In The End Zone, a young girl named Jess is trying her best to deal with the stress of moving. Not only does she have to say goodbye to all her friends, but she has to start at a new school in the middle of the year. Things get even more complicated when Jess finds out that her new neighbor is none other than star quarterback for the football team. Despite his popularity, Jess quickly befriends him and they soon become close confidants. As they spend more time together, Jess realizes there’s more to Nathan than just being an athlete – he’s also kind-hearted and sensitive underneath all that bravado. But when tragedy strikes their community, Nathan is once again thrust into the spotlight and this time it seems like he might not be able to handle it…
For who is this book for ?
The End Zone is a gripping novel about the power of friendship and overcoming adversity. It would be perfect for middle grade readers who are new to reading chapter books, as well as audiobook listeners who enjoy stories with strong character development.
Pros :
- The story is written from the perspective of a young girl which makes it more relatable
- It tackles some tough subjects such as moving, starting over at school, and dealing with tragedy
- The characters are well developed and likable
Cons :
- The characters seem a little too perfect
- The story may be predictable for some readers
- It might be hard to connect with the characters if you’re not into football
Learn more about the author
Lori Mortensen is an award-winning author of children’s books. She has a Masters degree in Education from the University of Utah and currently teaches second grade in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lori is also an accomplished musician and has recorded several CDs for children.
Reader Reviews
“A moving story about friendship, loss, and finding hope in the midst of tragedy.”
“The End Zone had me captivated from the beginning and ended with a perfect touch. The author Lori Mortensen did an amazing job writing this heartwarming story.”
“A wonderful tale of friendship, loss and hope. A perfect listen for any sports fan.”
“This is an enjoyable book for all ages. The characters are very likable and the story line flows smoothly.”