
Reach for this book when your child feels overshadowed by a sibling's success or is struggling with the pressure to be 'great' at something. Lamar Washington lives in the shadow of his older brother, Xavier, who is a local bowling legend. Desperate for his own glory and tired of being teased, Lamar makes a series of impulsive, dishonest choices to get what he wants. This story masterfully explores the weight of expectations and the messy reality of trying to fix a mistake when things go too far. It is an ideal pick for ages 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate how it handles the nuances of sibling rivalry and the internal struggle of a child who feels invisible. It offers a relatable, humorous, yet poignant look at why kids sometimes take the wrong path to find their own identity and how they can eventually earn back the trust they have broken.
Protagonist engages in cheating and lying to gain status.
Lamar deals with scary asthma attacks throughout the book.
It also addresses bullying and peer pressure. The approach is secular and focuses on personal accountability and the restorative power of honesty. The resolution is hopeful and realistic: Lamar doesn't get everything he wanted, but he gains self-respect.
A middle-grade student who feels like a 'runt' or an underdog, particularly those who have a high-achieving sibling and feel they have to perform or lie to get parental attention.
Read the scenes involving the 'prank' agreement with Billy Casper to discuss why Lamar felt he had no other choice. No major triggers, but the theme of dishonesty is central. A parent might see their child telling 'tall tales' to impress friends or notice deep resentment building between siblings over achievements.
Younger readers (8-9) will focus on the humor and the 'coolness' of the bowling tournament. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the moral weight of Lamar's betrayal of his father's trust.
Unlike many sports books that focus on the 'big win,' this is about the 'big lie' behind a win and the courage it takes to admit you didn't earn your status. """
Lamar Washington is a 13 year old living in the shadow of his older brother Xavier, a bowling phenom. Lamar is known for his asthma and his lack of athletic skill, not his own talents. When a local bowling tournament offers a massive trophy and a chance for fame, Lamar makes a 'bad prank' deal with a neighborhood bully to ensure a win. The plan involves cheating and deception, which quickly spirals out of control, threatening his relationship with his father and his best friend, Mookie. Lamar must eventually decide if a trophy is worth the cost of his integrity.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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