Tommy Greenwald
Tommy Greenwald, the father of three sports-obsessed sons, has written dozens of books for children. His recent middle-grade novel Game Changer (Abrams) has been placed on over twenty state reading lists and was a YALSA Top Ten Book for Reluctant Readers. The second in the trilogy, Rivals (named an Amazon Best Book), was published in 2021 and Dinged appeared in 2022. Coming in 2023, look for The Ultimate Goal, the launch of a new illustrated chapter book series that brings the fun of youth sports to a younger audience.
Among Tommy’s other works are the popular “Charlie Joe Jackson” series (Roaring Brook), the “Crimebiters!” series (Scholastic), and the musical John & Jen, produced off-Broadway in 1995 and revived in 2015.
Tommy lives in Connecticut. You can find him on Twitter @tommygreenwald.
Reviews
The Rescues: Finding Home
“This launches a new early reader series by the author of the “Charlie Joe Jackson” middle grade books. The charming addition to the field introduces Moose and Bear, two dogs at a shelter that get rescued by a woman who helps them when they are stuck in a bush. Later in the story, the friends meet a stray cat and help him become part of the family. Short sentences follow a comfortable pattern, ideal for young readers. Moose and Bear are lovable characters that children will immediately connect with. Readers will root for Moose, who has one eye, and Bear, who has three legs, from the first page. Their funny dialogue is similar to Laura Vacarro Seeger’s “Dog and Bear” series and James Marshall’s “George and Martha” books. Pate’s soft illustrations capture the heart of the story and are a perfect match to Greenwald’s sweet text. Budding readers will devour this series opener and be eager for more. A highly recommended new addition to the beginning chapter book section.”― School Library Journal
“Pet lovers be ready! In this new, snuggly easy reader series, two handicapped dogs leave shelter life for a new home and discover the true meaning of family. In their stories, told in engaging, short chapters that make it feel like multiple books in one, Moose and Bear instantly worm their way into readers' hearts. From their long days at the shelter to coming home with Cathy and finding that fences can be terrible (but also good), this series starter is perfect for young readers who like animal-based stories with more words per page and want the quick feeling of an easy reader but the story level of a chapter book. This first title in a planned series goes beyond the shelter, following the dogs home on their adventures, and features simple but strong sentences that guide readers and invite them to engage with the dogs' dialogue. With full-page, scruffy illustrations reminiscent of Corey Tabor and Charlie Alder, this narrative will appeal to developing readers, who will find themselves compelled to keep turning the pages.” ―Booklist
"A gentle and sweet start to a new chapter book series, Finding Home will appeal to beginning readers who love happy endings. The text features 4-6 short sentences per page, which are a blend of easy words and rich vocabulary like “extraordinary” and “tingled.” Adorable, soft-toned illustrations show emotions and playful action equally well. Readers will love the instant connection between the two dogs, especially the funny conversation they have about how neither of them resemble their animal name."―Youth Services Book Review
"Two shelter dogs win over both a human visitor and a new feline companion in this cozy adoption story. . . The two pups brim with unselfconscious vim, their doggy dialogue adds comic notes and the easy acceptance they and their adoptive human offer to the timorous new arrival will draw enthusiastic responses from younger audiences. Warm and snuggly."―Kirkus Reviews
The Good Sports League: The Ultimate Goal
“A talented young soccer player leaves the recreational league for a more competitive team and discovers a different sports culture. Ben Cutler loves playing soccer with his best friend, Jay-Jay Wright, in the Pizza League. Their team, the Anchovies, celebrate their goals with silly dances and enjoy postgame snacks, win or lose. But when Coach Cleary invites Ben to play for the West Harbor Soccer Academy, Ben finds a much more serious and less fun environment. He feels nervous before games and is surprised and confused by the “no joking around in soccer” attitude of both coach and players; charts listing the differences between West Harbor and the Pizza League are featured throughout. “Host-slash-narrator-slash-play-by-play man” Freddy introduces the Good Sports League series and pops up in graphic novel–style illustrations interspersed throughout; many readers will appreciate a break from the text, while some might find the switch between formats jarring. Freddy states the moral up front—sports should be enjoyable—and this fast-paced, heartfelt story bears out the message. The story closes out with fun activities, including an invitation for readers to create their own sporty nicknames, a sports quiz, and space for readers to write down a list of their goals in life. Ben presents white in the dynamic grayscale illustrations, while Jay-Jay is Black, and Freddy appears to be brown-skinned. Secondary characters are diverse. Good-hearted sporty fun. ”―Kirkus Reviews
Dinged
"The author folds frightening scenes with an injured teammate and another ex–NFL player into the story as he takes his confused protagonist through the championship game to a decision that may be smart even if just possibly too late . . . A cogent cautionary tale."―Kirkus Reviews
Rivals
"What could be a tale of haves and have-nots swerves, instead examining the pernicious effects poor judgment, vicarious living, and outright self-interest can have on the physical and mental well-beings of student athletes."―Kirkus Reviews
"The start of a new basketball season ignites old rivalries for Carter and Austin. The boys are star captains of their town's two middle school teams: Austin plays for Walthorne North, Carter for Walthorne South. The 14-year-olds, both white, once played pickup games together before increasing attention, and expectations at school and home made them wary strangers. Fueled by simmering resentment between the schools—North is wealthy, South is not—it isn't long before the rivalry between them gets out of hand. Carter's classmate and sports reporter Alfie (also white) covers the rising tensions; her character effectively embodies the media's power and influence. Told in first-person narration, texts, social media posts, and Alfie's radio interviews (similar to Greenwald's Game Changer) this is a fast-paced cautionary tale condemning adults' tendency to prioritize winning at all costs over allowing kids to simply enjoy the game. Scenes of action on the court are vivid and exciting but take a back seat to Austin and Carter's struggles to cope with the burdens placed upon them while determining their own future. Give to fans of Jason Reynolds and Kwame Alexander's sports novels. Recommended for middle grade collections; a good choice for a community-wide reading initiative." ―School Library Journal
Game Changer
"This nontraditional narrative, using conversations, interview transcripts, text messages, hospital reports, and other documents, skillfully peels back the elements of the mystery. The issues of football's violence are presented, but the book's real strength is the depiction of the culture behind it . . .The story will resonate with those on both sides of the debate about the role of youth football in society, and the unusual storytelling technique sets it apart from most sport fiction." ― Kirkus Reviews
"A must-buy for libraries looking for innovative narratives for sports fans. Readers who enjoy Tim Green, Mike Lupica, and Kwame Alexander will want to pick this up." ― School Library Journal
"Greenwald’s novel entertains while exposing readers to the potential risks and consequences inherent in the sport of football . . . an interesting, innovative read." ― Booklist
"An ideal discussion starter for middle-school readers ready to debate whether football’s—or any sport’s—violence is reason to pull the plug." ― The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A must-read for any parent, coach, or young football player." ― Midwest Book Review
