FROM BACK COVER: The wide receiver best able to hang on to his quarterback’s passes, Brock Ripley would be a star for the varsity team—if he could just bring himself to put his body on the line. But he can’t. Just like he can’t bring himself to stand up for his friend Richie Fang, who has been targeted by the quarterback, known for his bullying. As events spiral out of control, Brock is faced with a true test of character. Can he find the courage to step up and do what is right?

Brock is fast and has soft hands. He's a natural wide receiver but flinches when staring down a defense tackler. He's not much braver when it comes to defending his super-smart but sometimes nerdy Chinese American friend, Richie Fang (Fong). A terrific look at a high school boy who struggles to find himself and some bravery. Lots of football action, also soccer games, but a steady pace and short chapters make this a light but thought-provoking read. This book will be catnip to boys who like sports --and they learn something about acceptance and courage, too. ( )

Gutless is entertaining and well-written. It portrays realistic high school ups and downs through the main character, Brock. Brock was a middle school soccer player who was encouraged to sign up for football as a high school freshman. He gets to know the school bullies and the school genius and has to learn to get along with different personalities in different sports, but the people he is dealing with do not get along with each other. ( )

Brock Ripley is first to back away from conflicts, on the soccer field or off. He hates being gutless, but doesn’t know how to be brave. When he agrees to catch passes for Hunter Gates, the school’s star quarterback, his life becomes even more confusing as he tries to learn football and avoid getting hit on the field, hold off Hunter’s jealous former wide receiver, hide his father’s worsening sickness from his friends, and keep his friendship with Richie Fang.

Though Richie is a star soccer player, wins all types of competitions, is academically gifted, and a great jokester, his talents don’t include ways to stop riling Hunter. The angrier Hunter gets towards Richie, the more Brock retreats into his shell of avoidance. It is only a matter of time before Brock will have to learn how to get himself off the fence and onto the field of life before it’s too late.

This action packed book about football, bullying, true friendship, and learning to stand up for yourself is bound to pique the interest of readers – especially reluctant readers.

Book review link: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2016/11/20/gutless-carl-deuker/ ( )