The Half-Court Hero

Name: The Half-Court Hero
Brand: Penguin Random House
Availability: InStock
Author: Mike Lupica
ISBN: 9780525625483

Author: Mike Lupica

Series: Zach and Zoe Mysteries, The #2

Narrator: Keith Nobbs

Unabridged: 57 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Listening Library

Published: 05/01/2018

Categories: Children's Fiction, Children's Mystery & Detective, Sports Stories

Synopsis

#1 New York Times bestseller Mike Lupica begins an exciting new series, perfect for fans of Cam Jansen, featuring his trademark sports action and heart, and a lovable twin brother-sister duo who solve sports-related mysteries.

There's nothing eight-year-old twins Zach and Zoe Walker love more than playing sports and solving mysteries. And when those two worlds collide . . . well it doesn't get any better than that. When the twins start a summer basketball league at their local park, they notice the once rundown court is getting freshened up with each passing day. First new nets, then the benches have been completely restored. But who's behind it? Zach and Zoe are on the case!

In the opening installments of the Zach and Zoe Mysteries, bestselling author Mike Lupica begins a series for a new and younger audience, introducing listeners to a sports-loving detective duo who can swing for the fences and catch the culprit in one fell swoop. With a recipe equal parts sports and mystery, the Zach and Zoe Mysteries break fresh ground for an author who has been called the greatest sportswriter for kids.

About The Author

Mike Lupica (mikelupicabooks.com) is the #1 bestselling author of many popular books for young readers, including Fantasy League, Travel Team, Heat, and Million-Dollar Throw. He has carved out a niche as the sporting world's finest storyteller. Mike lives in Connecticut with his wife and their four children. When not writing novels, Mike Lupica writes for New York's Daily News and is a special correspondent for MSNBC. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeLupica.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Amanda on August 14, 2018

Gentle sports mystery with strong family values......more

Goodreads review by Jess on July 25, 2018

Cute read and I dig the connection to his earlier kid novels!......more

Goodreads review by Michelle on November 22, 2021

Another great story in the series! I listened on audiobook again. I went with 4 stars on this one since the hero was easy to guess early on. However, not all students will catch on. Inferencing is tough for many 5th graders. Again, I love the complexity and positivity these stories contain.......more

Goodreads review by Kyaira on January 29, 2025

Perfect read for my 7yo who loves sports!......more

Quotes

"Lupica kicks off a new series starring a pair of 8-year-old twins who solve sports-themed mysteries . . . Along with plenty of suspenseful sports action, the author highlights in both tales the values of fair play, teamwork, and doing the "right thing." . . . the supporting cast shows some racial and ethnic diversity. Wholesome, uncomplicated fare for the younger Matt Christopher crowd."--Kirkus Reviews

"Mike Lupica is bringing his sports knowledge and excellent writing ability to the chapter book world...[Zach and Zoe] have exciting playoff games, supportive parents, and act true to their ages . . . there is no evil involved in the mysteries, and the community is supportive. It is evident early on who or what is behind the mysteries, but this should be a positive for youngsters who are just getting started with guessing the outcomes of chapter books."--School Library Connection

"Zach and Zoe are likable and kind to each other, and their parents are supportive. Lupica knows how to write sports action with a heart . . . Give these to young readers who are looking for easy sports fiction or who are new to the mystery genre."--School Library Journal