Mitch has never been popular, so when he starts seventh grade in a new town, he comes up with a scheme that gets him in everyone's good books so it seems. Cursed with a star athlete for an older brother and no talent himself, Mitch does have a head for numbers and business. When a quick look at statistics wins him a bet on a football game, other students begin asking to place bets, too. Mitch sees the money-making potential of this venture, and soon he and his friend Jamie o he "Does. Not. Have. A. Crush. On." art running a gambling pool, which has higher stakes than he ever imagined. Careful to not glorify gambling, this draws attention to its shadowy underside while doling out lessons in honesty and friendship. Mitch's joking tone and genuine desire to gain friends make him a sympathetic character in spite of his lapse in judgment. A rare offering for both the sports enthusiast and the kid who is always picked last for the team.

Seventh grader Mitch Sloan envisions his move to a new town as the chance to reinvent himself and escape the bullying he's previously experienced. Though he's not athletic, he knows sports and statistics and starts a lucrative betting ring. The school authorities don't approve, and even his new best friend questions his morality. Funny, thought-provoking, and as sporty as it is geeky.

Gr 3-6 After being bullied at his middle school, Mitch is looking forward to a fresh start when his family moves to a different state. He and his first friend, Jamie, start a football betting ring, hoping to make new friends, and maybe a few bucks. Jamie has a hunch that gambling may be against school rules, but they forge ahead anyway. When they find out the hard way that Jamie was right, their friendship is tested, as is Mitch's newfound sense of confidence. That is, until he finds a new, productive use for his sports smarts. This is a cleverly written story, with an astute take on what makes middleschoolers tick. Strong supporting characters, and a good balance of tension and humor keep the pages turning. While there is a lot of academic content woven into the storyfinancial literacy, statistics, logic, even a little Shakespeareit is not heavy-handed. It's all explained in a simple, engaging way, sure to appeal to readers not totally smitten with sports or math. Wertheim, an editor for Sports Illustrated , and Moskowitz, a professor of finance, have combined their fields of expertise, resulting in a thoughtful and highly entertaining read.— Jenna Lanterman, formerly at The Calhoun School and Mary McDowell Friends School, New York City