Miracle on 49th Street (Paperback)

by Mike Lupica (Author)
Key Phrases: Josh Cameron, New York, Bobby Fishman (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9–Molly Parker, 12, lives in Boston with her recently deceased mother's best friend and family. She is on a mission to meet the Celtics' star player, Josh Cameron, to tell him that she is his daughter. With the help of her friend Sam, she sneaks into the athlete's car so that they will have the opportunity to talk. Self-centered Josh is skeptical of her claim, yet spends time with her. However, his sinister agent, Bobby, worries that knowledge of Molly's existence will destroy his client's clean-cut image, and he tells her to get lost. She almost despairs of ever convincing Josh of their relationship before she moves to California with her new family. But after finding an encouraging note her mother had left, she travels to New York, where Josh has a game, and the two reconcile at the Rockefeller Center skating rink. Lupica creates intriguing, complex characters in Molly, Sam, and Josh, and he paces his story well, with enough twists and cliff-hangers to keep the pages turning. Molly's relationships with others in Josh's life, such as a teammate and his housekeeper, contrast nicely with her up-and-down relationship with her father. In spite of a few implausible events, some sentimentality, and a bit of predictability, this is an entertaining work. The strong female character and the basketball tie-in will expand its appeal.–Jeffrey A. French, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist
When 12-year-old Molly Parker returns to America from England following her mother's death from cancer, she harbors a secret: her father is the star point guard of the Boston Celtics, Josh Cameron. Molly confronts Josh, who reacts with ambivalence to the sudden news that he is a father, but as their relationship grows, he seems to want to make Molly part of his life. Still, he also seems worried about his good-guy, bachelor image. Adding further pressure to the situation are his warmhearted housekeeper and greedy, image-conscious agent. Despite a sentimental ending, Lupica delivers a winning novel, creating a realistic character in Molly by authentically capturing both her fragility and pluck. Young readers will also enjoy the look inside Josh's pampered sports-superstar world. Ostensibly sports fiction, this could attract a wide range of readers. Todd Morning
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (October 4, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142409421
• ISBN-13: 978-0142409428
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #36,511 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #11 in	Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Sports > Basketball > Fiction
  #19 in	Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Sports > Baseball > Fiction
  #84 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Family Life > Multigenerational > Fiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A marvelous Mike Lupica classic!, November 16, 2006

By	Nicholas A. Ziinojr (ridge, new york United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Miracle on 49th Street (Hardcover)

"Miracle on 49th Street" is another literary triumph for Mike Lupica.This is a sweet,gentle story done to perfection.Molly Parker sets out to find her long estranged father,NBA/Boston Celtics star



Josh Cameron,after her mother dies.When she turns up and confronts at a team event,Josh at first refuses to believe that she's his daughter.But Molly perseveres,and what
follows is a sweet,funny,and touching story of two similar people getting to know each other.The best thing about the book is how skillfully Lupica
develops the growing relationship between father and daughter.He writes
beautifully,and once again shows himself to be a master of character
development.His people are real,flesh and blood,three dimensional human
beings who instantly grab the reader and hold interest in the story from start to finish.Molly and Josh really are father and daughter.They are THAT much alike-smart,strong,no-nonsense,yet also sweet and loving under
that tough exterior.It's wonderful to watch each discover that the other is not what they seem to be at first.Sam and Mattie are every inch their equals,hoots to boot,and they almost steal the book.Forget the age range
for this lovely story-it's for EVERYONE!Enjoy!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE PERFECT GIFT, December 11, 2006

By	Michael Galardi - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Miracle on 49th Street (Hardcover)

I AM THE FATHER OF 2 BOYS AND BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR MY 11 AND 14 YEAR OLD..I READ IT FIRST AND COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN..THE STORY PULLS YOU IN AND IS HEARTWARMING..THE CHARACTERS, AS WITH ALL OF LUPICA'S BOOKS, ARE DRAWN FROM REAL LIFE AND ARE FLESHED OUT..THERE IS NO GENDER OR AGE THAT WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK MORE..IT IS A LOVELY READ WITH SOME FAST PACED SPORTS SCENES..LUPICA HAS FILLED THE YOUNG ADULT SPORTS' BOOK VOID LIKE SANTA'S SLEIGH ON CHRISTMAS EVE..DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND BUY ONE OR 20 AND GIVE THEM AS GIFTS TO YOUR KIDS' TEACHERS AND FRIENDS...IT IS A SURE-FIRE WINNER!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Holiday classic!!, October 31, 2006

By	Reader Views "www.readerviews.com" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Miracle on 49th Street (Hardcover)

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader's Views (10/06)

Twelve year old Molly Parker is brave, funny and smart. Before her mother, Jen, dies she reveals the true identity of Molly's father, Josh Cameron. Molly has just arrived in the states from England with the intention of meeting her father.

Josh Cameron is a basketball player for the Celtics. Molly waits in a parking lot for an opportunity to tell Josh that he's her father. Josh remembers Jen well, but never knew he had a child. Molly wouldn't make up a story like that but Josh refused to believe her. When the two get to know each other better, Molly is the one with doubts, Josh just doesn't seem right for her mother.

Eventually Josh apologies and tells Molly how she reminds him of her mother. Molly begins to realize why her mother never wanted her to get to know the real Josh, the one not on TV. Barbara, Molly's guardian tries to warn her. "He won't be the father you want him to be." "Do you really believe he's going to make room for a child in his life? You think he won't hurt you? Nobody ever hurt your mom the way he did."

"Whether she's mine or not," Josh Cameron said. "I'd only say this to you. But, even if she is mine, I've go not place for her in my life." Only love can break down the barrier and make these two a family.

Mike Lupica's "Miracle on 49th Street" is a beautifully written story of a child searching for her father. The print is easy to read. The cover is pretty and enticed me to open the book and dive into the story. The characters come to life on the pages. I found this story entertaining and delightful. This book will become a holiday classic. I highly recommend this book.