Guys Read: The Sports Pages (review)

Scieszka opens his third volume in the Guys Read series with a sage observation from his son: "Just because a guy likes to play sports doesn't mean he likes to read about them." It would take a confirmed bibliophobe, however, not to find something enjoyable in this collection of ten original entries by noted authors, and even a couple of participants in the sports industry. Dan Gutman starts out with a bang, offering a readaloud-worthy take on game six of the 1986 Red Sox/Mets World Series, in which he claims to have personally kept the Mets alive via a lucky grapefruit. Among the stronger entries are a cautionary tale by Anne Ursu on what not to say to a girl pitcher, a take on wrestling and bullying from Joseph Bruchac, and a wild crosstown team bus trip to reclaim a purloined trophy and rediscover the pleasures of an unscored pick-up game, courtesy of Gordon Korman. Entries from the non-writers (hockey player Dustin Brown and sportscaster James Brown) aren't as strong, but as with any decent short-story collection, nothing's easier than to skip the slow bits and move on to livelier play; since Scieszka's literacy agenda is all about dumping the dull and embracing the engaging, guys (and curious girls) will feel free to read one or read 'em all.