• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Fifteen-year-old Nick Carver is tired of living in his older brother's shadow.

Markus is the lacrosse team hero, love interest of Nick's longtime crush and now the recipient of a prestigious scholarship from the Philston Weiks Academy. When a mistake at provincials results in Markus's goal being discounted, rumors start going around school that he cheated. Suddenly, Philston Weiks is "rethinking" Markus's scholarship offer. They've also invited other players, including Nick, to try out for Markus's spot. Nick is flattered but conflicted. He's pretty sure his brother didn't cheat. But can he prove it? And if he does, will he ruin his one chance to finally be in the spotlight?

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

M.J. McIsaac's profile page

• Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection

M.J. McIsaac was born in Oakville, Ontario, and completed a master’s degree in writing for children at the University of Winchester. She has three little brothers, all of whom play lacrosse. They inspired her to write this book. M.J. currently lives in Toronto, Ontario, where you can find her writing and taking care of one noisy beagle and a very hungry Lab.

"[An] enjoyable, fast-paced story...with relatable characters and a believable storyline..Highly recommended."

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"An action packed read and sports fans will appreciate the play-by-play scenes of the games. Readers new to lacrosse will still be able to understand the basic game play and rules. The characters are believable and the fast paced book will hook readers."

Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group (SOYAMRG)

"McIsaac’s blend of suspense, sports action, and realistic drama keeps the story moving in the hallways, in the locker room, and during game play."

Publishers Weekly

"McIsaac proves she can create engaging, high-impact fiction, bringing a necessary edginess to the lacrosse scenes and antagonism between the players."

Quill & Quire

"Action and suspense abound as the excitement of the lacrosse games is vividly described...Will engage and thrill lower-level readers and reluctant readers."

TriState Young Adult Book Review

"Fast-paced action, strong characterization, short paragraphs, and relatively simple vocabulary produce a smoothly executed...read. Nick’s voice is strong, and his love of sport, desire to excel, and sense of fair play are well-expressed...An enjoyable read that is well constructed, and it will likely find its audience among sports lovers and reluctant readers."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials