Matt Christopher – författare

Tina Esparza loves everything about soccer, especially that it is a team sport where no one player is in the spotlight. Imagine her surprise when the coach asks her to train as goalkeeper. Will Tina be able to overcome her shyness and accept the position that puts her in the centre of attention?

Eleven-year-old Chris is small for his age, so he can't believe it when he learns he's been selected for the exclusive all-star travelling hockey team. It's not all fun and games playing for the Arctic Wolves, however. Some of the kids on the opposition are much bigger and rougher, and they pick on Chris because of his size. But Chris isn't the only one getting picked on. His teammate, Derek, is an aggressive player who also happens to be the only African American in the league. Chris and Derek develop some powerful on-ice chemistry that makes them a winning combination. But will that be enough for them to prove that size and race doesn't matter?

Dale Earnhardt, Sr. first broke onto the racing scene in 1979, when he was named Rookie of the Year. In the more than 20 years that followed, his daring driving style earned him several top honors, including his proudest moment, a victory at Daytona. On February 18th, 2001, Earnhardt had been racing in the Daytona 500, when in the final lap, he had a fatal crash. While other drivers have come and gone, the face of Dale Earnhardt, Sr., with his handlebar moustache and wide grin, will always be the face of NACAR. Get to know a legend.

The New York Yankees played their first game in the American League in 1903. Since then they have become the best team in baseball, bar none. Now this action-packed and fact-filled volume brings the Yankee's great history to life. From Babe Ruth's called shot and Lou Gehrig's tearful farewell speech, to Reggie Jackson's three hits on three pitches and Derek Jeter's game-saving catches, classic moments are recounted with such vivid description that readers will swear they can smell the popcorn and hear the crack of the bat. The book includes team records and post-season results from 1903 to 2006, as well as lists of Yankees inducted into the Hall of Famers and photos of the most memorable plays and people in Yankee history. For New York fans and people who just like to know everything about baseball, this is a must-read!

For more than a century, the World Series has captivated baseball fans. From Babe Ruth's Called Shot in 1932 and Reggie Jackson's three-in-a-row home runs in 1977, to the "reverse the curse" wins by Boston in 2004 and Chicago in 2005--this action-packed volume is sure to please. Quotes from the star athletes, photos of the best plays, and a complete list of results since the first series in 1903 round out the book that young baseball fans will find is an out-of-the park home run!

Ask most Olympians how their story begins and they will answer, 'When I was young, I always dreamed of going to the Olympics. . .' Some will then go on to tell of their great athletic triumphs. Others will recall agonizing near-misses. But for most, the very fact that they reached the Games at all was a dream come true. For the Olympic Games offer athletes something few others sporting events can: the chance to be recognized as the best in the world at a chosen sport. With stories of great triumphs (such as Nadia Comaneci's great feat of scoring seven perfect scores in gymnastics) and losses (such as when U.S. diver Greg Louganis hit his head on the Olympic diving board), the Olympics not only embody the competitive human spirit, but also is stage for foreign relations and politics. Historical references, such as when countries were banned during times of war, combined with amazing sports stories give this book both an educational and exciting appeal.

It's early summer, and things are really heating up between Garry Wallis, star of Lacrosse Face-Off, and his nemesis, Michael Donofrio. At the end of last season, Garry sabotaged Michael's chances of becoming the league's top scorer. Now Michael is taking his revenge. He's got plenty of opportunity, too, for the Rockets are taking part in a week-long lacrosse tournament held at an overnight camp. Garry tries to ignore Michael, but the bullying finally gets to him-and what happens next sets off a string of near-disasters that finds Garry in the heart of a firestorm . . . This latest installment in Matt Christopher's bestselling series combines all the lacrosse action and mystery his fans crave.

Rocky Fletcher is being stretched to his limit. Until recently, he'd only played wide receiver for the Pythons. Now his coaches want him to learn the safety position, too - a position that opened up when Bobby, Rocky's best friend, broke his leg. Even though he believes he is to blame for Bobby's injury, Rocky eagerly takes on the challenge of becoming a two-way player. After all, the only other player available is Jared, a sullen boy who switched from soccer to football this season. Yet as time goes on, it's Jared who excels at the position because, thanks to Bobby, Rocky keeps missing practices! What's going on between Rocky and Bobby-and why is Jared on the team when he clearly dislikes football so much?

Anyone who has ever had the privilege of watching Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals knows the sound of a hit. It's the sound his bat makes when it connects with the ball. It's a sound that's been heard countless times since his 2001 rookie season. That year, he took the league by storm by posting some of the most fantastic offensive stats of any rookie ever-and he's been doing the same ever since, shattering records and helping his team win games, including the 2006 World Series, with clutch hits and amazing home runs.This biography offers an up-close look at this superstar's life and the most memorable moments of his outstanding career to date.

No other family has conquered football like the Mannings. Discover their amazing story in this biography that includes stats and the achievements of the Mannings, on and off the football field.It all started with the dad, Archie, a former pro quarterback who taught his sons Peyton and Eli to play football. Now, the brothers have a legacy of their own as pro quarterbacks, starting with two stunning Super Bowl wins.This exciting Matt Christopher biography gives readers the story behind this famous football family, as well as thrilling recaps of some of the most awesome games in NFL history.

First there was The Kid Who Only Hit Homers. Then came The Return of the Home Run Kid and Comeback of the Home Run Kid. And now, the mystery continues!It's happening again . . .Home run slugger Sylvester Coddmyer the Third has an amazing secret. For three seasons, he's been coached by men who look exactly like baseball legends Babe Ruth, Eddie Cicotte, and Mickey Mantle. Are these men actors impersonating famous ballplayers, as his friend Duane insists? Or are they from the "beyond," as Snooky Malone believes? Whatever the truth, the mystery deepens in this fourth title of this exciting series -- for yet another character from baseball's past has appeared to coach Syl. But is Syl the only one getting pointers? In this latest installment of the Home Run Kid series, the main character meets another baseball great, but this time, he must come to terms with his feelings for an infamous baseball legend--Ty Cobb.

