Big Nate Game on!

Big Nate Wright has got game! At least he thinks he does. Star of five novels, numerous collections of comics and two activity books (so far), sixth-grader and aspiring comics creator Nick shows his sportsmanship in this newest collection of newspaper funnies. The full-color strips, one to a page, are organized in three big chapters: "Swish," about basketball; "Play Ball," about Little League; and "Goal," about soccer. Within those chapters are five or six strip stories and general-topic weekend strips (which have, of course, a few more panels to set up their comedy). The strips are in chronological order within each sport and cover several seasons (especially the baseball section). In "Swish," always-small-in-stature Nate tries to "bulk up" so he can run with the big boys. He also loses his lucky socks and deals with a sudden inability to "trash talk" on the court. In "Play Ball," the team deals with the stigma of being sponsored by a beauty salon (go, Chez Linda!), suffers under drill-sergeant substitute coach John and plays a championship game--unfortunately without their star players. In "Goal," exchange student (and Nate nemesis) Artur joins the team, and the boys play through a cold snap. Nate deals with his...issues with humor, slight sarcasm and (sort of) aplomb. Fans and collectors will want 'em all. Big Nate continues to rock. (Comics collection. 6-12)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.