Guy Friday- The Extra Yard

Lupica, Mike. The Extra Yard
January 12th 2016 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline

Following the sad-fest that was The Only Game, we get to follow the adventures of Jack's friend Teddy, who has shaped up and lost enough weight that he can now play football. His somewhat estranged father has moved back to town, not to be near Teddy, but because he got a better job offer in the area. Teddy is wary, but his father is actively involved in the team, having played sports himself. He holds his father at a distance for a while, and when he starts to think that his father might be a part of his life, things change. 
Strengths: Some decent football, always an interesting and diverse cast of characters, less depressing than the first book in the series. 

Weaknesses: Too much whining and introspection. Just boring. 

What I really think: Not enough football, too much adolescent parent angst, but I have to buy it because of the popularity of this author. More Game Changers, Mr. Lupica, and a lot less of this hand-wringing nonsense! 

HAPPY New Year! Middle grade authors, let's remember that we don't wish people "Gut-wrenchingly sad New Year! Let's make 2016 a year of positive, helpful, upbeat, life-affirming novels where problems are addressed in helpful fashions and overcome through hard work and stick-to-itiveness! 

On that note, just like to mention that I have posted at least one book every day for four straight years. Yes, I do schedule posts, but if you want to "read" one new book every day, this is the place to be.