Steven Thomas is one of two lucky winners of the U.S. Basketball Writer s Association s contest for aspiring journalists. His prize? A trip to New Orleans and a coveted press pass for the Final Four. It s a basketball junkie s dream come true! But the games going on behind the scenes between the coaches, the players, the media, the money-men, and the fans turn out to be even more fiercely competitive than those on the court. Steven and his fellow winner, Susan Carol Anderson, are nosing around the Superdome and overhear what sounds like a threat to throw the championship game. Now they have just 48 hours to figure out who is blackmailing one of MSU s star players . . . and why. Praise for John Feinstein: The best writer of sports books in America today. The Boston Globe Feinstein s beat, it turns out, isn t sports; it s human nature. PeopleonA March to Madness A basketball junkie s nirvana. Sports IllustratedonA March to Madness One of the best sportswriters alive! Larry King,USA TodayonA Good Walk Spoiled From the Hardcover edition. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Two teenage sportswriters try to uncover a blackmail scheme at the NCAA Final Four. "Young basketball fans will most appreciate the caper, but mystery buffs will also turn these pages eagerly," according to PW. Ages 12-up. (July) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr 6-10-Stepping right from the pages of Sports Illustrated, the microphones of sport announcers, and the screens of ESPN, noted sports commentator John Feinstein has written and narrates this action-packed, fast-moving basketball mystery (Knopf, 2005). Eighth graders Steven Thomas and Susan Carol are winners of the U.S. Basketball Writer's Association contest. Their prize is a trip to the Final Four in New Orleans, complete with press credentials. Feinstein combines references to famous basketball personalities and actual places and events with his fictional characters. Giving enthusiastic voice to actual broadcasters like Dick Vitale and legendary leaders like Coach K, Feinstein exuberantly and vividly imbues his story with all the local color any basketball fan could want. The teens stumble across a plot to throw the big game and set out to help the young athlete being blackmailed. Feinstein's insider knowledge has made his novel fascinating and believable. With his unique perspective, he provokes listeners to consider the inherent dangers of intense pressure, high stakes, and huge profits. Stevie and Susan Carol lead listeners on a great chase to stop the blackmailers while giving them some darker issues to consider in the glamorous world of student athletes. The tape concludes with an interview with Feinstein. Appealing to both boys and girls, this audiobook is sure to attract sports aficionados, those who like action-packed mysteries, and reluctant readers. A treat for listeners during March madness or anytime.-Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr. 6-9. Best-selling sportswriter Feinstein joins the parade of adult authors testing the waters of children's publishing. Unlike so many show-biz celebrities turned writers, he brings plenty of craftsmanship and a kid-friendly story to the table. The setting is college basketball's Final Four, and the stars are the two teenage winners of a writing contest, Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson, whose prize is a free trip to the tournament and an opportunity to cover the games. Friction between the pair quickly turns to camaraderie when they overhear one of the players from fictional Minnesota State being coerced into throwing the title game. Feinstein makes good use of his insider's knowledge of the Final Four as the intrepid junior reporters set out to expose the scandal, ultimately weaseling themselves into the bad guys' lair in classic Hardy Boys' fashion. The premise holds together, if a bit shakily, and Feinstein keeps the action moving throughout. The draw, though, is the vivid background, complete with cameos by real-life media personalities and big-name coaches. --Bill Ott Copyright 2005 Booklist From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.