2016 Geisel Winner. Cute story, not suited for a read-aloud (with toddlers) though. ( )

Mo is on the football team, but he is younger and smaller than his teammates. Even with the odds against him, he just might be the key to winning the game.

This is a fun early reader book about a small boy who ends up with an important role in a football game. This is a winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. As a teacher, I appreciate that this book appeals to boys, which is sometimes difficult to find. Additionally, the main character is an African American boy, and he helps his team out, so it's nice for students of color to see themselves represented in a positive light in print. I liked how Mo was able to ignore some rude comments. I enjoyed this simple story and my students do too.

Mo Jackson may not be the biggest, the strongest, or the fastest player on his football team but when the players on the opposing team underestimate him, he scores a big win for his team. This is a beautifully illustrated book with a powerful message all children should read. ( )

Inspiring story about the little guy finally getting his chance to shine that is accessible to beginning readers.