This is the second book in the Game Changers series. Each book follows Ben and his teammates through a year of three sports: football, basketball, baseball. After bringing his team to victory in book 1, Ben is ready for a season of basketball. Only problem is Chase Braggs, the new kid on a rival team. He's good. He knows it. He wants Ben to know it. Chase gets into Ben's head, and he begins to lose track of what the game is all about. As a result, his team is losing. Ben's jealousy also begins to affect his relationship with his best friend, Lily. When they lose their spot in the championship game, they still have one game left against Chase's team. Winning this game becomes more important to both Ben and Chase than the championship game.

Mike Lupica's books are great for kids. They have the best messages about friendship and sportsmanship. I really like that they go into a lot of specific play by play detail in each of the games. Kids who play the sport will appreciate that. He also mentions real sports events. I love that he mentioned Doug Flutie's Hail Mary pass to win a game for Boston College back in the 80s. I remember that game. Every upper elementary and middle school library needs to have all three books in the Game Changers series. ( )