I have read Tim Green's books since I was in upper elementary/middle school, and I have always enjoyed every single book of his I read and this one is the same. I enjoyed reading Rocket Arm so much, and I know my students will feel the same way. Zeno learns some lessons in the book, that kids can take their own messages from. I cannot wait for my students to get a chance to read this book as well, and I will definitely be recommending it to them when it comes out.

Although this is a sports story, there there are several other elements to the story. Zeno learns many lessons about hard work, determination, friendship, and believing in who you are. The football story will draw readers in and they will keep reading to see how Zeno deals with tricky family and friend relationships, if he will continue to excel on the the football field at his elite boarding school despite many challenges and if he will get the girl and the treasure. Although it can feel long at times this is a story that will draw in middle grade readers and keep them reading to the end as they cheer on Zeno and laugh about his adventures with his roommate Archie who is the ultimate best friend and teammate.

Tim Green never disappoints in his sports themed chapter books. I’ve had students read his books and love them, and my oldest son is a huge fan. This book is no exception. The main character uses the sport of football as a way to grow as a person. This is the most imooetant lesson that Tim Green books teach- positive character growth during adversity. Upper elementary school and middle school students will surely love this one, as I did!

Tim Green has done it again! Kids are going to love Zeno and his rocket arm that whistles when he throws the ball. Zeno’s dad gets him a full scholarship at ISM, a sports boarding school, so he can show off his rocket arm. Zeno has a roommate that farts a lot but always has his back, and a Coach that says he can hypnotize him when his shoulder hurts him. What?! Zeno has his eye on Rachel, but she has a boyfriend, Tod. Tod wants their help in digging because he has a relative who was a pirate and left a treasure map. Zeno helps Rachel many nights looking for the treasure and he’s so tired he’s afraid it will affect their last big game. Then he realizes that Tod wants him tired so his team will lose. What happens?
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.