I’m happy to report that the e-book version of my young adult novel Face-Off, a book about brothers getting along, is now available for Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and iTunes, in addition to Kindle. It’s also available in trade paperback and as an audiobook. Retail links are below.
This is a special book to me as it was originally published nearly 20 years ago, when I was a teenager, and I’m thrilled to have it available with a few revisions for a new generation of readers. Although the book is geared toward ages 12 and up, I’ve received fan letters from children as young as nine, and a few from adults, too. Readers relate to the themes of sibling rivalry, teamwork, sportsmanship, and brothers getting along.
Head-to-Head, Skate-to-Skate, It’s Winner Takes All! What might have been a dream come true has turned into a nightmare. Brad’s twin brother T.J. has gotten himself out of the fancy prep school his father picked for him and into the public high school Brad attends. Now T.J., the bright light in his father’s eyes, is a shining new star on the hockey team where Brad once held the spotlight. And he’s testing his popularity with Brad’s friends, eyeing Brad’s girl and competing to be captain of the team. The whole school is rooting for a big double-strength win…not knowing that their twin hockey stars are heating up the ice for a winner takes all face-off. This young adult novel has entertained thousands of young readers and appeared on many reading lists.
$7.99 trade paperback version available from your local bookseller and the following on-line retailers:
Direct from publisher
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
E-book versions available from:
Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble (Nook)
Smashwords
iTunes
Sony Reader Store
Honors:
The Hockey Hall of Fame’s Junior Education Program – Recommended reading list for the junior and intermediate levels.
Best Books for Young Teen Readers: Grades 7-10 by John T. Gillespie -Recommended in the sports category.
Reviews:
“Hockey fans will be attracted by the cover and held by the game descriptions, and those who like realistic fiction will appreciate the complexity of the boys’ home life, with battling parents, hero-worshipping younger siblings and a father who expects too little of one twin and too much of the other. A good read for both proficient and reluctant readers.”
– Booklist
“Lots of action and emotional upheaval ensure that this will be a popular book for boys as well as girls. This reviewer’s YA Book Review Group gave it nine points out of a possible ten for ‘Good Read’ status.”
– VOYA
“I dig the witty banter among brothers and friends. My heart went out to those boys when at home. Another pleasing story that keeps you thirsting for more.”
– Tifferz Book Review
“I’m a new fan of Juba’s, but it’s like I’ve been reading her writing for years. What I like most about it is that she can make two POVs completely different…It’s a good message that Stacy Juba gives out, a rare one indeed that is neither present nor hidden in most stories.”
– My Home Away From Home & Mera’s YA Book List Review
“With lots of sports action and only 117 pages, the book has appeal for reluctant readers.”
– Kliatt
“This book is about hockey, but it is about more than that, too. It also shows how parents can impact their kids’ life and how to deal with change… This book reminds me of Miracle.”
– Review & React
“The author’s knack for creating characters readers can care about, as well as conflict both on and off the ice, keeps the pages turning.”
– Metrowest Daily News
“Twin brothers compete on the hockey rink for their father’s approval.”
– As featured in Publisher’s Weekly
Face-Off Fan Mail: Below are a few snippets of fan letters sent by children over the years.
“I read your book, Face-Off, and it was one of the best books I’ve ever read. It has a lot of description and details…I also thought it was interesting the way you made me feel like I was in the book the way you described the school. You write some of the best books I’ve read in my life.”
– Daniel from Connecticut
“I read one of your books, Face-Off, and I liked it a lot. I read it because I play hockey and it is my favorite sport.”
– Buster, age 10, from Illinois
“I liked your book a lot. I really like how your story is so detailed and real. I can relate to this book because I have two brothers like T.J. Plus I play sports too. I don’t play hockey on a team, but I do love to play and watch hockey. Also T.J. sometimes fights with his brothers and so do I. I enjoyed reading Face-Off and hope to read more of your books.”
– Patty, age 12, from Michigan
“I especially enjoyed the book because I am fanatic about the sport of hockey. Also it dealt with real life family troubles, such as parents in the process of separating and twins holding grudges with one another.”
– Jeff, age 13, from Pennsylvania
“I am writing to comment on your book Face-Off. I think it is a great book.”
– Dean from Michigan
“I think Brad and T.J. are pretty cool characters being hockey fans (which is my favorite sport to play. I wonder where you came up with your ideas for their personalities because the characters seem very distinct.”
– Jason, age 15, from Minnesota
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Stacy Juba has written sweet and sassy chick lit novels, mysteries about determined women sleuths, and entertaining books for young adults and children. Her books include the Storybook Valley chick lit series and the Hockey Rivals young adult sports novels.
Stacy is also a freelance developmental editor and online course creator. Sign up for her free masterclass, How to Create Your Editing Game Plan.
Stop by her other websites and blogs: Shortcuts for Writers and Hockey Rivals.
