Tony's Last Touchdown

* Reviews *

Short chapters, sports, mostly for boys—that pretty much sums up the A Champion Sports Story series. Written by a former high school player (now a teacher), this book focuses on football. Sixteen-year-old Tony is the best high school linebacker in town. He loves the game, but hes carrying an overwhelming load of problems for a teen. His father has deserted the family, his mother works two jobs—one at night—to pay the rent and keep food in the house, while little brother Tyson, Tonys responsibility, is running out of control. On top of that, Tony may fail math, which means he would be off the team. The author has his share of problems, too, since in a book obviously meant to appeal to football-lovers, its difficult to make the family characters come to life (though the author offers some background through flashbacks) when sixty percent of the text covers practice routines or descriptions of games, the final one followed in detail through all four quarters. When his mother loses one of her jobs, Tony must choose between football and his familys survival. His inevitable decision after the last game will be disappointing alike to football fans and readers who sympathize with Tony. Many questions are left unanswered: Where is the father? What will become of Tonys mother? Can Tony actually find a part-time job that would help with rent and food? If so, how could he find time for studying, when work would replace the time formerly given to football? Readers may well agree with Coach Johnson, who believes that Tonys only chance at a decent life lies with his football prowess and the hope of a college scholarship. His choice could spark a serious discussion of these issues and Tonys possibilities for the future., Children's Literature