Juice

August 1, 2005
Gr 6-9 -Written at a 2.9+ reading level (as indicated on the back cover), this story will appeal to students who lack strong reading skills. Moose is an excellent football player, a good kid, and a good leader. A mixture of corrupt and well-meaning adults provide balance as he deals with a new coach who is determined to win at all costs. Steroid use is explored, as are the consequences of getting caught. The attraction of sports, flashy equipment, a desire to succeed, and a moral dilemma about how success should be achieved will keep readers engaged throughout. The moral of the story is crystal clear at the end and seems a bit overstated. Unfortunately, books for struggling older readers do not have much room for intricate plots or solid character development. While this one fits that category, it will find an audience." -Julie Webb, Shelby County High School, Shelbyville, KY"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2005
Gr. 6-9. Walters' small paperback in the Orca Soundings series for reluctant readers offers a simplistic glimpse into the world of high-school sports and steroids. Moose is a star defensive player in a town where football is everything. He is sorry that Coach Reeves is retiring, but thrilled that Coach Barnes appears to be backed by enough money to overhaul the training program. Tony, the coach's assistant, supervises team workouts and makes power drinks full of anabolic steroids. Unlike others on the team, Moose has been told what's up, and has agreed to take pills after promises about his future career. When his personality becomes more volatile, he wonders if he should stop, but before he decides, Coach Barnes is unmasked and good old Coach Reeves returns to encourage the team to cooperate with the investigation. This is written at such a surface level, that it's hard to take seriously, though the book's simplicity will probably grab plenty of kids. The thoroughly foreshadowed ending hits readers over the head, but perhaps that's what's needed to attract attention to the problem and make it personal.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)