Books in Matt Christopher Sports Classics series

Rob Lasher is just an ordinary soccer player, good at the game, but not great. Then one afternoon, he saves his coach's life in front of all his teammates. Suddenly, he's the team's hero. As some members of his team and the rest of the town continue to laud Rob's heroic act, Rob realizes he doesn't want the attention and any unearned accolades that come with it. Kids will learn that doing what is right should be the norm, not the exception.

On-court hostility threatens Mel's place on the team Mel Jensen is new to the Titans basketball team, but he knows he could be a vital part of the starting lineup-if only two other players would give him a chance to show his stuff. But Caskie and Stoney seem bent on ignoring him, and Mel knows it's because he's black. Should Mel fight fire with fire, or should he try to get along, if only for the sake of the team?

Jabber Morris has had his heart set on playing soccer, but his family is pressuring him to play football, a sport his father played and loved before he died. A tough situation is made even more difficult when suspicion of stealing a wallet falls on Jabber's shoulders. Now he has to tell his uncle that he's decided to play soccer once and for all -- and convince his brother that he's not a thief. But will either of them accept what he says?

Rocky Fletcher is being stretched to his limit. Until recently, he'd only played wide receiver for the Pythons. Now his coaches want him to learn the safety position, too-a position that opened up when Bobby, Rocky's best friend, broke his leg. Even though he believes he is to blame for Bobby's injury, Rocky eagerly takes on the challenge of becoming a two-way player. After all, the only other player available is Jared, a sullen boy who switched from soccer to football this season. Yet as time goes on, it's Jared who excels at the position because, thanks to Bobby, Rocky keeps missing practices! What's going on between Rocky and Bobby-and why is Jared on the team when he clearly dislikes football so much? Football Double Threat combines the action and excitement of football with relatable issues about envy, loyalty, and friendship.

Over one million copies sold! A baseball fan learns the true meaning of success in this beloved classic that will capture the imaginations of a new generation of young readers.Sylvester loves baseball, but he isn't exactly what you'd call a good hitter. Even though he wants nothing more than to join his neighborhood team, the Hooper Redbirds, he's sure he'll never do anything more than warm the bench. But then he meets the mysterious Mr. Baruth who promises to make Sylvester one of the best players ever. Suddenly, Sylvester goes from the worst player on the team to the kid who can only hit homers.With his overnight success, however, come tough questions. Will Sylvester ever learn the true meaning of teamwork? And what will happen when he has to learn to stand on his own?This beloved story about baseball, confidence, perseverance, and being a good teammate is a modern classic and sure to win over a new generation of young sports fans.

THE HOCKEY MACHINE Can Steve escape his kidnappers? After leading his hockey team to victory one afternoon, Steve Crandall accepts a ride home in the limousine of an avid fan his own age. Steve is surprised to learn that his fan is a multimillionaire and boy genius, but even more startling is the rich kid's proposal that Steve play center on his professional junior hockey team. Before Steve can respond or even consult his parents, he is flown to the team headquarters-where he soon discovers he's the multimillionaire's prisoner!