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Mike Lupica is a well-known sports columnist and author of fiction and non-fiction books, many of which centre around basketball. Lupica's first fiction novel was a mystery titled 'Dead Air', and he has since published several basketball-themed books for children and young adults, including 'Travel Team', 'Heat', 'Miracle on 49th Street', 'Summer Ball', and 'Comeback Kids'. In this paragraph, we will explore whether these basketball-themed books were published in any particular order and if they are connected in terms of narrative or characters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Theme | Basketball |
| Genre | Fiction, Mystery, Thriller |
| Target Audience | Young readers |
| Main Characters | Danny Walker, Ellis "Fresh" Adair, Josh, Molly Parker, Billy, Josh Cameron, Jack "The Jammer" Molloy |
| Book Names | Travel Team, Bump and Run, Wild Pitch, Heat, Miracle on 49th Street, Summer Ball, Red Zone, Dead Air, Comeback Kids, Home Team |
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What You'll Learn
Travel Team
Mike Lupica's 'Travel Team' is a heartwarming and compelling sports novel that revolves around teamwork, determination, and resilience in overcoming challenges. It tells the story of a 12-year-old boy, Danny Walker, who is passionate about basketball and strives to overcome obstacles to make it to the top. Danny's father, Richie Walker, was a basketball legend, having led his team to the national championship in his youth. Danny thus faces the pressure of living up to his father's legacy on the court.
Danny's dreams of basketball glory are shattered when he is cut from the local travel team, The Warriors, due to his lack of height, despite being one of the best players in town. Heartbroken and feeling betrayed, especially by his father who does not stand up for him, Danny considers giving up basketball. However, his mother and friends encourage him to persist, even convincing his estranged father to get involved.
Determined to play the game he loves, Danny forms his own team called The Warriors, comprised of misfits, rejects, and average players who share his passion for the sport. With Danny emerging as their leader, the team begins to shape up and experience success. Danny's supernatural basketball powers, as his mom calls them, inspire and elevate his teammates, proving that the game is at its best when it's about kids having fun.
'Travel Team' is a suspenseful and inspiring read, with Lupica's deep understanding of the sports world and captivating storytelling earning him a dedicated following. The novel delivers a rousing tale of the underdog, with themes of friendship, perseverance, and self-belief resonating with readers of all ages. It is a bestseller and a must-read for sports enthusiasts, showcasing Lupica's ability to create relatable characters and a gripping narrative that keeps readers guessing until the end.
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Comeback Kids
Mike Lupica's Comeback Kids is a series of standalone novels for young middle-grade readers. The books centre on a cast of underdog athletes who strive to overcome challenges and defy the odds.
The first book in the series introduces readers to Nick Crandall, a 12-year-old boy who feels like he doesn't belong. He struggles to fit in with his new foster family and his varsity baseball team, where his teammates want a catcher their own age. Nick is determined to prove himself and show that he belongs, both to himself and others.
The second Comeback Kids novel features Jake, a star player who finds himself facing a difficult choice. After ending up on the worst team, Jake must decide whether to learn from his losses or give up on the game he loves. It is his teammate Kevin who teaches Jake an important lesson about sportsmanship and leadership, showing him that being a good captain extends beyond the soccer field.
The third book in the series focuses on basketball and the smallest kid on the court, Danny Walker. Despite his size, Danny plays with a big love for the game and a natural talent for making the perfect pass. As he heads to the Right Way basketball camp, Danny knows he will have to up his game to match the country's best players.
The fourth Comeback Kids novel tells the story of Pedro Morales, a basketball player who values teamwork over personal stardom. Pedro's friendship with the star player, Ned Hancock, is tested when they both run for class president, affecting their dynamic on and off the court.
Through the Comeback Kids series, Mike Lupica showcases the excitement and unpredictable nature of sports, highlighting the importance of determination, teamwork, and the will to succeed.
