Matt Christopher

Author Information
Matt Christopher's Latest Book

Newest Release

  • Bibliography:
    173 Books (7 Series)
  • First Book:
    January 1952
  • Latest Book:
    August 2016
  • Author Rating:
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Full Series List in Order

The Extreme Team

1 - One Smooth Move (May-2004)
2 - Day of the Dragon (May-2004)
3 - Roller Hockey Rumble (Jul-2004)
4 - On Thin Ice (Sep-2004)
5 - Rock On (Nov-2004)
6 - Into the Danger Zone (Dec-2004)
7 - Wild Ride (Feb-2005)
8 - Head to Head (Apr-2005)
9 - BMX Racer (May-2005)
10 - On the Edge (Jun-2005)

The Extreme Team (Readers)

1 - Skateboard Moves (Sep-2013)

Harry the Dog

1 - The Dog That Stole Football Plays (Mar-1980)
2 - The Dog That Called the Signals (Jan-2010)
3 - The Dog That Pitched A No-Hitter (Jan-2010)
4 - The Dog That Called the Pitch (Jan-2010)
4 - The Dog That Stole Home (Jan-2010)

Little League

1 - Play Ball! (Mar-2013)
2 - District Doubleheader (Jul-2013)
3 - State Showdown (Oct-2013)
4 - Perfect Game (Mar-2014)
5 - Baseball World Series (Jul-2014)

Nothin' but Net

1 - Nothin' but Net (Nov-2003)
2 - Hook Shot Hero (May-2011)

Peach Street Mudders

The Hit-Away Kid (May-1988)
The Spy on Third Base (Jun-1988)
Centerfield Ballhawk (May-1992)
Man Out at First (May-1993)
Zero's Slider (May-1994)
All-Star Fever (May-1995)
Shadow Over Second (May-1996)
Stranger in Right Field (May-1997)
The Catcher's Mask (May-1998)

Soccer 'Cats

1 - The Captain Contest (Apr-1999)
2 - Operation Baby-Sitter (Apr-1999)
3 - Secret Weapon (Apr-2000)
4 - Hat Trick (Apr-2000)
5 - Master of Disaster (Apr-2001)
6 - Heads Up (Apr-2003)
7 - All Keyed Up (Apr-2002)
8 - You Lucky Dog (Apr-2002)
9 - Switch Play! (Oct-2003)
10 - Kick It! (Oct-2003)
11 - Making the Save (Jul-2004)

Book List in Order: 173 titles

  • Look For The Body

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Hard-working doctor, Brooks Carter, took a rare day off and relaxed at a party given by an ex-patient. There he met Janet Charlane, who was strikingly beautiful and flatteringly interested in him. For a few days she accompanied him on his calls, and ...

  • Slide, Danny, Slide

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    A Matt Christopher Sports Classic

    Slide, Danny,Slide! The exciting story of a boy's devotion to baseball and how he helped build a ball park and put a Little League team together. Danny finds that even after organizing the Hornets, things do n...

  • Two Strikes on Johnny

    Can Johnny hit the home run? Read and find out in this story about baseball....

  • Shadow Over the Back Court

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Jeff is crazy about basketball, but his father is a research scientist and thinks sports are a waste of time. Jeff still wants to play, and so, without his father's support, he tries out for the school team. And he makes second string. He'd...

  • Wing T Fullback

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    A Matt Christopher Sports Classic

    Wing T Fullback

    Bernie Morello knew how to play football, but he didn't know how to fit in with the boys from the better side of town where his new school was located. Bernie came from across town, where th...

  • Break for the Basket

    A fun story about basketball from Matt Christopher, the bestselling name behind more than 100 sports-themed books for young readers....

  • Sink It Rusty // Shoot for the Hoop

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Can Rusty win the tight and return to the game he loves? When Rusty Young is diagnosed with diabetes, his parents want him to stop playing basketball. But that doesn't fit in with Rusty's plans -- and when he learns that his friends have formed ...

  • The Counterfeit Tackle

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Buzz and Corky may be identical twins, but they are not very much alike. Corky, outgoing and popular, plays tackle on the Otters football team. Buzz, the school chess champion, is quiet and reserved. Corky is surprised when Buzz offers to substitute ...

  • The Reluctant Pitcher

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Wally Morris is a good right fielder, but Coach Hutter is trying to make him a pitcher. Wally is a lefty and has a strong arm and good aim. What he doesn't have is the desire to play the position. But how can he refuse? Coach Hutter once saved his li...



  • Miracle at the Plate

    Nobody can beat Skeeter at batting. But when it comes to fielding, he's hopeless. His confidence isn't helped by Tommy Scott's determination to replace him on the team. Feelings between the two boys grow even worse when Skeeter accidentally injures T...

  • The Year Mom Won the Pennant

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    a The boys are all hesitant when one boy's mother is the only parent who volunteers to coach their Little League team, but there is quite a surprise in store for them....

  • Hard Drive to Short

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Sandy Varga, shortstop for the Spacemen, is in a bind. Every time his team plays a game on a weekday, he has to leave early. He's ashamed to tell his teammates the reason why; he's afraid they'll give him a hard time. But by not telling them, he risk...

