My Underrated Year

Roger Ottosen finds his sophomore year turned upside down by the arrival of twins--Paul, who becomes a rival for a position on the varsity football-team, and Mary, who not only competes with Roger on the tennis court, but also becomes the object of his infatuation

Grade 7-10 Roger Ottosen's football and tennis aspirations are jeopardized when twins Paul and Mary Jo Mountain enroll in his sophomore class. First, Paul beats Roger for the coveted varsity running back position, then Roger learns that Mary Jo, his secret hearththrob, plans to challenge his number one position on the tennis team. Discouraged but determined, Roger rallies his confidence and talents and reaps rewards. Abruptly promoted from junior varsity to varsity punt returner, Roger wins points and the ``Most Underrated'' award by season's end. At the same time, fear of competition on the tennis court inhibits Roger and Mary Jo's budding romance. When Roger's training and concentration ultimately defeat Mary Jo, their friendship is tested but not destroyed. Roger's candid narration humorously and poignantly exposes the fragile ego of the teenage athlete. Adolescent anxiety, jealousy, insecurity, and an all-consuming passion for sports make Roger an appealing and believable character. In addition, as he learns about his own limits and capabilities, he gains respect and appreciation for the emotional struggles of his stepfather and widowed mother. Sports fans will enjoy the close-up descriptions of exciting moments in both football and tennis (although they may wonder why Mary Jo is the only girl trying out for the boys tennis team). Teen readers will empathize with the emotional roller coaster of high-school sports and friendships. Gerry Larson, Chewning Junior High School, Durham, N.C.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Roger begins his sophomore year believing it will be his best ever. He is sure to be one of the few undergraduates on the varsity football team, and he is certain to be the number-one tennis player on the team when that season opens. Then a set of twins, Paul and Mary Jo, move into town: Paul is a crushing success on the football team and usurps Roger's place; Mary Jo is a tennis player who trounces Roger's main competitor in a friendly game. Roger is afraid to play her, psyched out by her skill and by his secret crush on her. By the end of this action-packed book, however, Roger has made a place for himself on varsity, and beats Mary Jo on the courts. The most involving aspect of the non-sports scenes can be found in the relationship between Roger and his mother, and her new husband, an older manmany of those scenes are genuinely moving. Despite those, it is easy to sum up Roger's underrated year: between the desire and the achievement fall few shadows and, therefore, almost no suspense. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.