From School Library Journal
Gr 4-8βIn previous entries, 12-year-old Troy White parlayed his remarkable play-predicting ability into a high-paying job with his beloved Atlanta Falcons and led his youth league team to a state championship. As Big Time opens, Troy's biological father, Drew Edinger, makes a plea to be allowed to become part of his son's life and to represent him in negotiations with other NFL teams. It soon appears that Drew's interest is mainly financial, however. It also becomes evident that he is connected to some shady characters. Troy is ambivalent about his involvement with his father as his attraction to the lifestyle Drew offers creates tension in his relationship with his sensible mother. When federal officials reveal to Troy the extent of Edinger's criminal activities, the boy agrees to help nab his father's associates. Drew will also be caught in the web, but the agents offer Troy the possibility of a lighter prison sentence for his father in return for the boy's cooperation. Edinger escapes capture, but materializes briefly in a cliff-hanger ending after a game in which Troy quarterbacks his Georgia all-star team to victory over Florida. The story moves along at a brisk clip, the language is straightforward and accessible, and the issues raised are likely to engage readers. Yet even the least sophisticated members of the target audience may find it difficult to accept a scenario in which a 12-year-old garners a $15-million pro football contract and assumes a lead role in a federal sting operation._Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT_
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Product Description
Things couldn't be going better for Troy White. The Atlanta Falcons' football genius is at the top of his game, helping the team get to the playoffs. Agents and lawyers are knocking on his door with big-money offers for the upcoming season. And his own football team has just won the Georgia State Championship! Troy's celebrating with his friends at linebacker Seth Halloway's mansion when another lawyer comes knockingβand he says, "I think I'm your father."
In that instant, Troy's life is changed.
Powerfully charged from start to finish, this is an amazing portrayal of Troy's struggle to make his lifetime dreams of being with his father come true. Filled with page-turning excitement as a high-stakes deal increases the clash of family tension, The Big Timeime is an unforgettable experience.
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