Lone Stars

An uplifting story about role models, football, and tackling fear set in the heart of Friday Night Lights country--from the bestselling author of Heat, Travel Team, and Fantasy League.

Clay is a quarterback's dream. When he zips across the field, arms outstretched, waiting for the ball to sail into his hands, there's no denying him the catch. Like most Texans, Clay is never more at home than when playing football. And his coach, a former star player for the Dallas Cowboys, is just like a second father.

But as the football season kicks off, Clay begins to notice some odd behavior from his coach--lapses in his memory and strange mood swings. The conclusion is painful, but obvious: Coach Cooper is showing side effects of the many concussions he sustained during his playing days. As Clay's season wears on, it becomes clear that the real victory will be to help his coach walk onto that famous star logo in the middle of Cowboys Field one last time--during a Thanksgiving day ceremony honoring him and his former Super Bowl-winning teammates.

In Lone Stars, #1 New York Times bestseller Mike Lupica demonstrates once again that there is no children's sports novelist today who can match his ability to weave a story of vivid sports action and heartfelt emotion. A touching story that proves life is bigger than a game.

Praise for Lone Stars

Lupica has crafted another fine sports story for the middle school reader.--VOYA

Young readers, no matter their level of interest in the game, will be drawn in by this touching, timely story.--Booklist

There is plenty of great football action to keep the sports enthusiasts engaged, and the information about concussive injury is easily understood and applied. This is an entertaining read that also imparts an important message.--School Library Connection


Author: Mike Lupica
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Published: 09/12/2017
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.92lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.20w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9780399172809
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.3
Point Value: 9
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 190770 / Lone Stars


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2017
Voice of Youth Advocates 08/01/2017 - Recommended - Readable
Booklist 09/01/2017 pg. 100
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2018 pg. 113 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Mike Lupica (mikelupicabooks.com) is the #1 bestselling author of many popular books for young readers, including Fantasy League, Travel Team, Heat, and Million-Dollar Throw. He has carved out a niche as the sporting world's finest storyteller. Mike lives in Connecticut with his wife and their four children. When not writing novels, Mike Lupica writes for New York's Daily News, appears weekly on ESPN's The Sports Reporters, and is a special correspondent for MSNBC. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeLupica.