On the Devil's Court (Pendragon Cycle) [Paperback]

Carl Deuker (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Pendragon Cycle | Publication Date: September 1, 1991

"A clever blend of family conflict, superstition, and exciting sports action. Adolescent readers will empathize with the mind games Joe plays as he struggles for...independence; teachers will delight in the literary references...and librarians will praise this fine addition to sports fiction." -School Library Journal

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for On the Devil's Court:
An ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
An ALA Best Book for Reluctant Readers
A South Carolina Young Adult Book of the Year

* "A clever blend of family conflict, superstition, and exciting sports action. Adolescent readers will empathize with the mind games that Joe plays as he struggles for self-identity and independence; teachers will delight in the literary references and analogies; and librarians will praise this fine addition to sports fiction." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"Deuker skillfully blends gritty basketball action with well-rounded characters to create a vivid contemporary morality tale." - Publishers Weekly

"A rites-of-passage portrait with an unusual twist." - Booklist

"A rare sports novel with complex plot and characterizations as well as gripping game play." - The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (September 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380708795
• ISBN-13: 978-0380708796
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,722,876 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely original sports novel, July 18, 2000

By 

Robert James (Culver City, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On the Devil's Court (Pendragon Cycle) (Paperback)

"On the Devil's Court" is a wonderfully fast, easy, and exciting read. Joe Faust's life has gone into the dumps, and the only thing that matters anymore is basketball. Unfortunately, his basketball game is rotten these days too. So, Joe sells his soul to the devil for a perfect season of basketball. Or does he? Readers are propelled through the book by one realistic conflict after another, with plenty of surprises to keep the reader guessing about the state of Joe's soul. I've taught this book to high school freshmen for a number of years now, and the boys always love it. This is a great book for younger readers, or slower readers, because it is written in clean, simple sentences that few readers will have trouble with. All in all, a first-rate first novel!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A totally awesome book awaits you- it's a must read!!!, April 14, 2002

By 

Adrienne (Kenmore, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Devil's Court (Pendragon Cycle) (Paperback)

On the Devil's court is a GREAT book!!! Joe Faust, a senior in high school, sees his basketball skills deteriorating, and desperately wants to improve so he can make the varsity team. One night, while in an old deserted gym, Joe makes a terrifying bargain, agreeing to sell his soul to the Devil in exchange for one straight season of power. When the end of the year rolls around, Joe's team is undefeated, and they make the championships. Joe's deal with the Devil is done.
On the Devil's Court takes place in Seattle where Mr. Deuker lives, and the story is very true to real life. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to any one who likes basketball and suspense, and would like to add, if anyone is interested, that Mr. Deuker is a very nice and funny person, and is my WONDERFUL teacher!!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ BOOK- On the Devil's Court, March 14, 2000

By 

Greeky (Massachusetts, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Devil's Court (Hardcover)

On the Devil's Court is an intresting book written by Carl Deuker. It deals with a boy named Joe, who isn't really fantastic in any area of life. His main concern is to play varsity basketball, but he hasn't been playing so great. Then, a miracle happened. He is a star on his varsity team, one of the most popular kids in school, and a straight A student. Are these accomplishments of his hard work or is someone or something helping him!