Sidetracked

Although the main character in this warm and funny book is a boy, I include it in my list of favorite books about girls who love sports because the best athlete in this story of a middle-school cross country team is a girl. She’s the team member all the other kids depend on. The team member who pushes Joseph Friedman – a boy with attention challenges, innumerable phobias, and no athletic “gifts” – to keep trying. She just won’t let Joseph give up. I love the relationships between the teammates in this book. And I love the way Asher shows… show more.

Joseph Friedman of Sidetracked is yet another likable character who feels he is terrible at everything, including all sports. Having ADD doesn’t help. But when he’s encouraged to join his school track team, he finds he enjoys trying to beat his own personal best even if he still isn’t very good. I especially enjoyed how Joseph finds new meaning in his life and a new friend, Heather, who can even stand up to the school bully. She’s a wonderful help to Joseph and boosts his confidence. Together they form a great team.