Most Popular Books by Matt Christopher

A third baseman is sick with anxiety about whether or not to help his team by using his knack for knowing where the batter is going to hit the ball.

Parker Nolan likes to tell tall tales, so why should anyone believe him when he says he saw a mysterious figure stealing plays out of the coach''s playbook?

The journey to the Little League World Series continues with two new teams and fierce competition Little League Baseball players Liam and Carter are still adjusting to changes since Liam''s family moved across the country to California. Liam is faced with having to prove himself all over again to his new teammates. Carter, on the other hand, is having his best season ever. His pitches are unstoppable and it looks like his team might just sweep the competition. That is, until a new pitcher hits the scene.

Matt Christopher delves into the life of Jeff Gordon, the racing sensation, and recreates his memorable moments with exciting turn-by-turn action. This fast-paced biography includes photos, Gordon''s stats, and a list of his NASCAR career highlights.

Freddie Chase is a good football player with one major flaw: He''s afraid to tackle. He tries hard to cover up his fear, but soon Coach Sears and the other Sandpipers know all about it. The team is fighting to finish the season at the top of the league, but how can they hope to succeed when one of their players lets the opposition run right by him? Coach Sears has no choice but to take Freddie out of the lineup. Now it''s up to Freddie to earn his way back onto the starting team. But can he overcome his fear?

Buzz cut or ponytail? Grunge look? Tattoo, body paint, or earring? How about none of the above? When Zach takes up skateboarding, he doesn''t realize that he''s expected to look a certain way -- and cop a certain attitude, too. At least that what it seems like. But Zach just isn''t comfortable with any of these things; he wants to skateboard for the fun of it, and maybe take part in a few competitions. Will he be ostracized because he looks and acts so "normal"? Or will his decision to stay true to himself mark him as a renegade, the very attitude his skateboarding buddies will appreciate?

After playing the sport he loved in his home country of Japan for 17 years, Ichiro left in 2000 and joined the Seattle Mariners. Would Ichiro succeed in the world''s most challenging baseball league? Includes black-and-white photos and players'' statistics.

Cole Richards has been training in karate for four years. He''s on the brink of advancing to his next belt level, but as he prepares for his test, new challenges come his way. First, his dojo announces a "create-your-own kata" contest to take place the same day as his belt test. Now he''s torn between practicing for the test and making up a series of moves that will knock his sensei''s socks off. But before he even begins with either challenge, he lands in trouble with a group of local teens -- and then with his best friends, too! How will Cole handle the mounting pressure? With themes of jealousy, competition, and bullying, Matt Christopher brings together important life lessons and the thrill of karate.

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.

CHALLENGE AT SECOND BASE Stan Martin''s chances of playing second base seem next to zero at the start of the season. His rival for the position, Gary Newman, looks tough to beat. Stan loves baseball-maybe even more than his brother, Phil, who played pro ball until quitting suddenly the year before-but after experiencing a few setbacks, Stan is tempted to quit too. Then Stan receives a mysterious note telling him to stick it out-and soon Stan finds himself face-to-face with the challenge at second base.

Charlie Abbott is the new kid in town--again. He hates everything about moving, especially trying to make new friends. Then he meets a kid called X who shares his love of skateboarding. Together, they rip some moves at the town skatepark. But then Charlie''s skateboard vanishes from his garage, and he sees X riding around on a skateboard that looks just like his! Is Charlie''s new life about to become a disaster? Passport to Reading Level 3

Don''t miss this action-packed and comprehensive look at the life and achievements of an NFL legend! With more Super Bowl appearances than any other player in NFL history, Tom Brady is a sports icon. From his college days as a backup quarterback at University of Michigan to his record-breaking number of winning seasons with the New England Patriots, this new and comprehensive biography gives fans a firsthand look at the highs and lows of the superstar''s life and career, complete with stats and photographs.

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 Tackle Without A Team, Face-Off, and many more.

The thrill of an interception, the crash of helmets, the seemingly impossible catch in the end zone -- Matt Christopher has captured all the suspense and play-by-play action of nine remarkable football plays and the personalities of the athletes who made them. Tom Dempsey''s sixty-three-yard field goal, Joe Namath''s guarantee of a Super Bowl win in 1969, and Walter Payton''s record-setting 275 yards rushing in a single game are among the moments recorded in this not-to-be-missed book from America''s best-loved sports writer for children.

Since signing with the Los Angeles Sparks in 1997, Lisa Leslie has impressed WNBA fans with her shooting, rebounding, and blocking abilities. But her notable achievements go further back. In the 1996 Olympic Games, she scored 29 points in the gold medal victory over Brazil. Her Pac-10 record for scoring, rebounding, and blocking still holds, as does her University of Southern California record for blocks. Part-time fashion model, Lisa Leslie is a high-profile athlete young readers will enjoy learning more about.

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.

When he inherits a racing car, sixteen-year-old Ken determines to become a drag racer.

Jose Mendez wants to be a great batter just like his father was when he played in the minor leagues. But every time Jose picks up the bat, disaster strikes. Will Jose ever be able to match his dad''s .375 batting average?

Discover the amazing achievements of fan favorite two-time MVP Stephen Curry in this brand-new, comprehensive biography. Steph Curry is a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, record-breaker, and Finals champion who electrifies fans with his incredible on-court feats. He''s also a dedicated husband, father, and philanthropist who inspires people on and off the court. Learn more about this remarkable athlete in this biography, complete with stats and photographs.

When Travis Bonelli, the new kid in town and Peter Hooper''s new teammate, receives threats about improving his playing, he receives the boost he needs to play better baseball and to track down his harasser.