  • Johnny Long Legs

    Even though he is the tallest member of the basketball team, a young boy finds he is far from being the best player....

  • Look Who's Playing First Base

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    When the Checkmates needed a new first baseman, Mike Hagin's new friend, Yuri, seemed like a logical choice. But when Yuri started flubbing plays and the team's star player threatened to quit as a result, Mike was not sure Yuri was such a good choice...

  • Tough to Tackle

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    More than anything Boots Raymond wants to be a quarterback for the Apollos. But because of his size, the coach assigns him to a tackle position. Boots rebels and almost quits the team, but his brother intercepts and teaches Boots a valuable lesson he...

  • The Kid Who Only Hit Homers

    Sylvester loved baseball, but he wasn't what you'd call a good hitter. He had already decided against joining the Redbirds when he met George Baruth. "I'm going to help you become one of the best players ever," the mysterious man promised. Before lon...

  • Face-Off

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Scott Harrison is the fastest kid in town on ice skates. When he's asked to join the Golden Bears hockey team, he can't wait to play. But his talent soon sparks jealousy and resentment from teammate Del Stockton, and Scott begins to doubt himself. He...

  • Ice Magic

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Pie Pennelli loves to play hockey, but he's got some problems: his hand-me-down skates are too big for him, and one of his teammates is always picking on him. But Pie's troubles really begin when his next-door neighbors find an antique hockey game. T...

  • Mystery Coach

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    When their coach becomes ill and their baseball team starts falling apart, several of the Blazers begin receiving coaching tips from an anonymous phone caller. What can a team do when all of its members know they are getting absolutely no coaching...



  • Desperate Search

    Trapped! It was two days before Christmas in the sleepy little town of Joberg in upstate New York. When the back door of a delivery truck slams shut on Whitey, a snowy white Persian cat, and Ginger, a high-spirited young dog, a hair-raising adventure...

  • No Arm in Left Field

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Being the new kid in town is never much fun. And as Terry Delaney figures it, being one of the few black kids in town will only make life more difficult. But Terry is pleasantly surprised when he finds a friend in Mick Jordan and tries out successful...

  • Jinx Glove

  • Fighting Tackle

  • Stranded

    A young blind boy and his dog are stranded alone on an uninhabited Caribbean island after a hurricane shipwrecks the family???s sailboat. His parents are washed overboard and disappear. Andy and Max, his faithful dog, must struggle together for survi...

  • The Pigeon with Tennis Elbow

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Kevin O'Toole, playing in a tennis tournament, meets a talking pigeon who turns out to be his great uncle and gives him tennis tips....

  • The Team That Stopped Moving

    A new baseball team gets some supernatural help from a concerned wizard....

  • Glue Fingers

    Reluctant to play football because he stutters, Billy Joe's first game discloses that he has no reason to fear ridicule....

  • Earthquake

    The only thought on Jeff Belno's mind is escape.Weeks ago, when he begged his parents to let him take his horse Red with him to camp, maybe somehow Jeff knew he would be wanting to run away. All he could remember now was the way the camp coach had be...

  • Football Fugitive

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    More than anything, Larry wishes his dad would -- even just once -- take time off from his law practice to watch him play football. He takes some consolation from the letters he receives from Yancey Foote, his pro football hero. But after a while...



  • Power Play

    A magic candy bar improves Rabbit's basketball game more than is really desirable....

  • Devil Pony

    A Matt Christopher Adventure ClassicHe's everything I dreamed he'd be! exclaimed Stu Bancroft when he saw Midnight, the horse he and his sister Sally had been promised when the horse was just a foal. Now Midnight was a year old and Stu and Sally were...

  • The Diamond Champs

    Who is the mysterious coach for the Steelheads? Kim Rollins hasn't played much baseball, and he is surprised when Coach Stag insists that he join his team, a team the coach believes will win the championship. Kim if' even more intrigued when he disc...

  • Johnny No Hit

    Threatened by a beating if he hits against Roy's pitching, Johnny almost loses a ballgame for his team....

  • The Fox Steals Home

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    His parents' problems threaten Bobby "the fox"'s baseball career... Since his parents split up, the only bright spot in Bobby's days is being coached by his father in the fine art of running bases. In fact, he's getting so fast on the base paths th...

  • Soccer Halfback

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    All Jabber Morris wants to do is play soccer. After all, that's what he does best. But almost everyone, including his mother, brother, and uncle, wants him to give it up for football. Jabber has to make some tough decisions to learn that he has the r...

  • Jackrabbit Goalie

    Anxious to make friends in a new town, a young boy lies about his experience as goalie in order to get on the local soccer team....

  • Dirt Bike Racer

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Ron can't believe his luck when he finds a dirt bike at the bottom of a nearby lake. His luck seems to keep improving as he works toward his dream of being in a dirt bike race. But when Ron befriends a rich old man who used to be a dirt bike racer, R...

  • The Twenty-One-Mile Swim

    With remarks about his small stature and poor swimming skills ringing in his ears, the son of Hungarian immigrants begins to train for the 21-mile swim across a nearby lake....

