciting turn-by-turn action. This fast-paced biography includes photos, Gordon's stats, and a list of his NASCAR career highlights.

This revised edition is now part of our Passport to Reading program! In this level 3 reader, Mike's telepathic dog Harry is able to tell him what the other football team plans to do on the field but Mike wonders - is it cheating? Can he win the game without Harry's help? Completely re-illustrated in full color by popular artist Steve Björkman.

This revised edition is now part of our Passport to Reading program! Mike's telepathic dog Harry is able to send him secret signals about the opposing players on the baseball field, but Mike's weak pitching arm requires them to find another plan to save the game.

Competition is the name of the game in sports. But without a doubt, the fiercest battles are fought when longtime rivals come face to face. Here are in-depth looks at five such legendary rivalries: The Yankees versus the Red Sox, the Celtics versus the Lakers, the United versus the Galaxy, the Canadiens versus the Bruins, and the Bears versus the Packers. Each section is packed with intense play-by-play game action, recaps of classic moments that sparked the feuds and insights into heated clashes. And because it's Matt Christopher, young readers know they're getting the best sports writing on the shelf!

Tim Daniels is back at Camp Wikasaukee with rest of the gang from Nothin' But Net, serving as a mentor to three young rookies, and he's got his hands full! He's still working on keeping his height from getting in the way of his game--he's shorter than most of the guys. Plus, he's got a bully on his hands, and he's got to find a way to inspire his campers. Good thing NCAA pro Dick Dunbar is there to help Tim with with a super-cool shot that gives him the confidence to make his mark at camp.Packed with on the court action and useful lessons about the game, this is story that gets to the heart of what team sports are all about--and because it comes from Matt Christopher, young readers know they're getting the best sports writing on the shelf

Julian Pryce was once the star center of the Tornadoes. But when he joins a new team after his family moves, he suddenly finds himself riding the pine. It turns out the Warriors already have a starting center, Paul Boyd, who has no intention of sharing the court with Julian. The coach is no help, either, for one simple reason: Paul is his son! Now Julian may have to take drastic measures if he's going to get back into the game. . . but is he to blame when Paul winds up in the hospital?Young readers will enjoy this readable and fun story while taking away important lessons about competition, loyalty and friendship.

Outstanding. Unbelievable. Mindblowing. These are just a few of the words used to describe the talents of LeBron James. He was a sensation in his early days playing AAU ball in Akron, Ohio-and continued to amaze through his four years as a high school phenomenon. Now going into his fifth year as a star of the Cleveland Cavaliers, he is touted as the best player in basketball today. And for good reason: his dunks are monstrous, his no-look passes are things of beauty, his three-pointers seem effortless. But even more importantly, he is that one-of-a-kind superstar whose main goal isn't to rack up the stats-it's to make his team better.

Matt Christopher, the number one sports writer for kids, profiles basketball superstar Michael Jordan, covering his childhood, college career, rookie years, professional career highlights, and his short stint in minor league baseball. This reissue features an update, following Jordan from his re-entry into basketball as a player for the Washington Wizards to his third and final retirement announcement. With updated photos and Matt Christopher's easy-to-read style, this is a biography that's not to be missed. Updated photos and text will round out this Legends in Sports reissue and put Michael Jordan in league with other Legends in Sports, Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson.

Ask most Olympians how their story begins and they will answer, 'When I was young, I always dreamed of going to the Olympics. . .' Some will then go on to tell of their great athletic triumphs. Others will recall agonizing near-misses. But for most, the very fact that they reached the Games at all was a dream come true. For the Olympic Games offer athletes something few others sporting events can: the chance to be recognized as the best in the world at a chosen sport. With stories of great triumphs (such as Nadia Comaneci's great feat of scoring seven perfect scores in gymnastics) and losses (such as when U.S. diver Greg Louganis hit his head on the Olympic diving board), the Olympics not only embody the competitive human spirit, but also is stage for foreign relations and politics. Historical references, such as when countries were banned during times of war, combined with amazing sports stories give this book both an educational and exciting appeal.

