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....

2001. 220pp. $15.95 hc. HarperCollins. 0-688-18019-1. Grades 9-12 Cutter High doesn't have a swimming pool or even a team of competitive swimmers. But that doesn't stop T.J. from putting together a squad of unlikely members, primarily to win a letter jacket for...

In Chris Crutcher's young adult novels, the main characters are advised (or abused), supported (or undermined), guided (or misguided) by official and unofficial athletic coaches. Through his carefully Grafted portraits of good and bad coaches, Crutcher gives his readers a detailed outline of what...