Reviews

Extra Yard by Mike Lupica

lizzied2003's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

yapha's review against another edition

4.0

This second book in the Home Team series takes Jack, Gus, Teddy, & Cassie into football season. (This one is told from Teddy's point of view.) A new league has formed in their area, one step above Pop Warner and the three boys try out. It has always been Teddy's dream to play football, and after his transformation in [b:The Only Game|22546586|The Only Game|Mike Lupica|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1424053671s/22546586.jpg|42003342], he finally gets that chance. He still lacks self-confidence, but with Jack, Gus, and Cassie on his side, he plays his hardest and makes the team. His life at home is shook up when his father (whom he has seen 6 times in 8 years) moves back to town. To complicate matters more, Teddy's father is good friends with the football coach and starts showing up at all of the practices. Teddy doesn't want to let his dad back into his life, but he may not have a choice, since he also wants to be the best football player that he can. Filled with drama both on and off the field, this book will appeal to football players and fans of the first book. I recommend reading the series in order for a better understanding of the characters. I'm looking forward to the next book, which will hopefully be basketball. Recommended for grades 4 & up.

mckenzie22's review against another edition

3.0

If I had to describe this book in one word, based on quality, I would describe it as "okay." I liked the story a lot, and the I liked the characters pretty well. I just feel like the writing style was a little bland. Mike Lupica did a great job of developing the relationship between Teddy and his dad, however, and I really liked the part at the end where ***SPOILER ALERT*** Teddy's dad comes back from California and turns down both jobs so he can be with Teddy. I also liked that Lupica didn't let Teddy and the team win the championship game, showing that the sports world is rarely perfect and you're going to lose. Unfortunately, sometimes it happens in the championship game. I liked Cassie, but she could be annoying at points. All the characters could be annoying at points, and they just seemed... flat. The writing style just seemed 2D- there was something about it that I just didn't like and made me like the book less. I think I'm still going to read the rest of the series because I liked the book and would like to read the rest of the series. I want to see the rest of the character's perspectives, especially Cassie's.

amdame1's review against another edition

3.0

It's been Teddy and his mom for as long as he can remember. His dad left them and went to Oregon when Teddy was young. Lately Teddy has struggled with losing weight and getting fit and making new friends; he is excited (and nervous) to try out for a competitive football team. Then dad comes back into the picture.

I liked the friendships in this book - although I'm not quite sure the initial friendship between Jack and Teddy would have happened in a real middle school, but I like to think that it could... Lots of authentic family interactions as well. Plus lots of (duh) football action, some of which I admit to skimming over.