Julian Pryce was once the star center of the Tornadoes. But when he joins a new team after his family moves, he suddenly finds himself riding the pine. It turns out the Warriors already have a starting center, Paul Boyd, who has no intention of sharing the court with Julian. The coach is no help, either, for one simple reason: Paul is his son! Now Julian may have to take drastic measures if he's going to get back into the game. . . but is he to blame when Paul winds up in the hospital?Young readers will enjoy this readable and fun story while taking away important lessons about competition, loyalty and friendship.

The history of basketball is chock-full of famous buzzer-beating shots, amazing game-saving plays, and thrilling maneuvers that defy gravity. All fans have their favourite memory, just as they have their favourite team and their favourite player. Now here's a book that offers a look back at more than fifteen of the sport's best moments. The Block, The Steal, The Shot. Chamberlain, Abdul-Jabbar, Bird, Jordan, and James. Each entry captures the nail-biting tension of the minutes leading up to the play, as well as information about the superstar players that made them and the teams that they played for. Packed with facts and action, this is a book young basketball fans will reach for again and again - and because it comes from Matt Christopher, young readers know they're getting the best sports writing on the shelf.

Jimmie's selfish move could ruin the whole team....When Jimmie is elected captain of his baseball team, his first decision is to appoint himself pitcher - much to his teammates' dismay. They already have a good pitcher, Paul. When Jimmie's pitches fail to find their mark, his teammates let it be known that they want Paul back on the mound. But even if Jimmie agrees, will Paul be willing to return?

When it comes to surfing, fourteen-year-old Kai Ford knows his stuff; he's been riding the waves since he was ten. He respects the amazing power of the sea and knows - first-hand - how dangerous it can be. But what Kai doesn't seem to respect is the privacy of others. Unfortunately, his prying nature sometimes leads to trouble. Will Kai learn the importance of minding his own business before he once again sticks his nose in where it doesn't belong?

Sylvester Coddmyer III, star of "The Kid Who Only Hit Homers" and "Return of the Home Run Kid" is about to face his biggest challenge yet. He sprains his ankle and wonders how he will hit homers--or even singles--when every swing means pain.

Malik Edwards regards golf as an old man's game--until he sees a young black golfer on TV. But where does a kid living in Brooklyn get the gear or the money to play--and where can he play?

Outstanding. Unbelievable. Mindblowing. A three-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA team selection, two-time All-Defensive member, and the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year, Howard has been ranked consistently as one of the best in the league in field goal percentage and rebounds, and has set numerous league records. He has led the Orlando Magic to two division titles and one conference title, and he was the winner of the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

An action-packed baseball novel by Matt Christopher, the no 1 sports series for kids!

The history of auto racing is chock-full of famous moments, with big-name drivers like Mario Andretti and Jeff Gordon. The histories of the Indy 500 and Daytona 500 races are rich with legendary drivers, family dynasties, rivalries, and tragedies. Fans of this sport are truly loyal and fanatical, and readers will eat up all the descriptions of nail-biting moments of tension. Packed with facts and action, this is a book young NASCAR fans will reach for again and again - and because it comes from Matt Christopher, young readers know they're getting the best sports writing on the shelf.

Cap Wadell loves football, but it seems unlikely that he'll ever get to play on a real team-his hometown is so small that there aren't enough boys in his school to fill a regulation squad. Then his grandfather tells him how he solved that same problem years before: He and his schoolmates started a six-man football league. If Cap wants to do the same thing, Grandpa will be happy to help. He'll even coach the team if the league gets off the ground. It does, and soon Cap and his friends are learning the rules of six-man football. Cap is in competition for the starting quarterback spot with Jimmy Cash, but that's not a problem. What is a problem is that Grandpa and Jimmy's grandfather have reignited an old football feud. When their rivalry starts to affect the team, Cap wonders if the team will survive. For a complete list of all of Matt Christopher's titles, please turn to the last pages of this book.

When Stookie Norris's brother, Greg, gets his picture in the paper for scoring three goals in one game, Stookie is dazzled. Greg insists strikers should try to score a hat trick every game. So when the 'Cats have their next game, Stookie does his best to score three goals - even though it means running wild chasing the ball. But is it the best way for him to play?

The story of legendary Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play major league baseball, is recounted in this title.

Mention the name Muhammad Ali and people the world over will know exactly who you're talking about. The former heavyweight champion is one of the most recognized and beloved sports figures of the past century. In the ring, he made an impact with his powerful fists and lightning quick feet. Outside the ring, he earned a reputation as a good-natured, free-spoken personality who liked to make up poems about how he planned to beat his next opponent. Yet Muhammad Ali was much more than a boxer and a braggart. He emerged during the tumultuous 60s as a man with strong spiritual convictions and an unwavering belief in the importance of the Civil Rights movement. Today he continues to support charitable causes and peace efforts even as he fights a new and more daunting opponent-a debilitating syndrome that has impaired his speech and motor control. Though he can no longer ``dance like a butterfly'' or ``sting like a bee,'' to sports lovers everywhere, he is still ``the greatest.'' Get to know a true legend.

When thirteen-year-old Tim Daniels gets a chance to go to basketball camp, he is faced with trying to be accepted by the popular players and remaining true to his friend who has become the butt of practical jokes.

Twelve-year-old Brent Mullen discovers that the new assistant hockey coach is teaching the defensemen on his team illegal moves to help them win at any cost.