  • Run, Billy, Run

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Running has always been the fastest and easiest way for Billy Chekko to get around. Now that he is on the track team, it has a whole new meaning. It is his chance to show up the neighborhood braggart, Cody Jones. But can a distance runner like Billy ...



  • The Dog That Stole Football Plays

    Harry the Dog - 1

    Newly independent readers will love this classic football story now illustrated in full color with brand new artwork!Mike's telepathic dog Harry is able to tell him what the other football team plans to do on the field, but Mike wonders--is it cheati...

  • Wild Pitch

    Eddie doesn't like the idea of girls playing baseball in his league, but when one of his pitches injures a girl, he rethinks his attitudes....

  • Drag-Strip Racer

    When he inherits a racing car, sixteen-year-old Ken determines to become a drag racer....

  • Return of the Headless Horseman

  • Favor for a Ghost

  • Baseball Pals

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Voted captain of his baseball team, Jimmie declares himself pitcher even though Paul is a better pitcher. Paul leaves for another team, and Jimmie's team starts losing. Can Jimmie regain the confidence of his friends?...

  • The Great Quarterback Switch

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Michael and Tom Curtis are identical twins who share a love for football. Unfortunately, due to a tragic accident, Michael must watch from the sidelines as his brother calls the plays on the football field. During one game Michael concentrates very h...

  • The Supercharged Infield

    Something strange is happening to the Hawks' infield.... Third baseman Penny Farrell is amazed by the sudden change in her teammates on the Hawks softball team. First Shari, and now Karen, have suddenly turned into super athletes -- just what her ...

  • Catcher with a Glass Arm

    A young baseball player struggles to overcome his fear of a pitched ball, improve his throwing, and somehow redeem himself in the eyes of his teammates....

  • Touchdown for Tommy

    TOUCHDOWN FOR TOMMY Is football Tommy's key to a new home? Football isn't just Tommy's favorite sport-he also thinks that it's the key to a good home. The recently orphaned Tommy is delighted to discover that his foster father, Mr. Powell, coaches Mi...



  • The Hockey Machine

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    After leading his hockey team to victory one afternoon, Steve Crandall accepts a ride home in the limousine of an avid fan his own age. Steve is surprised to learn that his fan is none other than Kenneth Agard, Jr., multimillionaire and hockey genius...

  • Tight End

    A high school football player believes the harassment he is experiencing on and off the field is due to his father's prison record....

  • Red-Hot Hightops

    When Kelly Roberts plays basketball at home with her friend Ester, she's a whiz, but as soon as she faces a crowd, she freezes. One day Kelly finds a brand-new pair of red hightops in her locker. They fit her perfectly, and whenever she wears them, h...

  • The Hit-Away Kid

    Peach Street Mudders

    It was a great catch...until Barry dropped the ball. But did anyone see? Barry loves winning so much that he is willing to make up his own rules during a game. His coach is warning him, and his little sister is saying she saw him cheat. But it is ...

  • The Spy on Third Base

    Peach Street Mudders

    A third baseman is sick with anxiety about whether or not to help his team by using his knack for knowing where the batter is going to hit the ball....

  • Tackle Without a Team

    Unjustly dismissed from the football team for drug possession, Scott learns that only by finding out who planted the marijuana in his duffel bag can he clear himself with his parents....

  • Dirt Bike Runaway

    Peter runs away from his foster home ... and right into danger Peter is a genius with dirt bikes. He can take them apart, fix them up, and race them like a champ. But his skill with a bike can take him only so far - and when he runs away from his fos...

  • Baseball Stories 1: Look Who's Playing First Base/Catcher with a Glass Arm/the Kid Who Only Hit Homers

  • Catch That Pass!

    Only one thing keeps Jim from being the best linebacker in the team - his fear of getting tackled. But his friend Chuckie knows Jim isn't a coward. With Chuckie's special courage as an example, can Jim find the strength to face his fears head-on?...

  • Long Shot for Paul

    No one tries harder than Paul...but is that-enough? Paul Marlette is a special needs kid -- a little slow to learn, but always eager to try. His brother, Glenn, is determined to teach him to play basketball well enough to become part of the Sabers...

  • Matt Christopher's Football

  • Baseball Stories 2: The Fox Steals Home/No Arm in Left Field/The Year Mom Won the Pennant

  • Too Hot to Handle

    Baseball runs in David Kroft's family. His father was a good player in his day, his uncles play on professional teams, and David's older brother, Don, is the best shortstop in the history of Penwood High School. David loves baseball as much as the re...

  • The Lucky Baseball Bat

    This Matt Christopher classic story of a boy and his lucky baseball bat will capture readers' imaginations while teaching them vital lessons about the importance of friendship, teamwork, and believing in themselves.When Martin moves to a new neighbor...

  • Skateboard Tough

    As soon as Brett Thyson steps on "The Lizard," the mysterious skateboard he unearthed in his backyard, he can feel its power. The board glides smoothly, almost effortlessly, and Brett finds he can do more tricks on it than he ever could with his old ...

