Review: The Jake Maddox Series

As the Olympics come to a close, it's hard to see them end. Fortunately there's a great series for middle graders that includes many Olympic sports. It's called the Jake Maddox series. As a teacher, I love that this series is written at a beginning third grade level, but the content can be enjoyed by an older middle grader. There is also more than one book per sport. As a sporty girl book blogger, I love that they have an equal focus on boys and girls.

The books take on issues of sportsmanship, bullying, hard work, and following dreams.

Here's the series description from the publisher's site:

Jake Maddox Books

by Jake Maddox

There are 85 titles in this set.

These best-selling sports stories by Jake Maddox are a hit with boys and girls alike! Pumped-up, easy-to-read stories with an emphasis on speed, skill, and fair play. The boys and girls in these books face obstacles on the gridiron, the court, the ice, or the half-pipe, and meet mental and social challenges as well. Readers discover that an athlete's inner game, persistence, and courage are just as important as a steady hand or a chance for a goal.

A selection of titles that connect to the Summer Olympics:

Back on the Beam

by Jake Maddox
Illustrated by Tuesday Mourning

Because of an injury, Nadia couldn't practice her balance beam routines all summer. Her ankle is healed now, but she's nervous about being back in competition. It seems like every time she sees her rival, Blaire, her ankle starts to hurt again. Will Nadia find her balance, or will she let Blaire's mean comments keep her from winning?

Gymnastics Jitters

by Jake Maddox
Illustrated by Katie Wood

Dana and the rest of the Raiders gymnastics team must learn how to deal with their biggest rivals, the Superiors. When the Superiors don't play fair, the Raiders learn a valuable lesson in sportsmanship.

Jump Serve

by Jake Maddox
Illustrated by Tuesday Mourning

Ella and Laura can't believe it when two of the meanest girls from a rival volleyball team switch to their team. Before long, it's clear that the new girls don't plan to be good teammates. Is there any hope for a championship, or was the season ruined before it began?

Over the Net

by Jake Maddox
Illustrated by Tuesday Mourning

Allie loves everything about volleyball except hitting. She doesn't think she's good at it, and every time she messes up, her belief in her own abilities dwindles. Finally, she asks for help. Her idol, Nikki, agrees to coach her once a week. If Allie can learn to spike as well as she blocks, she could become one of the team's strongest players.

Soccer Surprise

by Jake Maddox
Illustrated by Katie Wood

Alex and her family just moved, which means she has to start a new school and adjust to a new soccer team. She soon learns that she must play a new position on the team, which makes her frustrated. Alex must learn how to adjust to her new life and have fun again.

Soccer Show-Off

by Jake Maddox
Illustrated by Katie Wood

Gina loves playing soccer, and she can't wait to join the team at her new school. But when Gina tries to be the star of the team, her new teammates don't exactly appreciate it. Gina has to learn that teamwork is more important than winning before she can get back on the field.

Tennis Trouble

by Jake Maddox
Illustrated by Tuesday Mourning

No description available.

Running Rivals

by Jake Maddox
Illustrated by Tuesday Mourning

No description available.