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Mystery/thriller
Mike Lupica is a well-known sports columnist and author, having written several fiction and non-fiction books. His work is often grounded in the world of sports, with many of his novels featuring basketball.
Lupica's first fiction novel was a mystery titled 'Dead Air', which introduced the fictional NYC TV reporter Peter Finley. 'Dead Air' was nominated for the prestigious Edgar Allan Poe Award.
Lupica's other mystery/thriller novels include:
- 'Bump and Run': A "savagely hilarious novel" about a Las Vegas 'jammer' taking a gamble on an NFL team.
- 'Red Zone': Lupica's 15th book, which revisits his "hell-for-leather protagonist", Jack "The Jammer" Molloy.
- 'Summer of '98': A hilarious account of a baseball comeback.
- 'Triple Threat': A soccer-themed novel about a 12-year-old girl, Alex Carlisle, who fights for her team's right to play after athletic funding is cut.
- 'Travel Team': A bestseller that follows a 4'4" teen who dreams of being good at basketball. The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers unsure of the outcome.
Lupica's work often blends suspense and mystery with sports, creating thrilling tales that keep readers engaged until the very last page.
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Bump & Run
Mike Lupica's 'Bump & Run' is a hilarious, witty, and observant novel that takes readers behind the scenes of the National Football League. The story follows Jack Molloy, also known as "the Jammer", who inherits half of the New York Hawks NFL team from his father. As a black sheep and an outsider, Jack faces numerous obstacles and challenges, including siblings and league officials who don't want him to have the team.
The novel is a parody of recent events in the NFL, touching on controversial topics such as steroids, gambling, crooked quarterbacks, and philandering announcers. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the day-to-day life of owning an NFL team, with detailed descriptions of post-game celebrations and the dynamics within the organisation.
The narrative is presented from Jack's point of view, in a first-person perspective, and takes place over the course of an NFL season. It is filled with rich characters, including Kate, the smart, funny, and tough woman who is also the team president, with whom Jack may fall in love.
'Bump & Run' is a unique and entertaining sports novel that showcases Lupica's ability to blend humour with sharp observations about the world of professional sports. It is a must-read for sports enthusiasts and anyone looking for a witty and engaging story.
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Heat
Mike Lupica's 'Heat' is a novel for young adults, published in 2006. It is a story about a 12-year-old boy, Michael Arroyo, who lives with his 17-year-old brother, Carlos, in the South Bronx, in the shadow of Yankee Stadium. The two are Cuban immigrants and avid baseball fans, with Michael being a particularly talented pitcher.
Michael dreams of leading his team to the Little League World Series. However, the pressure he faces at home threatens to derail his ambitions. After escaping Cuba with their father, a tragic accident leaves Michael and Carlos as fugitives, evading social services and struggling with overdue bills and lost birth certificates. To stay together, the brothers often resort to lying, feeling remorseful but believing it is necessary.
Michael's talent does not go unnoticed, as his powerful pitching arm foils a purse-snatching attempt, earning him praise from local authorities. However, his impressive skills also spark suspicions about his age, as rival Little League coaches demand proof that he is only 12. Michael and Carlos find themselves in a difficult position, unable to reveal that their father has passed away.
The novel is more than just a baseball story; it explores the hardships of life and the importance of relying on others for support. It also includes thrilling baseball game sequences, offering a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged and eager to discover the outcome.
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Frequently asked questions
Mike Lupica has written several fiction and non-fiction books, many of which are sports-themed. The following books are centred around basketball:
- *Travel Team*
- *Miracle on 49th Street*
- *Heat*
- *Summer Ball*
*Travel Team* is a basketball-themed book that follows 4'4" teen Danny, who is passionate about basketball and wants to be good at it. Lupica tries to explain that one should never give up on a dream, irrespective of difficulties and adversities.
*Miracle on 49th Street* relays fast-paced basketball action and explores the dynamics of 10-year-old Billy's family.
