Though Marcus hated being the new kid in town, he was determined to stand out and prove he was worthy of a spot on the town's coveted championship football team.
Practice makes perfect, and thanks to Marcus's new friend Charlie, Marcus becomes an even more exceptional player during the summer before varsity tryouts. Even though he was middle-aged, Charlie loved the sport as much as Marcus did, and to top it off, Charlie was a remarkable football player. Charlie would tackle Marcus, smash him, make him feel the "pop" of a hard-hit delivered by his opponent. It only toughened Marcus and took away his fear of being hit during the game. Marcus not only learned to take the pop from Charlie, he also became proficient at taking down the opponent. Charlie becomes a friend to Marcus - great player and crazy prankster, even for an older guy.
When Coach recognizes Marcus has talent he decides to give him a chance. Troy, the star quarterback, is less than thrilled and makes no attempt to hide it. Troy knew competition when he saw it, and he instantly labeled Marcus a threat - not only for Troy's star quarterback position, but also a threat to his relationship with Alyssa, the gorgeous captain of the cheerleading squad.
Imagine Marcus's surprise when he finds out that his new friend, Charlie, is actually the father of his rival, Troy. Not only does their friendship make Troy more angry, he seems desperate to keep Marcus away from his family....to prevent Marcus from learning the truth about his father...
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this novel. The end will leave you gasping. Another touchdown by Gordon Korman!
*Recommended Read Aloud
Pop is a great book for sports fans and nonsports fans. Pop is a book all about determination. Marcus is determined to make the star Qb spot but someone stands in his way, Troy the star Qb that everyone likes. As soon as Troy found out Marcus was for his spot, It was down hill from there. But we can't forget about Troy's dad Charlie. Charlie got Marcus to were his now. But of course there were some bumps down the road. Now its fight for the Qb spot and only one can come out the victor. Read all about Marcus in Pop.
ReplyDeleteI liked compound because it was full of lots of extras and it kept my atention by all of the action in the football games. what i really liked about it was the football i learned things i have not heard of about football thats why i liked it
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite books because Marcus wants to be on a football team and he wants to be a quarterback when he meets Troy, the starting Quarterback.Then another day he meets Charlie, a middle aged man that used to be a football star but now he has Alzheimer disease but Marcus didn't now that until later in the book.Charlie showed Marcus how to be a good player.Marcus met Alyssa which was Troy's ex-girlfriend. So this is why Pop is a good book and why you should read it!
ReplyDeleteI really think this book tought everyone a valuble lesson that everyone should never give up. Marcus is a good boy because he never let troy get inn his way.
ReplyDeleteI read Pop and i liked it. Because ity tault me to stand up for my self, like Marcus did when he tryed to show he was good enuf to be the qurterback obn the foot ball team. I also liked how Charlie showed him how to be a great quarterback. This is why i think Pop is a good book to read.
ReplyDeletePop is an excellent read for people who are into sports, especially football! A boy named Marcus wants to play quarterback for his new high school team. He runs into a big problem. He has to fight to get a starting position against the the other quarterback, Troy. Marcus and Troy have conflicts between football, girls, and Troys father, Charlie. Charlie played professional football when he was younger, and he now is helping Marcus improve on his football skills. Troy and Marcus argue all the time about Charlie, it takes a huge tradgedy to help them overcome their foolishness.
ReplyDeleteThis book is a good book because it shows to keep with it and dont care what other people say.He meets NFL veteren linebacker named Charlie theach marcus to be a good football player.Marcus and Alyssa are kind of like boyfriend and girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteI think Pop was a great book. Though the ending was sad, seeing Charlie die. I think this deserves a full sequel and maybe a movie, considering how well the plot flows through the book. Overall, I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5. Not a perfect book, since it lft a few gaps here and there, but otherwise, a great book worth a read,
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