Wheel Wizards: It's a whole new ballgame for Seth... (Matt Christopher Sports Classics) (Paperback)

by Matt Christopher (Author) "I had the same dream last night," said Seth Pender..." (more)
Key Phrases: real basketball, wheelchair basketball, bounce pass, Pete Gould, Brian Murtaugh, Con Addams (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-7-Filled with anger because of a car accident that confined him to a wheelchair, Seth Pender, 12, believes he can no longer play basketball. One day, he meets Danny, a teen who, like Seth, will never walk again, but Danny has always played wheelchair basketball. Seth accepts the challenge to learn to play and copes with a coach who doesn't seem to appreciate the fact that he is trying his best. At the conclusion, the boy finally realizes the coach's message that he needs to become "as independent as possible." This story (with credit in the CIP as having been written by Robert Hirschfeld) follows the usual upbeat formula using simple vocabulary that many readers have grown to love. Fans will probably ignore the few occasions where conversation doesn't quite ring true. Informational tidbits on specialized wheelchairs adapted for sports are integrated into the steadily progressing plot.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Seth thinks he life has come to an end when a spinal injury confines him to a wheelchair. The 12-year-old athlete who loves basketball believes he will never play again. Then he discovers wheelchair basketball and learns to adjust to his new life and even to help others.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers; 1st Pbk. Ed edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316137332
• ISBN-13: 978-0316137331
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,461,626 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wheel Wizards, April 9, 2001

By	Cathy (Pgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wheel Wizards (Matt Christopher Sports Classics) (Hardcover)

I didn't look forward to reading this book, because I thought it was going to be just another sports fiction. I couldn't have been more wrong. Seth Pender, 12, is angry and depressed at spending the rest of his life in a wheelchair after a car accident that took away his normal life and his athletic ability. His family, friends, and therapist can't find the key to break through his abusive, withdrawn behavior. But then one day, Seth sees a boy playing wheelchair basketball. After initially making snide comments about it not being "real" basketball, Seth goes to a game with his friend and sister. He is totally impressed with the strength, agility, and spirit of the players. Seth works out to build his upper body, and joins a team. Not all is smooth. He almost quits because of a tough coach, but he finally understands that independence, and peak performance are why the coach is pushing him. Though the plot sometimes seems too perfect, I can see the same sensitivity, misunderstanding, and moodiness happening in many middle schoolers. The interactions of Seth and his therapist will enlighten readers as to the reasons for some of their own problems. Interesting details about special sports wheelchairs are included. The best thing is that readers can't help but gain a new understanding and respect for an incredible sport. I certainly did.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A STORY OF A CRIPPLED BOY AND AMAZING WHEELCHAIR ATHLETES, September 2, 2000

By	"craiova" (ALISO VIEJO, CA. USA) - See all my reviews

This story hits you in the face at the beginning with a boy who has lost the use of his legs in an accident. Seth is angry at everybody for his horrible loss until his sister persuades him to go watch a wheelchair basketball game. Seth is enthralled, and convinced that finally he can be an athlete again. But his journey in wheelchair basketball isn't an easy one. Matt Christopher chronicles the hard work and struggles that athletes face in training and the incredible possibility that Seth may just be able to feel like a winner again. Bravo! Matt Christopher - AWESOME!