(3) 1-3 Gym Shorts series. Illustrated by Simon Gane. Henry and Rocky are tennis doubles partners. Trouble is, Henry's a tennis natural while Rocky, though he tries hard and practices a lot, isn't as strong a player. Henry tries for a winning-isn't-everything attitude, but during one match he snaps and hurts Rocky's feelings. Hicks continues to show sensitivity and insight in this sports-themed series for younger readers.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) 1-3 Gym Shorts series. Illustrated by Adam McCauley. Rocky was the best catcher in the league until he broke his arm making a tag. Now healed, Rocky keeps yanking his arm out of harm's way whenever a runner comes in, costing his team many games. Ready to quit, he gets inspiration from his supportive friends and skateboarding dog. The series continues to feature amiable characters overcoming relatable sports-themed challenges.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 1-3 Gym Shorts series. Illustrated by Simon Gane. Jazz's father is her biggest fan. But when he gets too invested in her performance on the track team (e.g., contradicting the coach, challenging the ref) Jazz looks for ways to get him to cool his temper. The tale's backstory--widowed African American father must raise his daughter alone--is compelling. Droll black-and-white illustrations support the story.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) 1-3 Gym Shorts series. Illustrated by Adam McCauley. Fourth-grader Henry and his buddies love sports. In Basketball, they accept a challenge from kids who take winning too seriously. Goof-Off is for any soccer player who thinks being a goalie is easy. Pencil sketches--some funny, some dramatic--decorate each spread. Readers new to chapter books will cheer for these likable kids and will look forward to reading more about them. Review covers these Gym Shorts titles: Basketball Bats and Goof-Off Goalie.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2008

(2) 1-3 Gym Shorts series. Illustrated by Adam McCauley. Rita is excited to be a Dolphin; her enthusiasm falters after realizing her faster-swimming friends are Sharks. Should she quit swimming or conquer the flip turn? Humorous black-and-white illustrations provide ample visual cues. This reliable series is full of sports details as well as social details of the kids who play them.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2008

(2) 1-3 Gym Shorts series. Illustrated by Adam McCauley. Fourth-grader Henry and his buddies love sports. In Basketball, they accept a challenge from kids who take winning too seriously. Goof-Off is for any soccer player who thinks being a goalie is easy. Pencil sketches--some funny, some dramatic--decorate each spread. Readers new to chapter books will cheer for these likable kids and will look forward to reading more about them. Review covers these Gym Shorts titles: Basketball Bats and Goof-Off Goalie.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2008