  • The Basket Counts

    On-court hostility threatens Mel’s place on the team. Mel Jensen is new to the Titans basketball team, but he knows he could be a vital part of the starting lineup -- if only two other players would give him a chance to show his stuff. But Caski...

  • Challenge at Second Base

    Stan Martin's chances of playing second base seem next to zero at the start of the season. His rival for the position, Gary Newman, looks tough to beat. Stan loves baseball-maybe even more than his brother, Phil, who played pro ball until quitting su...

  • The Submarine Pitch

    Bernie Shantz is thinking of hanging up his pitcher's glove for good, but his best friend, David Grant, won't hear of it. Dave convinces him that all he needs is a secret weapon -- an underhanded throw known as the submarine pitch. Bernie agrees to...

  • Centerfield Ballhawk

    Peach Street Mudders

    Jose Mendez wants to be a great batter just like his father was when he played in the minor leagues. But every time Jose picks up the bat, disaster strikes. Will Jose ever be able to match his dad's .375 batting average?...

  • Return of the Home Run Kid

    Last year, Sylvester was the "kid who only hit homers," but this season it seems like he can't do anything right. He's playing so badly that the coach has him warming the bench -- until he meets Cheeko. With Cheeko's help, Sylvester learns how to p...

  • Undercover Tailback

    Parker Nolan, a notorious liar, is sure he saw someone photographing football plays from the coach's secret book. None of his Kudzu teammates believe him, even though the opposing team has predicted the Kudzus' every move in the last two games. Park...

  • Little Lefty

    Bill Bailey is the smallest member of the Blackhawks, but he can throw harder than anyone else on the team, including the regular pitcher. After hearing stories about "Little Lefty," a pint-sized pitcher who made the big leagues, he's determined to e...

  • Long Stretch at First Base

    Matt Christopher is the writer young readers turn to when they are looking for fast-paced, action-packed sports novels. This book is no exception. He is the author of a number of titles, including Dirt Bike, Runaway, Face-Off, Ice Magic and many more...

  • Man Out at First

    Peach Street Mudders

    A young baseball player loses his confidence after being hit in the chest by a fast moving ball....

  • Pressure Play

  • Beloved St. Anne

  • Hat Trick of Hockey Favorites by America's Most Popular Sportswriter for Kids

    Tells the stories of the Byrd twins' toy hockey game that seems to be magic as it plays out real games before they even happen, of thirteen-year-old Steve Crandall, abducted and forced to join a professional junior hockey team, who must play not only...

  • Wingman on Ice

    Does Tod deserve his new stick? Tod Baker is sure his new hockey stick will improve his game significantly. But when his team loses to its arch rival, he realizes that good stickhandling and passing require hard work and practice more than top-not...

  • Top Wing

    When Dana Bellamy finds out what really caused the fire that destroyed teammate Benton Crawford's house, he's faced with a difficult decision. Should he keep mum and risk letting a good friendship go sour, or tell the truth and ruin a reputation?...

  • Zero's Slider

    Peach Street Mudders

    While trying to ask Uncle Pete to coach for the Peach Street Mudders, Zero discovers that he can throw a slider when there's a big bandage on his injured thumb....

  • Shortstop from Tokyo

    Stogie Crane wants to play shortstop for the Mohawks, but a new boy from Japan is assigned to the position. Stogie tries not to become resentful of Sam Suzuki, but he can't help it. When Sam's glove is found ruined in Stogie's yard, it looks as thoug...

  • Double Play at Short

    • / General Fiction
    • Buy Buy

    Who is the Jaguars' mysterious shortstop? Danny Walker is one of the best players the team has; in fact, his adoptive parents and sister consider him a shoo-in for the shortstop position on the All-Star team. But that was before Tammy Aiken, the o...

  • Line Drive to Short

  • All-Star Fever

    Peach Street Mudders

    Bus Mercer, shortstop for the Peach Steet Mudders, wants desperately to be picked for the county all-star team, but he breaks his parents' rules for riding his new bike, and feelings of guilt affect his game....

  • The Comeback Challenge

    Mark Conway is staying with his grandparents while his parents fight over whom he will live with after they divorce. He's become a valued member of the middle school's soccer team and has made friends with everyone on the squad -- everyone, that is...

  • Olympic Dream

    Anticipating a boring summer before meeting energetic cycling enthusiast Red Roberts, Dough Cannon helps out with the construction of a new bike path and overcomes his personal demons in order to become a young athlete....

  • Shadow Over Second

    Peach Street Mudders

    Nicky is on his way to breaking the record for most runs batted in, but first he must overcome his superstitions, and someone who doesn't want to see the old record broken....

  • Takedown

    As he is helped by an assistant referee to prepare for a wrestling match with the neighborhood bully, Sean begins to wonder if his mentor could be his long-lost father....

  • The Winning Stroke

    When hydrotherapy for an injured leg takes him to the pool on a regular basis, twelve-year-old Jerry finds himself fascinated and challenged by the rigors of competitive swimming....

