Playbook of a Middle School Sports Star

By Justin Douglas

In Iron Ridge, football matters, A lot.

August Andrews has played football his whole life. He knows the routines. The rules. The pressure. In Iron Ridge, games don't just matter - they define you.

When the season leads to a championship showdown against Black Hollow, everything tightens. The crowd. The sidelines. The space between decisions. Every snap feels heavier than the last.

As the game unfolds, August must read defenses, absorb hits, and make choices before the window closes - sometimes literally. Across the line stands Spike Jones, a player who doesn't rush, doesn't guess, and doesn't miss much.

This isn't a story about highlight reels or trash talk.

It's about focus. Patience. And staying upright when everything is trying to knock you down.

The Championship is a fully illustrated middle-grade sports novel written for:

Kids who love sportsKids who don't love reading (yet)Parents, teachers, and coaches looking for a book that feels like a game

With short chapters, clean illustrations, and a fast pace, this book is ideal for:

Reluctant readers (ages 7-13)Fans of illustrated novels like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Big NateYoung athletes who recognize the quiet moments between playsPerfect for classroom librariesDiscussions about teamwork, pressure, and confidence.Read-aloud

Some games end when the clock hits zero.

This one doesn't.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GHL8V3Z1
• ISBN13: 9798243985611
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 122 Pages
• Weight: 0.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"