Mixed doubles

Gr 5 Up--This third installment of Feinstein's "Benchwarmers" series features middle grade athletes Andi Carillo and Jeff Michaels in an action-packed tennis season. Jeff is ranked as the number two tennis player, while Andi faces the razor-sharp attention that comes with being a tennis prodigy. In place of heartbreaks, popularity contests, and embarrassing moments, Feinstein portrays a firsthand account of the elite tennis world. With its fresh angle, the narrative becomes an investigation of sports agencies and the startling reality of what adults will do for fame and fortune. Placing Andi and Jeff in the action-oriented, investigative sports journalist's role, Feinstein presents a deep account of elite athletes' young lives. Although the book ends abruptly and some of the gender roles feel antiquated, Feinstein emphasizes the value of sportsmanship, friendship, and, most importantly, a real longing to play the game. VERDICT The perfect pick for sports enthusiasts, budding sports journalists, or those who might wonder about the tennis world.--Jennifer Strattman

Game, set, match for two young athletes, on the court and beyond. Having gone from Benchwarmers (2019) to Game Changers (2020), sixth grade jock buddies Jeff and Andrea finish off Feinstein's trilogy by leading their school's tennis squad through a series of hard-fought competitions. Tight and quick as the sports action is, though--and readers will need to be well up on tennis scoring and terminology to keep pace--it's what goes on between matches that drives the plot. Though Andi has excelled at soccer and basketball, tennis is her best sport--and she's so good that agents are sidling up to her with business cards and even contracts in hand. His dad being a sports journalist, Jeff sniffs a story…and so it is that the two enlist their parents and other allies to gather documents and testimonials with the aim of exposing the slimy, unethical practice of inveigling talented child athletes into turning pro. Adding in a toxic sports parent and even a teacher/coach who turns out to be working for an agency, the author lays out an alluring but sordid picture of big bucks, glittering promises, and slick legal tricks. Andi remains untempted as she and Jeff battle their way to a tense season finale capped by clear signs that their friendship is (at last) moving to a new phase. Most of the cast is presumed White. Tests and triumphs for two middle schoolers, folded into a harsh indictment of those who would exploit them. (Sports fiction. 9-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.