Athlete vs. Mathlete by W.C. Mack is great reading for ages 7 and up

My wife normally reads the young adult books.  She was busy with another book so I jumped into Athlete vs. Mathlete.  As the book is aimed at young adults I enlisted an actual young reader to read the book as well.

Athlete vs. Mathlete is about two fraternal twin brothers, Owen the athlete and Russell the mathlete.  Russell is into competitive science games and Owen is the star basketball player who is shocked to find out that he has to try out for the team this year.  There is a new basketball coach and he’s out to make a good team better.   When Russell stops by practice to see Owen coach demands that the tall kid also try out for the team.

Russell is taller, but not as athletic, Owen is bemused that his geeky brother has been asked to try out for the team.  The boy’s family is supportive and gets Russell all the gear he needs to try out.  Jealousy ensues, followed by bad behavior, dropping of assignments/responsibilities, basketball tutoring and ending in a final basketball game.  Will the twins sort out their differences, talents and finally play basketball?

What I liked about the book is that it taught real world examples.  Halfway through the book Own was kind of a brat.  Russell realized that if he really wanted something then he would have to work for it and that it wouldn’t come automatically.

I was surprised how much I liked the book.  For adults it is a simple read, but the story is good, teaches lessons and is based in reality.  For young readers the chapters are cut up into small chunks so that they can read an entire one without too much effort.

My 8 year old guest reader said that she liked how the brothers worked together and was glad that they became friends again in the end.  She also learned that it was OK to accept help and to let your brother or sister assist you at times.

Because of her observations, Athlete vs. Mathlete can be a good conversation vehicle for parents and young readers.   If your child is a reader then they should like it, enjoy it and learn some lessons.