Threatened by a beating if he hits against Roy's pitching, Johnny almost loses a ballgame for his team.

Michael Jordan. The name conjures up images of buzzer-beating jump shots, gravity-defying slam dunks, and precision ballhandling. For over a decade, Michael Jordan has been showing the world how the game of basketball should be played. He led his former team, the Chicago Bulls, to six NBA championships and has racked up more awards than any player in recent NBA history. The winner of two Olympic gold medals, a onetime minor-league baseball player, and the most recognized athlete in professional sports today, Michael Jordan continues to make us believe that humans can fly. In this exciting biography, Matt Christopher, the number one sports series for children, goes on the court for an inside look at the triumphs and tragedies, the struggles and statistics, of superstar Michael Jordan. For more information on the Matt Christopher Sports Bio Bookshelf, please turn to the last pages of this book.From School Library JournalGrade 4-6. Christopher systematically describes Jordan's career, starting in high school and following through his college, Olympic, and professional days (with the stop off at baseball). The book ends with the Bulls' loss to Orlando in the 1995 season playoffs. Those familiar with the athlete's career will probably already know some of the anecdotes covered in this book. For example, there's the oft-repeated fact that Jordan didn't make the varsity basketball squad in his sophomore year in high school, and his trials as a minor league baseball player are common knowledge. Yet, many fans will find this clearly written title among the most satisfying of all of the Jordan biographies. Although the author mentions controversies involving his subject's gambling and the tragedy of his father's murder, he recognizes that what many sports fans want is the highlights of players' careers and meaty descriptions of their key games. On these points Christopher scores.?Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, ILCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Matt Christopher is the writer young readers turn to when they are looking for fast-paced, action-packed sports novels. This book is no exception. He is the author of a number of titles, including Dirt Bike, Runaway, Face-Off, Ice Magic and many more.

Running has always been the fastest and easiest way for Billy Chekko to get around. Now that he's on the track team, running has a whole new meaning. It's his chance to show his family and his friends what he's really made of. But when Billy is goaded by a bully into a race he stands little chance of winning, he's faced with the greatest challenge of his life. Will he decide to run or walk away?

Describes the life and career of the basketball superstar and center for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Cap Wadell loves football; unfortunately, living in a rural town of 1,223 people makes putting together a team a little difficult. His grandfather suggests that Cap organize a local six-man team and play with other surrounding small towns. Recruiting players, finding uniforms, locating a field to play on, and securing a rule book are all easily done, but one major problem remains -- who is going to coach this team? Cap thinks his grandfather is perfect for the job, but trouble strikes when another grandfather thinks Cap's grandfather is playing favorites by putting Cap at quarterback. An old-time rivalry is about to heat up again as the grandfathers battle it out off the field and Cap and the other grandson battle it out on field. As the generations clash, nobody is exactly sure who will succeed and play the coveted quarterback position. Who in the end will prevail?

Right fielder Alfie Maples is mystified by the newest member of the Peach Street Mudders. As far as Alfie can see, Roberti Frantelli can barely catch a ball or hit. Then Coach Parker asks Alfie to show the newcomer the ropes. Alfie is flattered and teaches Roberti all he can -- but begins to suspect that the coach plans to start Roberti in his position in the next game! Who is this strange new player, and can Alfie continue to help him play his best?

Kim's teammates tease him about singing in the church choir, but they change their tune when the choir helps the Arrows become Small Fry Basketball Champions.

Eddie doesn't like the idea of girls playing baseball in his league, but when one of his pitches injures a girl, he rethinks his attitudes. Eddie doesn't like the idea of girls playing baseball in his league, but when one of his pitches injures a girl, he rethinks his attitudes.

Team rivalry threatens to spoil a budding friendship between a showy soccer player, Bryce, and soft-spoken but talented Renny.

Stookie Norris has asked Jerry Dinh to care for his gerbils whilst he's away on holiday. Jerry is so pleased as he has wanted to get to know Stookie better since they became neighbours. Then something terrible happens that threatens to ruin his hopes. Will Stookie ever forgive him?

CENTER COURT STING Trash talking leads to trouble on the basketball court.... Forward Daren McCall is quick with an insult, quick to take offense, and quick to blame anyone but himself for his troubles. So when center Lou Bettman accuses him first of bad-mouthing him, then of vandalism, Daren turns the tables and insists that Lou is out to get him. The team splits into two camps, those who believe in Daren's innocence and those who take Lou's side. The fight heats up when Daren falls victim to an outrageous act. But did Lou retaliate, as Daren suspects, or is someone else trying to teach Daren a lesson?

Peter runs away from his foster home ... and right into danger Peter is a genius with dirt bikes. He can take them apart, fix them up, and race them like a champ. But his skill with a bike can take him only so far - and when he runs away from his foster home, he realizes he's in way over his head. He gets mixed up with two dangerous strangers and soon finds himself neck and neck with trouble on and off the racetrack.

FACE-OFF A jealous teammate can lead to danger on the ice.... When it comes to skating, Scott Harrison can't be beat. Still, he can't believe it when he's asked to play for the Golden Bears hockey team. But soon his excitement turns to doubt, then fear, when a resentful teammate ruins his confidence. Scott must confront his nemesis or give up his dream of playing hockey forever.

When Ted's twin sister Lisa, a fullback on the 'Cats soccer team, gets attention for her special move on the field, Ted determines to come up with an outstanding play also.