Speed Demon

Part of Fred Bowen Sports Story Series

by Fred Bowen

Football and track action star in this Sports Story Series book from Washington Post KidsPost columnist and author Fred Bowen – perfect for fans of Mike Lupica and Tim Green.

Eager to find his place at his elite new school, ninth-grader Tim Beeman is torn between running track and trying out for football. Where will he feel most comfortable and be able to put his fast running skills to best use?

When Tim sets a new school record for the fifty-yard dash during the first week of classes, he reveals his special talent: speed. Before long, the track and the football teams are both urging him to join their sport.

Tim is torn. He feels he has a lot to offer the football team and is eager to join this popular group, but he can’t shake a lingering fear of being injured. He would definitely be an asset to the track team, but he is drawn to the more prestigious football team. How can Tim put his talent to the best use and at the same time satisfy his own needs?

Author Fred Bowen tackles relatable dual-athlete struggles of making choices and friendship along with a real conversation about player safety.

Touchdown Trouble

Part of Fred Bowen Sports Story Series

by Fred Bowen

Are you ready for some football? Check out this action-packed Sports Story Series book from Washington Post KidsPost columnist and author Fred Bowen – perfect for fans of Mike Lupica and Tim Green.

“Plenty of walloping gridiron action…unexpectedly potent drama.” ―Booklist

“An excellent opportunity for a group discussion and will be a fine addition to other popular play-by-play sports chapter books.” ―School Library Journal

Sam loves football. There’s nothing better than the rush he gets when his team, the Cowboys, are working together—moving closer and closer to the end zone.

But in a key game, the Cowboys beat their archrivals to remain undefeated, thanks to a major play by Sam. However, the celebration ends when he and his teammates make an unwelcome discovery: The winning play was illegal.

Is the Cowboys’ perfect season in jeopardy? Did they really deserve to win?

Author Fred Bowen delivers exciting play-by-play action along with an important story of winning and losing, truth and consequences, and good sportsmanship.

Quarterback Season

Part of Fred Bowen Sports Story Series

by Fred Bowen

Football is back in this action-packed Sports Story Series book from Washington Post KidsPost columnist and author Fred Bowen – perfect for fans of Mike Lupica and Tim Green.

“Another absorbing sports tale from the prolific and dependable Bowen… The author expertly balances the subplots and football action.” ―Booklist

Matt Monroe is a shoo-in for starting quarterback for the Parkside Middle School football team this year. Or so he thinks.

Devro, a new seventh grader, looks impressive. He’s consistent and can run the plays almost as well as Matt. And he’s got speed. Could he ruin Matt’s chances of taking the spot?

Utilizing Matt’s journal, author Fred Bowen shows readers the importance of reflection and teamwork as one strives to be a better player. In the afterword, he shares the real story of Instant Replay: The Green Bay Diary of Jerry Kramer, a book by Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Jerry Kramer and sportswriter Dick Schaap covering the 1967 Green Bay Packers Super Bowl-winning season.

Double Reverse

Part of Fred Bowen Sports Story Series

by Fred Bowen

Calling all football fans! An action-packed Sports Story Series book from Washington Post KidsPost columnist and author Fred Bowen – perfect for fans of Mike Lupica and Tim Green.

“This tale of confident persistence will ring true for all the kids who have been told they’re too small or too female…. An apt choice to surprise a young football fan with the power of words.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Do you have to be the “perfect” type to be a great football player?

Jesse is experienced as a wide receiver―but can he play against type and help his new football team as a quarterback?

The Franklin High Panthers need a new quarterback. Freshman Jesse Wagner knows the plays, but he feels he is too small to be QB material. Jesse’s brother Jay has a problem of his own: his college coach wants him to switch from quarterback to safety. The brothers agree on a deal: Jesse will try out for quarterback, and Jay will try playing safety. Meanwhile, Jesse and his teammates recruit an unlikely kicker for their team―a girl named Savannah who is a goalie from the girls’ soccer team.

In the afterword, Bowen provides real stories of successful professional athletes, like Pro Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton, who did not “look the part.”