1997
WISE Score
Amazon
A high-stakes foul shot, a sketchy snack-cake mogul, and a kid just trying to get his mom out of a trailer park—classic Gutman wish-fulfillment.
4.8
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Dan Gutman is the king of the 'reluctant reader' shelf for a reason. This book doesn't try to be high art; it just tries to be a propulsive, fun story that kids actually want to finish.
Even though it's nearly 30 years old, the dream of hitting a game-winning shot is timeless. It’s a clean, quick read that rewards persistence and calls out bullies, even the ones in suits. If your kid is struggling to find a book they don't want to put down, this is a very safe bet.
Best for the 8-11 crowd. It’s written simply enough for a 3rd grader to fly through but the 'big money' hook keeps 5th graders turning pages.
It's a classic underdog story centered on a tight-knit friendship and a kid trying to help his widowed mom. The values are centered on hard work and integrity versus corporate greed.
While it's a fun 'what if' scenario, it stays firmly planted in the real world. The creativity lies in the clever contest-rigging and the protagonist's training methods.
Extremely safe middle-grade fiction. No language, violence, or mature themes beyond the stress of poverty and a few 'bad guy' antics from the corporate villain.
Great for reluctant readers. It emphasizes that 'talent' is mostly just obsessive practice and touches on the ethics of big business in a way kids can actually grasp.
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