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Description
At Haskell Indian Boarding School in 1920, fifteen-year-old Howard Tucker is known for his intelligence, but all he wants is to play football. The scrawny teen dreams of taking the field, and when legendary athlete Jim Thorpe offers him advice, Howard finally gets his chance to prove himself in the big game.
Quick Summary
If you've got a kid who loves sports stories but needs something at a reading level that won't frustrate them, this one's a solid pick. Set at the Haskell Indian Boarding School in 1920, it follows fifteen-year-old Howard Tucker a brainy kid who is definitely more interested in football than his studies and his unexpected connection with the legendary Jim Thorpe. The story has that underdog vibe kids eat up, with a protagonist who's scrappy and determined even when the odds seem stacked against him. It's relatively short and moves quickly, which makes it perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who wants a quick, satisfying story without a huge time commitment. The historical setting gives it some educational weight without feeling preachy, and there's enough heart and humor to keep things light. Fans of books like "Heat" by Mike Lupica or other sports underdog stories will likely gravitate toward this one, though it offers something a bit different with its Native American boarding school setting and real historical figure woven into the tale.