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Heather M. O'Connor

Canadian children's author

My books
About
School visits
Blog
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Category: Soccer

What’s inside the teachers’ guide?

January 8, 2016January 14, 2016 merlinwrites

Writing the author’s note made me think really hard about the book’s themes and characters. What was the most important part of the story? The takeaway? The message?

Betting Game, Books and authors, For teachers, News, Soccer, Writer's craftOrca, reading, soccer, teachers' guide, team, theme

Spilling my secrets

January 5, 2016January 10, 2016 merlinwrites

The real-life news story that inspired Betting Game, and how an OPP expert in illegal gambling reinvented my bad guy. An interview on the Orca blog. #TuesdayTalk

Betting Game, News, Research, SoccerBetting Game, interviews, Orca, research, soccer

Reviews

O’Connor will keep the game’s fans close with plenty of in-the-know soccer patter, but she will also draw other readers with the story of Jack’s slow absorption into a gambling…...

Kirkus Reviews

Tight and authentic sports action combined with engaging characters make this title great for sports fans as well as readers who enjoy action and drama.

School Library Journal

The fast-paced writing has enough soccer action to keep reluctant readers turning the pages, and the gambling intrigue, along with a side plot involving a new player on Jack’s team,...

Booklist

O'Connor deals with topics that would be well worth discussing with almost any teen: the value of team-work; honesty; and ethics. I will certainly include Betting Game in our curriculum...

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Betting Game easily captivated my interest with its action and suspense and honest teen characters… The kind of read that will grip both sports fans and reluctant readers.

CanLit for LittleCanadians

A fast paced, entertaining read that will really appeal to all soccer players, both boys and girls, especially those struggling to sustain a reading habit.