Football Fugitive – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Football Fugitive

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book1976

74%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

A vintage gridiron mystery where the biggest tackle is the one Larry has to make on his own family secrets.

Football Fugitive

book

1976

74%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

A vintage gridiron mystery where the biggest tackle is the one Larry has to make on his own family secrets.

4.4

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Screenwise Verdict

Matt Christopher is the GOAT for a reason. He basically invented the 'sports book for kids who hate reading' genre, and Football Fugitive holds up surprisingly well for a book from 1976.

It’s clean, earnest, and provides a decent emotional hook with the 'dad on the lam' subplot. That said, let’s be real: for a kid raised on high-octane graphic novels or TikTok, the pacing might feel a bit like watching a game in slow motion. It’s a solid, safe choice for a football-obsessed kid, but don't expect it to compete with Wings of Fire for pure 'un-put-down-able' energy.

Age Fit

Best for 8 to 12-year-olds. It’s specifically calibrated for that middle-grade sweet spot where kids are starting to play organized sports and notice social hierarchies.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Matt Christopher is the king of the 'good sportsman' trope. The book focuses on integrity, resilience, and navigating difficult family dynamics without becoming cynical or edgy.

Imaginative

It's a standard sports procedural. While it helps kids visualize game mechanics and strategy, it doesn't break new ground in terms of creative world-building or narrative structure.

Safe

Originally published in 1976, this is as safe as it gets. No profanity, no graphic violence, and no modern 'mature' themes. The 'fugitive' element is handled with middle-grade appropriate tension.

Enriching

Great for reluctant readers. It tackles the emotional weight of a child carrying a parent's 'shame' and emphasizes that your character is defined by your actions, not your family's mistakes.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Perfect for kids who are obsessed with football stats and play-by-play action.
Short, punchy chapters that don't intimidate kids who usually avoid books.
Handles the 'embarrassing parent' trope with more depth than your average sports story.
Teaches that you can't control the rumors, but you can control how you play the game.

⚠

What to Watch For

It was written in the 70s—expect some dated slang and very traditional gender roles in the background.
The 'fugitive' plot is more of a domestic drama than a high-stakes thriller; don't expect Jason Bourne for 10-year-olds.

Conversation Starters

"If everyone was talking about our family behind your back, would you still want to be in the spotlight on a team?"
"How does Larry's focus on football help him deal with his dad being away?"
"Do you think sportsmanship was different back when this book was written, or are the rules of being a good teammate the same today?"

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