backfield boys
In this YA novel from renowned sports journalist John Feinstein, two star athletes and best friends—one Jewish, one African American—confront racism in the football program at their elite prep school.
Two freshman footballers are a perfect pair: Jason Roddin is a blazing-fast wide receiver, while his best friend Tom Jefferson has a quarterback’s arm. After football camp at an elite sports-focused boarding school, the boys are thrilled to return with full-ride scholarships. But on day one of practice, they’re shocked when the renowned coaching staff make Tom—a black kid—a receiver and Jason—a white kid—a quarterback. Suspecting deep-seated racial bias, the boys speak out, risking their scholarships and chances to play. As tensions mount with coaches and other players, local newspaper reporters begin a secret investigation, and Tom and Jason must soon decide how much they’re willing to risk losing to help expose the ugly truths about a place eager to protect its reputation for winning.
In this YA novel from renowned sports journalist John Feinstein, two star athletes and best friends—one Jewish, one African American—confront racism in the football program at their elite prep school.
Two freshman footballers are a perfect pair: Jason Roddin is a blazing-fast wide receiver, while his best friend Tom Jefferson has a quarterback’s arm. After football camp at an elite sports-focused boarding school, the boys are thrilled to return with full-ride scholarships. But on day one of practice, they’re shocked when the renowned coaching staff make Tom—a black kid—a receiver and Jason—a white kid—a quarterback. Suspecting deep-seated racial bias, the boys speak out, risking their scholarships and chances to play. As tensions mount with coaches and other players, local newspaper reporters begin a secret investigation, and Tom and Jason must soon decide how much they’re willing to risk losing to help expose the ugly truths about a place eager to protect its reputation for winning.
In this YA novel from renowned sports journalist John Feinstein, two star athletes and best friends—one Jewish, one African American—confront racism in the football program at their elite prep school.
Two freshman footballers are a perfect pair: Jason Roddin is a blazing-fast wide receiver, while his best friend Tom Jefferson has a quarterback’s arm. After football camp at an elite sports-focused boarding school, the boys are thrilled to return with full-ride scholarships. But on day one of practice, they’re shocked when the renowned coaching staff make Tom—a black kid—a receiver and Jason—a white kid—a quarterback. Suspecting deep-seated racial bias, the boys speak out, risking their scholarships and chances to play. As tensions mount with coaches and other players, local newspaper reporters begin a secret investigation, and Tom and Jason must soon decide how much they’re willing to risk losing to help expose the ugly truths about a place eager to protect its reputation for winning.