  • Halfback Attack // Crackerjack Halfback

    Freddie Chase is a good football player with one major flaw: He's afraid to tackle. He tries hard to cover up his fear, but soon Coach Sears and the other Sandpipers know all about it. The team is fighting to finish the season at the top of the leagu...

  • Penalty Shot

    Who is sabotaging Jeff? Jeff Connors is psyched to be back on the Winston Blades hockey team. He had to turn in his uniform last year when his grades in English slipped below eligibility level. This year, he's determined not to let that happen, even...

  • Baseball Turnaround

    Sandy Comstock once made a mistake - a bad one - but he's paid the price and now he just wants to get on with his life. Only one person stands in his way:Perry Warden, the boy who tempted Sandy to break the law in the first place. Convinced that Perr...

  • Stranger in Right Field

    Peach Street Mudders

    Right fielder Alfie Maples is mystified by the newest member of the Peach Street Mudders. As far as Alfie can see, Roberti Frantelli can barely catch a ball or hit. Then Coach Parker asks Alfie to show the newcomer the ropes. Alfie is flattered and t...

  • Snowboard Maverick

    Can a skateboard pro conquer the slopes? Dennis O'Malley is the best skateboarder in town. Unfortunately, he has to shelve his board for more than half the year, when the streets are covered with snow. Then a new sport emerges on the scene, one ...

  • Soccer Scoop

    Who’s making a fool of Mac? Mac Williams, goalie for the Cougars, is known as much for his upbeat game chatter as for his outstanding saves. But when an anonymous artist starts making fun of him with a weekly cartoon, Mac is anything but upbeat....

  • Roller Hockey Radicals

    Kirby fights to stay on the team! It's tough to make friends in a new town -- and even tougher when your overprotective parents refuse to let you play roller hockey with the only group of kids you can find. Kirby wants desperately to play with the E...

  • The Catcher's Mask

    Peach Street Mudders

    Mudders' catcher Rudy Calhoun is having a bad season behind the plate until, at a yard sale, he buys a used catcher's mask that greatly improves his playing....

  • Prime-Time Pitcher

    The #1 sports writer for kids offers a read as exciting as a fast ball. Pitcher Koby Caplin is the best thing to happen to the Monticello Cardinals in years--but is he ready for prime time?...

  • Center Court Sting

    CENTER COURT STING Trash talking leads to trouble on the basketball court.... Forward Daren McCall is quick with an insult, quick to take offense, and quick to blame anyone but himself for his troubles. So when center Lou Bettman accuses him first of...

  • Mountain Bike Mania

    Is Will pedaling out of control? Will Matthews is lousy at all sports, but even he knows how to ride a bike. He just never dreamed that it could be such a rush! Soon after he joins a mountain biking club, he's hurtling down hills, pedaling over mu...

  • The Captain Contest

    Soccer 'Cats - 1

    When Dewey London and Bundy Neel see the poster about the new summer soccer league, they're psyched. Then they read the fine print and learn about the logo contest: Whoever draws the best team logo will be named captain of his or her team and see the...

  • Operation Baby-Sitter

    Soccer 'Cats - 2

    Bundy Neel is trying hard to be the best soccer captain he can be. He always has an encouraging word for his teammates, and he works extra hard during practices and games. So why does his attitude change out of the blue? His teammates don't know it, ...

  • Spike It!

    Jane is looking forward to the start of the volleyball season when her widower father drops a bombshell: he is planning to marry a woman with a teenage daughter of her own! Jane's new mother and stepsister go out of their way to be nice and accommoda...

  • Latch Key Guard

  • Snowboard Showdown

    Out-of-control competition leads to disaster When Freddie Ruiz and his brother, Dondi, compete, it's like two mutts wrestling over the same bone -- neither one is willing to give an inch. Unfortunately for Freddie, older, stronger, better-looking ...

  • Tie Breaker

  • Long-Arm Quarterback

    Cap Wadell loves football; unfortunately, living in a rural town of 1,223 people makes putting together a team a little difficult. His grandfather suggests that Cap organize a local six-man team and play with other surrounding small towns. Recruiting...

  • Hat Trick

    Soccer 'Cats - 4

    When Stookie Norris's older brother, Greg, gets his picture in the paper for scoring three goals in one game, Stookie is dazzled. Greg insists strikers should try to score a hat trick every game, though Stookie's coach has never told him that. Still,...

  • Secret Weapon

    Soccer 'Cats - 3

    Lisa Gaddy is a starting fullback for the 'Cats and she plays her position well--except for one thing. She's small for her age, so her throw-ins from the sidelines don't go very far. Sometimes the ball winds up landing in front of an opponent instead...

  • Soccer Duel

    There are two sides to every story.... All Renny Harding wants is to play center striker and help his team, the Blue Hornets, win the championship. All Bryce McCormack wants is to win the championship for his team, the Yellow Jackets, and take hom...

  • Tennis Ace

    Steve must tell his father the truth...before it's too late! Steve wishes he had as much drive to win at tennis as his older sister, Ginny. He knows nothing would please his father more. But the truth is, Ginny is the real tennis ace in the family...

