How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy by Crystal Allen

When people first meet Lamar they think he must play basketball or at least football, but no -- Lamar bowls. He's a fabulous bowler too. Too bad his success at the bowling alley is overshadowed by his brother's accomplishments on the basketball court. But Lamar isn't going to let that get him down. There's a spot on the mantle reserved for his first trophy and he's aiming to succeed at the bowling alley, especially when he learns his idol, pro bowler Bubba Sanders is coming to town. When one of Lamar's pranks goes spectacularly wrong, he must try and repair the damage and get back in the good graces of his friends and family before Bubba arrives.

Crystal Allen is a refreshing new voice in children's literature. I adore these characters and read this book in no time. I loved how Lamar was a bowler. He could have excelled in any sport or activity other than basketball and this book would have worked, but the bowling just made it so unique. Lamar's relationship with his best friend, Sergio, seems real, with all the highs and lows friends go through. I can't wait to get some of my kids' reaction to this story. It's an A book for me.