Author: Gordon
Korman
Bibliographic Info:
Korman, Gordon. (2009). Pop.
Toronto: Scholastic Canada.
Descriptive Summary:
Marcus Jordan moves to a new town and has designs on being named his school's quarterback. In a stroke of luck, he manages to find himself being mentored by former NFL linebacker, Charlie "Pop" Popovich — father of Marcus's chief rival. All isn't quite right with Charlie and his son Troy appears dead set on keeping Charlie away from Marcus. Marcus realizes that Charlie's problem isn't an overprotective son, but Alzheimer's brought on by football injuries. Marcus does his best to help Charlie, but their schemes put them at odds with a family on the edge of heartbreak and tests the limits of their friendship.
Marcus Jordan moves to a new town and has designs on being named his school's quarterback. In a stroke of luck, he manages to find himself being mentored by former NFL linebacker, Charlie "Pop" Popovich — father of Marcus's chief rival. All isn't quite right with Charlie and his son Troy appears dead set on keeping Charlie away from Marcus. Marcus realizes that Charlie's problem isn't an overprotective son, but Alzheimer's brought on by football injuries. Marcus does his best to help Charlie, but their schemes put them at odds with a family on the edge of heartbreak and tests the limits of their friendship.
Evaluative comments with rating:
3.5/5 TVs - Better than Brian's Song (tv movie), not better than I Am Third (autobiography that it was based on)
3.5/5 TVs - Better than Brian's Song (tv movie), not better than I Am Third (autobiography that it was based on)
Pop is at times a little corny, a little out of date, and a little lacking, but overall it's a sweet and often sad story about a complex issue that affects more than just former NFL players. The hook (former NFLer befriends and mentors young boy) might seem a bit far-fetched, but the issue - what do with a loved one when Alzheimer's sets in - is sadly relateable to many. Not necessarily a Korman classic, but worth a read for teens looking for something realistic and melancholic.
Suggested Audience
(age range): 12-18 (all ages)
Readers’ advisory
notes:
Appeal factors: Realistic, serious, character driven, bittersweet, moving
Readalikes: Bleachers - John Grisham, The Cardturner - Louis Sachar, Extra Innings - Robert Newton Peck, Stupid Fast - Geoff Herback, Leverage - Joshua C. Cohen
Booktalking hook:
With concussions in sports becoming big news, Pop and its story of a former NFL linebacker battling Alzheimer's brought on by numerous tackles throughout his career is incredibly relevant, especially in light of the deaths of athletes like Junior Seau.
Booktalking hook:
With concussions in sports becoming big news, Pop and its story of a former NFL linebacker battling Alzheimer's brought on by numerous tackles throughout his career is incredibly relevant, especially in light of the deaths of athletes like Junior Seau.
Reason for inclusion:
Familiarity with the author’s prior works.
Category: Canadian
No comments:
Post a Comment