Bruce Adelson, J.D. (Children's Literature)
Kevin Taylor, back-up high school quarterback, is not used to the limelight. Indeed, he has grown complacent with his reserve role. But this changes quickly when star quarterback Rob Montgomery suffers a season ending injury in Warren High School's first game of the season, a season when the Lions are defending a championship. Thrust rather unwillingly into a starting role on his team, Kevin is forced to confront his own self-doubts. The author has created an impressive tale about what happens when someone is given the unique opportunity to challenge himself by performing on center stage, at a level he has never done before. This absorbing, well-paced story puts the reader inside the Lions' huddles, on the sidelines and inside the locker room. The author clearly knows his subject since his football descriptions will ring true for any gridiron fan. As Kevin's season as Warren's starting quarterback progresses, he also gets to know Rob Montgomery, who to his surprise, turns out to be anything but the aloof, snobbish star that Kevin had always thought him to be. 1998, Morrow Junior Books, $15.00. Ages 12 up.

Paula Rohrlick (KLIATT Review, November 1998 (Vol. 32, No. 6))
High school senior Kevin Taylor has been used to standing on the sidelines watching Rob Montgomery play quarterback for the Warren High Lions football team. Rob's the undisputed star, quick and powerful, while Kevin, the second-string quarterback, is just "average." But in the third quarter of the first game of the season, Rob hurts his knee badly. Surgery means he might be out for the season -- and Kevin is now the team's quarterback. He struggles with his feelings of inadequacy and the team's initial hostility as he takes Rob's place, castigating himself for each bungled play. But his coach's support and his growing friendship with Rob help Kevin realize that practice and dedication can help lead his team to victories. Exciting sports action and the sympathetic and believable portrayal of Kevin's growing self-confidence make this a winner. Dygard, a well-known author of many other sports tales, understands this milieu thoroughly and has written a suspenseful and involving story that will appeal to sports fans. KLIATT Codes: J--Recommended for junior high school students. 1998, Morrow, 174p. 98-11361, $15.00. Ages 13 to 15.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 1999)
When Warren High's star quarterback is sidelined with an injury, Kevin Taylor takes over the position, fighting the fears of his teammates and his own self-doubt. The developing friendship between Kevin and Rob, the quarterback he replaced, is an intriguing element of this sports novel that has a greater-than-usual emphasis on football action. Die-hard fans will be glad; others will find the sports scenes protracted and repetitive. Category: Older Fiction. 1998, Morrow, 174pp, $15.00. Ages 12 to 14. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws.

Karen Herc (VOYA, February 1999 (Vol. 21, No. 6))
Kevin Taylor has always been his high school football team's backup quarterback, struggling in the shadow of the team's star, Rob Montgomery. When Rob gets injured in the opening game of the season, however, Kevin takes over the quarterbacking duties. He manages to overcome his feelings of inferiority and lack of confidence with the help of his friend, his coach, and from Rob himself, who gives Kevin advice in an effort to help the team. After practicing with Rob and discovering that Rob's father has multiple sclerosis, Kevin looks past his jealousy to realize how hard Rob has worked to become a superstar. Kevin eventually leads his team to the conference championship after learning how to be a better football player, teammate, and friend. Everything is tied up neatly in the final game as the winning play comes on a long throw to the receiver who had doubted Kevin's abilities all year. The story is formulaic and relies heavily on clichés, but fans of the game and of Dygard's other sports novels should enjoy it. Although Dygard's writing becomes tedious at times because he describes every play of every game during the season but says little about the characters themselves, football enthusiasts will find themselves drawn into the excitement as Kevin's season progresses. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P M J (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 1998, Morrow, 174p., $15.00. Ages 11 to 15.