V. M. Jones

Thirteen year-old Pip hates going to his soccer games because of his dad. He's one of those obnoxious parents who yells and complains about every call. To make matters worse, Pip's older brother Nick is much better at soccer than he is. But when Pip accidentally sneaks into the brand new sports center just down the street before it opens, he finds the room with climbing walls and - before he realizes what he's doing - he climbs to the top without any ropes and finds a sport where he's a natural.

Pip - who starts going by Phil at the climbing gym - is especially likeable and you really feel his discomfort with soccer and his dad. There's also an awkward romance mixed into the story that will resonate with a lot of kids. In some ways it even felt a little like the original "Karate Kid," with the hero, the girl, and the bully, although with some slight variations, but still a well-written and easy read with a satisfying ending. There's a small amount of profanity and one crude joke, but it's mostly a clean book. I also liked the New Zealand setting in the story (at least I think that's where he lived).… (mere)