Athlete vs. Mathlete

Twins Owen and Russell have followed different paths. Owen loves playing basketball, while Russell takes pride in leading the school’s Masters of the Mind team. When the new basketball coach spots Russ in the hallway (“Hey, you! . . . Tall kid!”), he recruits him for the seventh-grade team. Russ hopes that sharing basketball will help him grow closer to his twin, but Owen responds to him as an invader on his territory. The experience shifts the dynamics of their relationship and leaves them both shaken, yet more aware of their fundamental bond. The first-person narrative alternates between the brothers, a technique that works well, showing each one’s emotional makeup as well as individual points of view on the problems at hand. There’s wit as well as painful reflection in the novel, which shows both boys developing unrecognized talents behind their cool jock and proud nerd facades. A promising first volume in the Athlete vs. Mathlete series. Grades 5-7. --Carolyn Phelan