Fourteen-year-old Kai Ford, a good surfer who respects the power of the sea, unfortunately does not always have the same respect for the privacy of other people. Original.

Tina Esparza loves everything about soccer, especially that it is a team sport where no one player is in the spotlight. Imagine her surprise when the coach asks her to train as goalkeeper. Will Tina be able to overcome her shyness and accept the position that puts her in the centre of attention?

Twelve-year-old Traci Winchell is a gifted gymnast, but lately she's been having trouble, so much trouble that her coach warns her she may need to drop out or else risk serious injury. Traci wants to find something to fill the void left by gymnastics, but is diving for her?

The Williams sister have captured the attention of the tennis crowd like no one has in recent years. Taken alone, each is a force to be reckoned with on the court. Each has the skills, the determination, and the strength to make it to the very top of her sport. Yet through all the competition - even times when they face each other on opposite sides of the net - they remain true to each other.

When Stookie Norris's brother, Greg, gets his picture in the paper for scoring three goals in one game, Stookie is dazzled. Greg insists strikers should try to score a hat trick every game. So when the 'Cats have their next game, Stookie does his best to score three goals - even though it means running wild chasing the ball. But is it the best way for him to play?

Theo Gordimer is a couch potato who prefers playing video games to playing sports. Then his world is rocked when his favourite aunt is diagnosed with cancer. Theo wants to do something - anything - other than visit the hospital and bring flowers. But what? Then a friend tells him about a 5km road race to benefit cancer research. Though he's nervous about the challenge Theo decides it's time to get off his couch. And so he begins a training program that opens a new door for him - and helps his aunt as well.

Eleven-year-old Chris is small for his age, so he can't believe it when he learns he's been selected for the exclusive all-star travelling hockey team. It's not all fun and games playing for the Arctic Wolves, however. Some of the kids on the opposition are much bigger and rougher, and they pick on Chris because of his size. But Chris isn't the only one getting picked on. His teammate, Derek, is an aggressive player who also happens to be the only African American in the league. Chris and Derek develop some powerful on-ice chemistry that makes them a winning combination. But will that be enough for them to prove that size and race doesn't matter?

All Renny Harding wants is to play centre-forward and help his team - the Blue Hornets - win the championship. All Bruce McCormack wants is to win the championship for his team - the Yellow Jackets - and to take home the MVP award. The two boys could not be more different, but can they be friends?

Women's soccer has never been more popular. At the top of the sport's list of star players is Mia Hamm. Her speed, aggressive play, and ability to "read the field" have sparked every team she's ever played on. At the University of North Carolina, she helped the Tar Heels capture four NCAA championships. Her continually stellar performances with the United States national team led them to win two out of three Women's World Cups, first in 1991 and again in 1999. And as a member of the 1996 gold medal-winning Olympic team, she played an outstanding final game on a sprained ankle. The holder of the world record for most goals scored in a career, she is the hero of thousands of soccer fans worldwide. Readers will devour every detail of this insightful biography of the best women's soccer player in the world. Get an up-close look at this superstar athlete with Matt Christopher, the number one sports series for kids. For more information on the Matt Christopher Sports Bio Bookshelf, please turn to the last pages of this book.

Ken Griffey Jr., son of former pro ballplayer Ken Griffey Sr., has baseball in his blood. From his early years hanging out at Yankee Stadium with his father through his high school days as a baseball star, Ken Jr. was destined to bring greatness to whatever team he played for. He fulfilled his destiny by helping shape his former team, the Seattle Mariners, into division champs. In 2000, Griffey took his legendary skills and famous smile to the Cincinnati Reds to try to win a World Series with his hometown team.

When Dana Bellamy overhears Benton Crawford badmouthing his father, he can't believe it. It seems Benton and the other members of the soccer team think Dana's father caused the fire. Determined to investigate, Dana uncovers the shocking truth behind the fire and faces a difficult choice.