Wrestling Sturbridge

Ebook
On sale Dec 24, 2008 | 144 Pages | 9780307561282
Grade 7 & Up
Reading Level: Lexile 850L | Fountas & Pinnell Z

Welcome to Sturbridge, Pennsylvania, a small, dead-end town with nothing to do and no way out.  At least that's how Ben, a high school senior and the second-best 135-pound wrestler in school, sees it.  But Ben's fed up with being stuck on the bench, watching as his friend Al, the state champion, gets all the glory.  If Ben doesn't get his life in gear, he could end up like his father and the other men in Sturbridge--working on the line in the cinder block factory.  Spurred on partly by a wise, intense young woman, and partly by a strength found deep within himself, Ben looks for a way out--his whole life depends on it.  In the words of Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli, "Wrestling Sturbridge isn't just an outstanding first novel; it's an outstanding novel, period."  
Rich Wallace is the author of several books set in Sturbridge, Pennsylvania, including Wrestling Sturbridge, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults; Shots on GoalLosing Is Not an Option; and Playing Without the Ball. View titles by Rich Wallace
  • WINNER | 1997
    ALA Best Books for Young Adults
  • WINNER | 1997
    ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
"It's a riveting story...Wallace weighs his words carefully, making every one count in this excellent, understated first novel"--Booklist, starred review.

"There are only a few contemporary writers who can hit the mark with teenage boys, and Rich Wallace, with his first novel, seems likely to join that group...You don't need to know or like wrestling to become quickly engaged with this story."--Chicago Tribune

"The sports angle makes this a great "guy's" book, while the gripping narrative and feisty heroine will appeal to young women, too.  A real winner"--Publishers Weekly, starred review.  

About

Welcome to Sturbridge, Pennsylvania, a small, dead-end town with nothing to do and no way out.  At least that's how Ben, a high school senior and the second-best 135-pound wrestler in school, sees it.  But Ben's fed up with being stuck on the bench, watching as his friend Al, the state champion, gets all the glory.  If Ben doesn't get his life in gear, he could end up like his father and the other men in Sturbridge--working on the line in the cinder block factory.  Spurred on partly by a wise, intense young woman, and partly by a strength found deep within himself, Ben looks for a way out--his whole life depends on it.  In the words of Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli, "Wrestling Sturbridge isn't just an outstanding first novel; it's an outstanding novel, period."  

Author

Rich Wallace is the author of several books set in Sturbridge, Pennsylvania, including Wrestling Sturbridge, an ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults; Shots on GoalLosing Is Not an Option; and Playing Without the Ball. View titles by Rich Wallace

Awards

  • WINNER | 1997
    ALA Best Books for Young Adults
  • WINNER | 1997
    ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers

Praise

"It's a riveting story...Wallace weighs his words carefully, making every one count in this excellent, understated first novel"--Booklist, starred review.

"There are only a few contemporary writers who can hit the mark with teenage boys, and Rich Wallace, with his first novel, seems likely to join that group...You don't need to know or like wrestling to become quickly engaged with this story."--Chicago Tribune

"The sports angle makes this a great "guy's" book, while the gripping narrative and feisty heroine will appeal to young women, too.  A real winner"--Publishers Weekly, starred review.  

Get Inspired! Books for After-School Clubs & Activities

Coordinating after-school clubs and activities in your school community? Explore our collection of books that will help students discover their passion for new (and screen-free!) hobbies. Focusing on topics such as art, board games, crafting, cooking, nature, sports, and more—these books are bound to spark imagination and movement. Browse the middle school and high school

Read more