  • Wheel Wizards

    Twelve-year-old Seth Pender thinks his life came to an end when he suffered a spinal injury that left him confined to a wheelchair. Seth, an athlete who loves basketball, is sure he'll never play again. He grows sullen and silent, unresponsive when h...

  • Skateboard Renegade

    Image isn't everything. Zach Halper loves skateboarding with his buddies. But lately, one of the guys, Brian, has been pressuring the others to do stuff Zach knows they shouldn't be doing. Yet Zach goes along, not only because he doesn't want to s...

  • Cool as Ice

    Chris slaps a shot in the face of prejudice Twelve-year-old Chris is small for his age, so he can't believe it when he learns he's been selected for the exclusive all-star traveling hockey team. It's not all fun and games playing for the Screaming...

  • Inline Skater

  • Master of Disaster

    Soccer 'Cats - 5

    Jason Shearer is better known for his wisecracks than his goalkeeping abilities. But that had better change fast because the Soccer 'Cats' starting goalie is going on vacation and Jason's taking his place! Will Jason be able to learn all there is to ...

  • Football Nightmare

    A miserable memory dogs Keith's every move Keith Stedman dropped the pass. The game-winning, undefeated-record-making pass that would have made him a hero instead of a loser. Now, a year later, that missed pass still haunts him, so much so that h...

  • All Keyed Up

    Soccer 'Cats - 7

    When Stookie Norris asks Jerry Dinh to take care of his gerbils while he's away on vacation, Jerry is thrilled. He's wanted to become better friends with Stookie ever since his family moved next to Stookie's house. But then something terrible happens...

  • You Lucky Dog

    Soccer 'Cats - 8

    Lou Barnes has a little trouble remembering to watch his position on the soccer field. So sometimes he gets called offside -- and during a game, that can cost the team a chance at a goal. Then one game, Lou gets a reminder of the offside rule from a ...

  • Run For It

    Theo Gordimer is a classic 13-year-old couch potato: he prefers video games and TV shows to playing sports. Then his favorite aunt is diagnosed with cancer. Theo wants to do something to help her, but what? Then his friend Paul tells him about a 5K r...

  • Windmill Windup

    When Pierre Omidyar launched a clunky website from a spare bedroom over Labor Day weekend of 1995, he wanted to see if he could use the Internet to create a perfect market. He never guessed his old-computer-parts and Beanie Baby exchange would revolu...

  • Dive Right In

    Twelve-year-old Traci Winchell is a gifted gymnast, but lately she's been having trouble -- so much trouble that her coach warns her she may need to drop out or else risk serious injury. Traci wants to find something to fill the void left by gymnasti...

  • Goalkeeper in Charge

    Tina Esparza loves soccer, especially that it's a team sport where no one player is in the spotlight. Imagine her surprise when the coach asks her to train as the team's goalkeeper. Will Tina be able to overcome her shyness and accept a position that...

  • Heads Up

    Soccer 'Cats - 6

    Amanda Caler thought getting a nosebleed during a game was bad. But now things have gone from bad to worse -- she finds she's afraid of the ball! And as if that wasn't enough, it looks like someone is trying to steal her spot at halfback. Could one...

  • Kick It!

    Soccer 'Cats - 10

    Fullback Alan Minter is in trouble. First, he was picked last for a kickball game. Then he missed the ball every time it was his turn! Suddenly he's wondering if he even knows how to kick. Luckily, his friend and Soccer 'Cats goalkeeper Bucky Pinter ...

  • Switch Play!

    Soccer 'Cats - 9

    Ted Gaddy is tired of his sister's amazing "secret weapon" throw-in getting all the applause and attention during games. But what can a fullback do to make people cheer? Then Coach Bradley tells a story of a fullback who almost scored a goal. Ted lea...

  • Body Check

    Who's teaching the Badgers dirty tricks? Twelve-year-old Brent Mullen isn't sure he's seeing what he thinks he's seeing. Did his best friend and teammate just pull a dirty trick on the ice -- all for the sake of winning? And, if so, where did he l...

  • Nothin' but Net

    Nothin' but Net - 1

    Will Tim stick by his friend? Thirteen-year-old Tim Daniels can't wait to go to four weeks of summer basketball camp. A scrappy point guard, he's sure he'll shine on the court. But then he learns that his friend Billy will be going to camp with hi...

  • Stealing Home

    Joey's in for a big surprise ... Joey Gallagher is on top of the world. When his team's pitcher is injured, he steps onto the mound and helps them win a crucial game. But his good mood ends abruptly when his mother announces that the exchange stud...

  • Day of the Dragon

    The Extreme Team - 2

    While studying kung fu to try to overcome his clumsiness, Mark learns something that may interfere with his friends' plans for a group Halloween costume....

  • One Smooth Move

    The Extreme Team - 1

    When his family moves into his recently deceased grandmother's house, ten-year-old Charlie meets a boy who also likes to skateboard, but then finds that his own special skateboard is missing....

  • Making the Save

    Soccer 'Cats - 11

    Bucky Pinter wants his team to give Coach Bradley a present on the day of the Soccer 'Cats last game. Unfortunately, the present they want to buy is expensive! Bucky comes up with a way for them to earn the money they need, but could one disgruntled ...

