Dickens & Rumi
Cover of MILLION-DOLLAR THROW

book

MILLION-DOLLAR THROW

Mike Lupica

In tough times, an opportunity arises for a quarterback.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to middle-grade readers because of sports intensity, family money worries, disability-related themes, emotional pressure, and fairly accessible but substantial chapter-book complexity. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence2/5
  • Products & advertising1/5
  • Romance1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Mention of NFL/professional sports brands as part of the premise.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild school-appropriate language.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Mild middle-school crush and supportive friendship.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Standard sports action and minor physical scuffles typical of middle school environments.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist faces public pressure, financial hardship, fear of failure, and concern for a friend with persistence and moral courage.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Promotes sports strategy and problem-solving.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a character dealing with vision loss, representing disability.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Includes incidental lessons on sports mechanics and empathy for disabilities.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, friendship, family care, and support for a friend facing vision loss are important emotional elements.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes include perseverance, honesty, loyalty, family support, compassion, and valuing people above money or athletic success.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist acts with integrity and supports his friend facing a health crisis.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in MILLION-DOLLAR THROW would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in MILLION-DOLLAR THROW, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereMILLION-DOLLAR THROW
The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating