Bates,
Sonya Spreen. Topspin. (Orca Sports) Orca 2013 147p $9.95 ISBN
978-1-4598-0385-5 ms/hs Conflict,
Sports VG-BN
Kat, Miri and Hamish all have the same
coach. On their flight to Melbourne
for the tournament, Miri is jealous of her boyfriend’s
(Hamish’s) flirting with the flight attendants. Upon arrival at Melbourne, Kat
is overwhelmed by her first experience at the famed tennis courts. She has a chance
of being competitive in the women’s singles for age 16 and under. And
partnering with Miri, she has a chance at a doubles title as well. But from the first
night on, Kat is suspicious of Miri and a boy named Dray, worrying that they
are out to sabotage Hamish in his quest to be ranked number one internationally
in the “16
and Under” division. In between
tense tennis action, scouting the competition to get a handle on their
weaknesses, and psyching out opponents, there are the sub plots of sleuthing, drug
accusations, and the challenges presented by out-of-control parents. The junior level of international tennis
competition is well depicted, with the fierce rivalries, training requirements, and the intense love of
the game. The importance of grit and determination combined with skill comes across brilliantly. This will be a sure-fire hit with hi-lo readers who are tennis lovers and a good whodunnit suspense novel for
mystery lovers.
Summary: A hi/lo sports title. At a Melbourne Park tennis tournament, Kat
has singles potential, and with Miri she may have a chance to win doubles. Hamish is trying to capture the
men’s tennis championship. Subterfuge, skill and grit all interplay with great
tennis action. Gr 6-12.
Tennis-Fiction,
Sports competition-Fiction --Lois
McNicol
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