Penalty Shot

February 1, 1997
Gr 3-6-In addition to being worried about losing his place on the hockey team because of a low English grade, Jeff becomes a victim of sabotage. He is shocked when Kevin, his best friend, receives a cruel note in Jeff's handwriting. To make matters worse, Jeff gets another low grade on his English paper even after correcting his mistakes with his tutor. He soon discovers that a teammate has been forging his handwriting. Christopher uses straightforward sentence structure and a simple vocabulary. Characters show positive yet realistic values-Jeff in dreading the tutor but knowing he needs help and the culprit in admitting his guilt. The mystery progresses quickly, provides clues that lead to more than one suspect, and reaches a satisfying conclusion. Some readers may not guess the ending, but they will feel successful in organizing the clues in their minds. Libraries needing more hockey stories will want to include this one in their collection.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, VA

January 1, 1997
Gr. 3^-5. Christopher's legion of fans will enjoy this fast-paced, action-packed sports story. After getting kicked off the hockey team because of bad grades, talented player Jeff Conner is determined to get back on and keep his starting position during the new season. He does keep it, thanks in part to help from a high-school writing tutor. But then life takes a downward turn when a threatening note forged in Jeff's handwriting is sent to Kevin, his best friend on and off the ice. Although the mystery is the most contrived part of the story, kids will probably like it, especially since Christopher throws in a red herring. Christopher gets the play-by-play scenes and the dynamics between the teammates just right. With a tidy ending that is reassuring, this has a sitcom ease that is sure to guarantee its popularity. ((Reviewed January 1 & 15, 1997))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1997, American Library Association.)