Kart Crash

November 15, 2008
Grades 4-7 This story from the Jake Maddox Sports Story series, which aims quick, high-interest stories at reluctant readers, finds a moral in movement. A newcomer to the neighborhood, Austin blames having to use a rental go-kart for his losses on the track to the zippy Ryan. He comes to learn, however, that it isnt the kart that really matters and that teamwork benefits everyone. This double message might be piled on too thickly, but the basic writing style, with heavy repetition and emphasis on action, will help draw struggling readers along. For classroom use, discussion questions and writing prompts are included.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)