TERRELL, Brandon . Quarterback Scramble . illus. by Gerardo Sandoval. ISBN 978-1-4342-2220-6 ; ISBN 978-1-4342-3070-6 . LC 2010032920. ea vol: 56p. (Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels Series). glossary. CIP. Stone Arch . 2011. PLB $25.32; pap. $6.95. Gr 3-6 Standard sports clich&3;s play out in both titles. In Hoop Rat , Griffin Henshaw, 14, joins the Spartans but doesn't receive a warm welcomehe's the former captain of the archrival Goliaths, and his new teammates wonder where his true allegiance lies. In Scramble , reluctant backup QB Ben Paulson, 14, must step into the big shoes of suspended golden boy Wes Blake. Both books build tension, leading to high-pressure games at their climaxes. Brisk pacing should keep readers interested, but the stories have fairly abrupt conclusions. Themes of self-confidence, loyalty, and friendship come across loud and clear. Characters are flat, with a minimum of development. Design plays a key role, as each book opens with an ESPN-style "special report" featuring main character bios and a "ticker" at the bottom of the page. The stylized, vaguely anime-inspired art employs bright colors and dramatic shifts in perspective to keep the excitement high. While both titles have generic plots, sports-loving reluctant readers will likely be sucked in. Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI