REVIEWS+

Sports Camp

by Rich Wallace
149p. 978-0-37584-059-3.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3-6 When 11-year-old Riley Liston arrives at Camp Olympia, he quickly realizes that it's going to be a long two weeks. As one of the youngest and smallest campers, he lacks the skills at basketball and softball that the older guys have. Normally, he wouldn't mindhe knows he's a good swimmer and runnerbut the cabins are all competing for the coveted Big Joe Trophy (named after the legendary snapping turtle that inhabits the lake), and Riley doesn't want to be the person who takes the Cabin 3 Threshers out of the running. His concerns seem well-founded: during the games, loud Barry berates Riley for his playing, and none of the guys goes out of his way to make the boy feel like part of the gang. But he perseveres, and friendships slowly develop as a few cabin mates begin swimming laps each day in preparation for the marathon swimming race that occurs the last night of camp. Despite bumps along the way, the boys in Cabin 3 hold their own, and the question of which cabin will claim the Big Joe Trophy is anybody's call. Wallace has a talent for capturing adolescent boys' behavior, and while the plot is formulaic and some of the plot requires suspending belief, the story has appeal. Each chapter ends with a Camp Olympia Bulletin, the daily newsletter that keeps everyone apprised of upcoming activities and team standings. Purchase where sports stories by Matt Christopher and Dan Gutman are popular."Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.
Eleven-year-old Riley Liston is the youngest kid at Camp Olympia. Spooked by talk of a snapping turtle that eats campers, he also feels inadequate as his cabin competes for the summer's sports trophy. Riley gradually gains confidence when he realizes his water skills can help his group win. The story boasts memorable characters, fast sports action, and an upbeat finish.
Although Riley isn’t an exceptional athlete, his talent and drive make him a character to root for. The sleepaway-camp setting is well-realized, with rivalries between cabins and various legends, including one about a snapping turtle. Chapter-ending camp bulletins give added details about the campers’ activities and provide updates on their competition for the Big Joe Trophy. Riley’s adjustment to camp—being away from home for the first time, gradually gaining acceptance from his cabin/team members, feeling frustration with competitors, and his role in the culminating swim race—feels realistic. Rich Wallace writes lively, convincing action scenes for a variety of sports, including basketball, relay racing, and water polo.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?