I've been excited to dive into today's read. It's the third in a series, Ellie & Co, with each book being a stand-alone. While the first book was about Ellie, the second revolved around a character close to Ellie. I'm assuming this book will concern her brother, Kipp (I know, huge guess considering the title). I'm excited to see that this one might revolve around lacrosse, since sport books are always sought after. Plus, these author's books never disappoint, so it's sure to be an engaging read.
But let's open it up and find out!
TAKE A SHOT, KIPP
Ellie & Co, Book 3
by Lee Y. Miao
MG
Middle Grade Fiction
228 pages
ages 8 to 12
Kipp Wei Pettit, eleven at last, has one dream-make the travel lacrosse league. Except he's small.
And first, he's got some annoying summer classes. But when a hotshot rival tries out for the same attack position, Kipp steps up.
His best buddies, energetic dog, and even his sports-clueless dad pitch in to help him practice. Except right before the final scrimmage, everything collapses.
How will he make the final cut? Maybe his athletic skills will be enough. Maybe something else. Kipp won't know until he tries out.
MY TIDBITS
Like the first two books in the series, this is a tale to enjoy from beginning to end.
Lacrosse means everything to Kipp, and he knows his best chances to keep improving lie in the travel lacrosse league. But he has to not only convince his parents to let him join the league, he has to make the cut. Considering his small size, that's going to be a challenge. The first hurdle, his parents, causes a heavy load as they insist he join a gymnastics group, where there are only girls in pink, and take violin lessons. But lacrosse is worth the sacrifice. Giving his all, he keeps everything balanced and still manages to practice lacrosse. When the second hurdle arrives, making the team cut, disaster strikes and all his hopes might be lost.
Kipp is a kind, determined boy, and he's very easy to like and root for. His frustrations with his parents are understandable, and his determination to do whatever it takes makes him an inspiration. Even though he grows disgruntled at times, it's never with malice. Even the sibling and friend side holds the daily ups and downs, but care and concern never remain far behind.
It's no problem to identify with Kipp as he does his best to overcome each challenge, sometimes with help and not always easily. It's a steady paced story, which hooks the entire way through. The lacrosse goodness adds excitement, and even those who don't know the sport will have no problem relating to the troubles, since these are found in almost every sport. To make sure everything stays light, the moments often hold enough humor to draw some smiles or knowing nods of the head. The ending wraps up everything with enough tension to make it grabbing and satisfying.
And here she is...
Lee Y. Miao grew up in a small Pennsylvania town with a library to die for. After careers in finance and K-12 educational writing, she turned to middle-grade fiction. Her novels feature mystery, sports, humor, and heart. They follow contemporary characters who discover connections to their family cultures.Please sign up for Lee’s email newsletter at her website, www.leeymiao.com, for news about books, libraries, and reading-writing tidbits. She’d also appreciate any readers writing a review on Amazon or other that will give her feedback on her writing.
