Considered among the most respected American authors of young adult literature, Chris Crutcher is regarded as a dynamic and insightful writer whose works are both exciting sports stories and authentic reflections of the inner lives of his protagonists. Praised for the tough yet thoughtful nature and evocative quality of his novels and short stories as well as for the believability of both his characters and the sports background he favors, Crutcher, who has worked as a mental health professional in child and family services as well as for child advocacy, is consistently celebrated for the honesty and appeal of his books as well as for his understanding of teenagers. In 2000, the author received the coveted Margaret A. Edwards Award for his lifetime achievement in writing for teens.

Crutcher profiles young male high school students who are involved in such sports as baseball, basketball, football, swimming, wrestling, and track...