Cracking the Bell by Geoff Herbach
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on September 10th 2019
ISBN: 0062453149
Pages: 247
Goodreads

Isaiah was saved by football. His life prior to the sport was utter chaos and he was constantly in trouble. His parents gave him an ultimatum — play football or go back to the group home. Football was his savior, but now he has to decide whether to continue playing.

College recruiters are watching him, giving him offers that he can’t resist, but a series of severe concussions has left him struggling to cover up what is happening to him. What should he do — football has been his life, but is it worth the chance of him dying.

Recommended for grade 8 and up. With concussions being a hot topic with student athletes, this novel puts the  dilemma that many have to face in perspective.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.