Fantasy football. It’s a very popular hobby that millions of people participate in, old and young. Seeing you pick your players for your team and watching them score you points is exciting. For 12 year old Charlie Gaines, the protagonists of the book, Fantasy League, by Mike Lupica, fantasy football is natural. Charlie is known as the “Fantasy King”, and his ability to pick players that are sure to score a lot, yet stay consistent, draws him a lot of attention. Everyone is surprised by the football decisions the 12-year old is able to make, especially his decision to take a chance on an old quarterback for his town’s NFL team, the L.A Bulldogs.

I read this book for two reasons; I am a big fan of Mike Lupica’s work and I play football, so football books always catch my attention. I did not regret reading this novel at all. Although it is a bit lengthy at almost 300 pages, Fantasy League keeps readers intrigued with all of the twists and turns it takes. Readers will enjoy reading about the relationships made between Charlie and the team's owner, Joe Warren. Charlie is best friends with Anna Warren, Joe’s daughter, hence the reason why Charlie is able to get close with the team owner. Charlie gives Joe a lot of advice on how to improve the team, whose condition is deteriorating, including suggesting that the team pick up Tom Pinkett, an aging yet promising quarterback. This decision is very crucial, as it helps the team win many games when their projected record was supposed to be 4-12.

My favorite character in the book definitely has to be Joe Warren. Although he is very wealthy, as he is the owner of an NFL team, Joe is very humble and is always open to suggestions, even if they are coming from a 12 year old child. Joe is very caring and passionate about football, which made reading about him all the more interesting. Even when interviewees try to give Joe tough questions, he stays calm and collected, a trait that not everyone possesses. Joe is also not afraid to have Charlie stand with him on the sideline, making the child feel even more important. All in all, Joe Warren is a very likeable character due to his selfless and kind character.

My least favorite character in the book was Joe’s son, Matt Warren. Matt is the general manager of the team and is very hard-headed. He tries to make decisions for the team by himself, which has always ended up badly. Matt even gets jealous when he sees his father getting close to Charlie and notices that his father talks more football with a child than his own son. Everyone knows that Matt needs to get fired, but Joe can’t even think about firing his own son, even if it is really best for the team. Someone who can’t take constructive criticism is automatically one of my least favorite people to read about in books. In conclusion, Fantasy League is a great football book that I suggest teens to read. It is quite unique and eye-opening. I would recommend this novel a ⅘ stars. It was almost perfect but a little lengthy. Any teen who wants to pass time with a book and is interested in sports should definitely give Fantasy League a try!

Checkout Fantasy League from the Newport Beach Public Library.