81 pages • 2 hours read
Game Changer
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2018
Middle grade
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
Tommy Greenwald’s Game Changer (2018) explores the turbulent aftermath of a life-threatening head injury suffered by 13-year-old promising football player Teddy Youngblood during a scrimmage at Walthorne High School's summer football camp. As Teddy lies in a coma, his town grapples with the injury's implications, questioning the coach’s responsibility and the role of high school football, while emerging evidence suggests foul play amidst the team’s toxic culture.
Challenging
Emotional
Inspirational
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
2,831 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tommy Greenwald's Game Changer captures the intense world of youth sports and its darker sides. Reviewers praise its engaging narrative and relatable characters, though some feel the pacing could be tighter. The story poignantly addresses peer pressure and ethics, resonating well with both teens and adults. Overall, a compelling read with meaningful lessons.
Who Should Read Game Changer?
A reader who enjoyed Tommy Greenwald's Game Changer is likely a middle-grade to young adult fan who appreciates sports fiction with a focus on moral dilemmas, personal growth, and contemporary issues. Fans of Mike Lupica’s Heat or Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover would enjoy the engaging narrative and relatable characters.
2,831 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jim Youngblood
Jim Youngblood
Teddy’s father, a former high school football player who nostalgically values football and grapples with the reality of his son's injury and its implications.
Sarah Youngblood
Sarah Youngblood
Teddy’s mother, deeply anxious and protective, who opposes the influence of football and is concerned for Teddy’s well-being in the hospital.
Ethan Metzger
Ethan Metzger
A teammate of Teddy's who struggles with guilt over the incident that led to Teddy’s injury, eventually confronting the reality of what occurred during football camp.
304
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2018
Middle grade
10-14 years
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