  • Roller Hockey Rumble

    The Extreme Team - 3

    When Bizz and her friends arrange a high-stakes roller hockey game with another team, Bizz is reminded about the importance of friendship....

  • Slam Dunk

    When a new school year starts, and thirteen-year-old basketball star Julian feels a lot of pressure as he realizes he is the only remaining player from last year's winning team, a friend's health crisis helps him regain perspective....

  • On Thin Ice

    The Extreme Team - 4

    Savannah is excited about throwing a holiday ice skating party and has already invited friends from her new school, when she learns that Jonas has invited the crowd from her old school to a party the same day....

  • Snowboard Champ

    When Matt Harper moves in with his uncle while his mother works for the government in a mysterious job overseas, he knows his life will change. But so long as he can hit the slopes with his snowboard, Matt figures he'll get along okay. But then he ha...

  • Rock On

    The Extreme Team - 5

    X's friends believe he can excel at any extreme sport, so when they want to check out the new climbing wall at the mall, he decides to hide his fear of heights rather than have them think him a coward....

  • Into the Danger Zone

    The Extreme Team - 6

    When an old friend comes to visit, Charlie is not at all happy with the changes he sees--especially when Rick gets reckless on his snowboard, chasing X and some of Charlie's other friends off the slopes....

  • Wild Ride

    The Extreme Team - 7

    Knowing that the mountain trails are unsafe for bicycles due to fallen trees and other obstacles, Jonas helps organize a clean-up crew in early spring, but when he hears someone else biking on the trail he cannot resist a ride of his own....

  • Head to Head

    The Extreme Team - 8

    Mark finds that he is jealous when his friend Jonas seems to learn kung fu much more quickly than he did....

  • BMX Racer

    The Extreme Team - 9

  • On the Edge

    The Extreme Team - 10

    avier 'X' McSweeney has been working hard to conquer his fear of heights. Ben, an experienced rock climber, is teaching him how to boulder across the surface of a gigantic rock. X arranges for Ben to teach his friends Bizz Juarez and Jonas Malloy abo...

  • Lacrosse Face-off

    Eleven-year-old Garry, embarrassed when his unathletic brother joins his lacrosse team, faces a bigger problem when the team bully turns on both of them....

  • Catching Waves

    When it comes to surfing, fourteen- year-old Kai Ford knows his stuff; he's been riding the waves since he was ten. He respects the amazing power of the sea and knows - first-hand - how dangerous it can be. But what Kai doesn't seem to respect is the...

  • Comeback of the Home Run Kid

    The Home Run Kid is back! Sylvester Coddmyer III, star of The Kid Who Only Hit Homers and Return of the Home Run Kid, is about to face his biggest challenge yet. His second season with the Hooper Redbirds is over and he's looking forward to the st...

  • Soccer Hero

    This beloved sports classic tells the story of an ordinary boy who loves his friends and teammates -- and suddenly becomes a hero after a single afternoon turns his life upside down. Rob Lasher is just an ordinary soccer player, good at the game...

  • Lacrosse Firestorm

    It's early summer, and things are really heating up between Garry Wallis, star of Lacrosse Face-Off, and his nemesis, Michael Donofrio. At the end of last season, Garry sabotaged Michael's chances of becoming the league's top scorer. Now Michael is t...

  • Fairway Phenom

    Malik Edwards has never had any intention of playing golf. In his mind, golf is a game played by old, flabby men wearing funny pants and hats. Then one day while channel surfing he sees a young black golfer being cheered on by a crowd of adoring fans...

  • Football Double Threat

    Rocky Fletcher is being stretched to his limit. Until recently, he'd only played wide receiver for the Pythons. Now his coaches want him to learn the safety position, too-a position that opened up when Bobby, Rocky's best friend, broke his leg. Even ...

  • Karate Kick

    Cole Richards has been training in karate for four years. He's on the brink of advancing to his next belt level, but as he prepares for his test, new challenges come his way. First, his dojo announces a "create-your-own kata" contest to take place th...

  • Basketball Sparkplug

    Kim's teammates tease him about singing in the church choir, but they change their tune when the choir helps the Arrows become Small Fry Basketball Champions....

  • Front Court Hex

    Star of the previous year's basketball team, Jerry can't do anything right in the new season, but refuses to believe his new friend who, claiming to be a warlock, predicts Jerry's play won't improve until he changes his slovenly habits....

  • Lucky Seven: Sports Stories

    A collection of sport related stories by Matt Christopher....

  • On the Court with... Lisa Leslie

    Since signing with the Los Angeles Sparks in 1997, Lisa Leslie has impressed WNBA fans with her shooting, rebounding, and blocking abilities. But her notable achievements go further back. In the 1996 Olympic Games, she scored 29 points in the gold me...

  • Baseball Flyhawk

    Chico Romez is new to the Royals baseball team, but all the players welcome him and his ability in the outfield. All but one, that its. String Becker seems to have it in for Chico. What will it take for Chico to prove himself to String? ...

