A reader who enjoyed Tommy Greenwald's Game Changer is likely a middle-grade to young adult fan who appreciates sports fiction with a focus on moral dilemmas, personal growth, and contemporary issues. Fans of Mike Lupica’s Heat or Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover would enjoy the engaging narrative and relatable characters.

Tommy Greenwald's Game Changer captures the intense world of youth sports and its darker sides. Reviewers praise its engaging narrative and relatable characters, though some feel the pacing could be tighter. The story poignantly addresses peer pressure and ethics, resonating well with both teens and adults. Overall, a compelling read with meaningful lessons.

Tommy Greenwald’s Game Changer (2018) explores the turbulent aftermath of a life-threatening head injury suffered by 13-year-old promising football player Teddy Youngblood during a scrimmage at Walthorne High School's summer football camp. As Teddy lies in a coma, his town grapples with the injury's implications, questioning the coach’s responsibility and the role of high school football, while emerging evidence suggests foul play amidst the team’s toxic culture.

Challenging / Emotional / Inspirational / Mysterious / Suspenseful

- Game Changer by Tommy Greenwald is known for its unique narrative style, incorporating texts, newspaper articles, and blog posts, which adds an interactive layer to the reading experience.
- The book is a thought-provoking exploration of sports culture and its impact on young athletes, sparking important conversations about safety and ethics in youth sports.
- Game Changer delves into timely social issues, using the backdrop of high school football to discuss topics like peer pressure, identity, and resilience in a relatable manner for both teens and adults.

**Teddy Youngblood**  
A 13-year-old football player who is in a coma after being injured at football camp, serving as the central figure whose experiences are revealed through visits from family and friends at the hospital.

**Jim Youngblood**  
Teddy’s father, a former high school football player who nostalgically values football and grapples with the reality of his son's injury and its implications.

**Sarah Youngblood**  
Teddy’s mother, deeply anxious and protective, who opposes the influence of football and is concerned for Teddy’s well-being in the hospital.

**Ethan Metzger**  
A teammate of Teddy's who struggles with guilt over the incident that led to Teddy’s injury, eventually confronting the reality of what occurred during football camp.

Tommy Greenwald

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Game Changer Summary and Study Guide

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Pages 1-69

Game Changer Pages 1-69 Summary & Analysis

Pages 70-131

Game Changer Pages 70-131 Summary & Analysis

Pages 132-203

Game Changer Pages 132-203 Summary & Analysis

Pages 204-252

Game Changer Pages 204-252 Summary & Analysis

Pages 253-286

Game Changer Pages 253-286 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

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Introduction

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Game Changer

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