In this sequel toáNew Kidá(HarperCollins, 2014), Brock and his father narrowly escape with their lives when the plane they are using to flee his father's enemies crashes. Because the crash has changed both of their facial features, Brock's dad decides it is safe for them to settle down. They move to a small townCalhoun, Ohio. Their rental home is on the "wrong side" of town, which causes problems for Brock. Football is a matter of fierce town pride, and winning is important, but so is where the players live. Brock tries football and finds that he has talent, but his address hurts his chances for the team. As if that is not enough, Brock begins to think he is being followed and starts wondering if his dad's enemies have located them again.Mak, Brock's new friend, offers a lot of support, and Laurel adds the hint of a romantic interest. The characters lack believability in a few places, and occasionally the story seems to fall into place too easilythe spy aspect detracts at times. The story is full of football and coaches and middle school dramas, however, and most readers will concentrate on this rather than any shortcomings. This volume is perfect for fans of Mike Lupica or Dan Gutman.Susan Allen.

Gr 5-8 Picking up right where New Kid (HarperCollins, 2014) left off, the shadowy "bad guys" are chasing Brock and his dad out of town. Another vehicle blocks their escape route and rams them down the side of an embankment. They not only escape unhurt, but also manage to evade the bullets being shot at them. Brock's dad stops their slog through the woods in the pouring rain to check his GPS on his cell phone. They are conveniently close to the runway where the man has parked an airplane. That's when Brock learns that his dad knows how to fly and isn't afraid to play a game of chicken with their assailants, who may be Russians or the "agency." There's plenty of action here, only it's not quite adrenaline-inducing because, while there is menace, there is no bite. The unidentified pursuers are just too inept and Brock's dad is just too lucky. The contrivances become increasingly difficult to believe and are not relegated to the espionage. Readers are expected to believe that the pitching prodigy is also a football prodigy, a quarterback no less. The mentor is the high-school star quarterback son of his dad's love interest. The issue of classism in the football-obsessed town they settle in would be interesting if the coaches were not cardboard stereotypes. A bewildering twist at the end may portend a third book. Brenda Kahn, Tenakill Middle School, Closter, NJ

Kicking off with a high-intensity car chase, Green's latest stars 12-year-old Brock Barrette and his dad, who are once more on the run due to secrets from his father's CIA past. They find refuge in Calhoun, Ohio, a middle-of-nowhere town where Brock's father promises they can build a normal life. Eager to fit in, Brock knows that Calhoun is a football town and trades in his baseball glove for some pads and a desire to become a first-team quarterback. Town politics are heavily entwined with the sport, and Brock faces bullying from a coach and teammates for being a "Flatty" (from the wrong side of town). Not everyone has it out for Brock; a new friend and the pretty girl from the library help Brock both on and off the field, though when shadows from the past resurface, Brock's new life is threatened in unexpected ways. This story of friendship, fresh starts, and belonging has appeal that continues far past the end zone.

Brock and his father (New Kid) escape the "bad guys," and an accident provides them with the "luck" of new facial features and the promise of a stable life in Ohio. Now the struggle is on the football field, but living on the wrong side of town hinders Brock's chances. Despite its plot contrivances, the book's blend of espionage and sports is exciting.