Bobblehead Books – Book Review

Publisher’s Summary

BOBBLEHEAD BEATDOWN features the kind of fast-paced sports action that appeals to young readers who love football and don’t necessarily love reading. Its reading lexile range of 600-700 makes it a good choice for third through sixth graders. BOBBLEHEAD BEATDOWN uses sports to celebrate diversity and inclusion, tackle tough topics, and reaffirm important values like determination and friendship.

Eleven year old Zach Fargo dreams his collection of football bobbleheads comes to life to play in the Mighty Bowl, the youth championship game in Omaha, Nebraska. But when challenges on and off the field threaten to derail his dream, he learns that it’s not just about winning—it’s about keeping your dreams alive.

Written in an informal yet eloquent style, this story follows Higley’s bobbling life to its surprising conclusion. Through his unique storytelling rhythm and ability to handle heavy topics with an embraceable voice, the book keeps readers laughing, crying, and–most importantly–thinking. An inspirational tale of overcoming cancer, fatherhood, and forgotten life lessons, this is one bobblehead you don’t want to miss. -Jim Higley, author of the newspaper column TribLocal and the weekly fatherhood column Bobblehead Dad