Karate Kick
Matt Christopher, Stephanie Peters
Paperback
(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, July 1, 2009)
Cole Richards has been training in karate for four years. He's on the brink of advancing to his next belt level, but as he prepares for his test, new challenges come his way. First, his dojo announces a "create-your-own kata" contest to take place the same day as his belt test. Now he's torn between practicing for the test and making up a series of moves that will knock his sensei's socks off. But before he even begins with either challenge, he lands in trouble with a group of local teens -- and then with his best friends, too! How will Cole handle the mounting pressure? With themes of jealousy, competition, and bullying, Matt Christopher brings together important life lessons and the thrill of karate.
Q