Sports Camp

By Rich Wallace

Book Overview

Riley feels like the smallest kid at sports camp. In fact, he is. He just turned eleven in April, but most kids here are twelve, and a few are even thirteen--and gigantic. It's hard enough for a shrimp like Riley to fit in. He just doesn't want to be the weak link as his bunk competes for the Camp Olympia Trophy.

Riley knows he's no good at strength and accuracy games like basketball and softball. But when it comes to speed and endurance events, like running and swimming, he's better than he looks. He's pretty sure he can place in the top ten--and bring in major trophy points--in the final mile-long swim race across Lake Surprise. But he doesn't count on being followed by the shadow of Big Joe, the giant vicious snapping turtle of camp lore. Wasn't that supposed to be a legend?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440239931
• ISBN13: 9780440239932
• Release Date: March 2012
• Publisher: Rh Childrens Books
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.3" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Book Review: [...]

Riley feels like the smallest kid at sports camp. In fact, he is. He just turned eleven in April, but most kids here are twelve, and a few are even thirteen--and gigantic. It's hard enough for a shrimp like Riley to fit in. He just doesn't want to be the weak link as his bunk competes for the Camp Olympia Trophy. Riley knows he's no good at strength and accuracy games like basketball and softball. But when it comes to speed and endurance events, like running and swimming, he's better than he looks. He's pretty sure he can place in the top ten--and bring in major trophy points--in the final mile-long swim race across Lake Surprise. But he doesn't count on being followed by the shadow of Big Joe, the giant vicious snapping turtle of camp lore. Wasn't that supposed to be a legend? Review: Sports camp like any other camp has all the usual "campy" elements....mosquitoes, cabins, a mess hall with questionable food, practical jokes, a bully and of course the obligatory scary stories. The scariest of all? An evil foot-chomping snapping turtle called Big Joe. Chock full of sporty competitive moments where the underdog is doing his best to win. I like the realism though in that Riley has his share of wins and losses but keeps his determination. This is a great book for kid who likes to read about sports and the build up to the big game or final showdown. The story is well paced and has enough sporty suspense to keep readers wanting more. Best suited for grades 3 to 7.