Left Out: An Inspiring Middle Grade Novel about Friendship, Football, and Standing Up to Bullies for Kids (Ages 8-12)

Description

New York Times bestselling author and former NFL player Tim Green tells a heartfelt and moving story about a deaf boy’s journey to change how others see him―both on and off the football field. Perfect for fans of Mike Lupica. Landon Dorch wants to be like everyone else. But his deafness and the way he talks have always felt like insurmountable obstacles. But now he finally sees his chance to fit in. Bigger and taller than any other seventh grader in his new school, Landon plans to use his size to his advantage and join the school’s football team. But the same speech problems and the cochlear implants that help him hear continue to haunt him. Just when it looks like Landon will be left out of football for good, an unlikely friend comes along. But in the end only Landon can fight his way off the bench and through a crowded field of bullies bent on seeing him forever left out. A Deaf Protagonist: Experience the game and the hallways of middle school through the eyes of Landon Dorch, a seventh grader whose cochlear implants don’t stop him from dreaming big. Middle Grade Football Book: Landon is bigger and taller than anyone on the field. Now he has to prove he has the heart to fight his way off the bench and become the player he knows he can be. Facing Down Bullies: Moving to a new school is tough enough without a team of rivals trying to keep you on the sidelines for good. This is a powerful story about standing up for yourself. Teamwork and Friendship: Just when it seems like he’ll be left out forever, an unexpected friendship with a teammate changes everything. Review: This a great book that everybody should read. - Left Out by Tim Green is an amazing book that you must read. It's about a boy named Landon Dorch who wears cochlear implants because he is deaf in both ears. I think that Landon is a great kid, but other people always bully him for being too tall, overweight, and deaf. Bullies have always been a problem for Landon, but it is taken to a whole new level when the Dorch family moves to Bronxville, New York. There are three bullies who should probably be expelled, their names are Mike, Skip, and Xander, and they have done everything from beating Landon up to taking pictures of him on the toilet. Landon has also joined the football team to try to fit in, which I think is an amazing idea, but he doesn't really know how to play and is cast away as a water-boy by his coaches, which is super unfair. But with his newfound friends Brett and Megan, and his fierce sister Genevieve, Landon is able to overcome all his obstacles and even become a star in football. I am very happy there is a happy ending to this story, because that is what Landon deserved, he is a great kid and even after bullied so many times he never resorted to violence, which I think is amazing. Review: Left Out is a Must Read - Another touchdown novel by Tim Green that will have terrific appeal for boys and girls as he highlights character and kindness above all else. Sifting and sorting through difficulties is messy and the characters of Left Out showcase family support, sibling bonds, bullies, and navigating a physical challenge. Landon is determined to play football despite deafness and cochlear implants challenging his dreams. Readers will cheer for Landon and root for him when he despairs as the intended water boy, as a victim of nasty peers, and internal conflicts. Be ready for this powerhouse character to surprise you as Tim Green sweeps you into a whirlwind of action you cannot predict. Cannonball coming!!