game changer

game changer

YA novel
Can you imagine waking up in a parallel world somewhat like your
own but terrifyingly different? Your routines have altered. People
who have valued and cared about you in your old world, including your
own parents, are mean and dismissive. The passion that gives your
life meaning, that you have shaped your future around, is totally out
of reach. This is the plight of KT, protagonist of Margaret Peterson
Haddix's game changer.
As we meet KT she's an eighth grade softball player, the focus
of her parents' lives. The bookshelf that holds her dozens of
trophies is referred to as the shrine. Her little brother Max is left
pretty much alone unless he's required to travel with the family to
cheer KT on at her games.
Softball is the focus of KT's Olympics aimed goals, the passion
of her life. Her plans include a full ride college scholarship and
Olympic gold. A lot rides on the Rysdale Invitational. As she works
to strike out a really tough rival she collapses...
...and wakes up in a parallel universe that is the stuff of her
worst nightmares. She is no longer the family star. In fact she's
treated quite dismissively by parents fixated on her brother's math
talents. In fact academic competition has taken the place of
athletics. Mathletes and chemademics get the trophies, pep rallies,
cheerleaders, and popularity. As for softball, no one plays.
KT is desperate to get back to her real life even after it's
suggested by one of two others aware of what's going on that she might
not be happier there. If she can return, what exactly will she
discover?
If you like game changer, you are in luck. Haddix has a good
size back list you can track down through inter library loan if your
own bibliotheque has not acquired them. My personal favorite is
Running Out of Time.
On a personal note, I'm hearing a whole lot of quiet with today being
the first student day for Orono and Veazie schools.
A great big shout out goes out to students, families, teachers,
admin...and especially Orono's new superintendent of schools, Joanne
Harriman. Unless I'm terribly wrong she is going to be a badly needed
game changer for her community. YOU GO, GIRL!!!
Julia Emily Hathaway


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