  • The Dog That Called the Pitch

    Harry the Dog - 4

    Mike and his dog Harry, the Airedale with ESP, are shocked to discover that the new umpire for Mike's baseball games can hear their mental conversations. ...

  • The Dog That Called the Signals

    Harry the Dog - 2

    Mike and his dog Harry, the Airedale with ESP, are shocked to discover that the new umpire for Mike's baseball games can hear their mental conversations....

  • The Dog That Pitched A No-Hitter

    Harry the Dog - 3

    It's a fun twist on the classic baseball story in this laugh-out-loud adventure from Matt Christopher. A Level 3 Passport to Reading title perfect for readers just about ready to read independently.Features:Read Aloud functionality [where available]S...

  • The Dog That Stole Home

    Harry the Dog - 4

    When his dog, Harry, is grounded for nipping another dog, Mike wonders how he will make it through an upcoming baseball game without his trusty advisor, but help comes at a crucial moment in the form of a furry, four-legged fan....

  • Power Pitcher

    Jimmie's selfish move could ruin the whole team.... When Jimmie is elected captain of his baseball team, his first decision is to appoint himself pitcher - much to his teammates' dismay. They already have a good pitcher, Paul. When Jimmie's pitch...

  • The Team That Couldn't Lose

    When inexperienced Phil Wayne takes over as coach of the Cayugans, Chip Chase figures that they're in for a losing season. But Phil surprises everyone by teaching the team a fantastic new play every week -- plays that help them win game after game. T...

  • Hot Shot

    The exciting sequel to Slam Dunk! Julian Pryce was once the star center of the Tornadoes. But when he joins a new team after his family moves, he suddenly finds himself the star benchwarmer. It turns out the Warriors already have a starting cente...

  • The Home Run Kid Races on

    Home run slugger Sylvester Coddmyer the Third has an amazing secret. For three seasons, he's been coached by men who look exactly like baseball legends: Babe Ruth, Eddie Cicotte, and Mickey Mantle. Are these men just impersonating famous ballplayers,...

  • World Cup

    Dive into the thrilling history of soccer's most famous tournament in this comprehensive guide to the World Cup! Soccer. No other sport in the world captivates a bigger audience--and no other competition electrifies its fans like the World Cup. Jam-...

  • Out at Second

    Should Manny keep his promise-even if it puts his friend in danger? When the Grizzlies' first basemen is sidelined two days before the playoffs, catcher Manny Griffin and second baseman Stu Fletcher take it upon themselves to help his replacement bec...

  • Hook Shot Hero

    Nothin' but Net - 2

    Tim Daniels is back at Camp Wikasaukee with rest of the gang from Nothin' But Net, serving as a mentor to three young rookies, and he's got his hands full! He's still working on keeping his height from getting in the way of his game -- he's shorter t...

  • QB Blitz

    Carl has to watch his back -- even against his own team! Last season, thirteen-year-old Cal Kelliher was the star quarterback of the middle school football team. The only seventh grader in a starting line-up of eight graders, he spent the year pla...

  • Play Ball!

    Little League - 1

    Eleven-year-old cousins who are closer than most brothers, catcher Liam McCarthy and pitcher Carter Jones grew up playing baseball together. Now, their team is on the verge of winning the greatest championship of all: the Little League Baseball World...

  • District Doubleheader

    Little League - 2

    Little League Baseball® players Liam and Carter are still adjusting to changes since Liam's family moved across the country to California. Liam is faced with having to prove himself all over again to his new teammates. Carter, on the other hand, is ...

  • Skateboard Moves

    The Extreme Team (Readers) - 1
    Passport to Reading: Level 3

    Charlie Abbott is the new kid in town--again. He hates everything about moving, especially trying to make new friends. Then he meets a kid called X who shares his love of skateboarding. Together, they rip some moves at the town skatepark. But then Ch...

  • State Showdown

    Little League - 3

    In the third book of this five book Little League Baseball® series, pitcher Carter Jones and his Forest Park All-Star teammates move on to Sectionals competition. Catcher Liam McGrath, Carter's cousin, has to work together with a rival-turned-teamma...

  • Perfect Game

    Little League - 4

    Two weeks of intense competition remain to decide the final teams for the Little League® World Series. This year, the anticipation is high as it's possible that both of the previous final two teams will return, a very rare occurrence. And those are ...

  • Baseball World Series

    Little League - 5

    The final book in the series has Liam and Carter's teams on the verge of winning the greatest championship of all: the Little League Baseball® World Series. Cousins and best friends who grew up playing baseball together, Liam and Carter must now pla...

  • The Mystery Under Fugitive House

    Bantam Berns didn't know he was witnessing a crime outside his window one dark night. But the next morning brought news of a daring theft and that afternoon the police came to question Terry Lott. Only Bantam knew that Terry must be innocent. The ...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Matt Christopher has published 173 books.

Matt Christopher does not have a new book coming out soon. The latest book, The Mystery Under Fugitive House, was published in August 2016.

The first book by Matt Christopher, Look For The Body, was published in January 1952.

Yes. Matt Christopher has 7 series.
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