Pop.

Korman, Gordon (author).

Football player Marcus isn’t happy about moving to a new town, but at least the high school has an undefeated team. Too bad the team is a closed club, led by quarterback Troy Popovich, who takes a special dislike to Marcus when his old girlfriend shows Marcus some love. The best part of Marcus’ football life comes in the park, where he is befriended by Charlie, a quirky older guy who teaches Marcus how to take a hit and love the “pop” that comes with intense contact. Yet it’s clear something’s not quite right about Charlie, who, as it turns out, is Troy’s father. Korman juggles several stories here as Marcus finally figures out that Charlie suffers from early onset Alzheimer’s, brought on by the physical traumas of a pro career. There’s some solid action on the field, but mostly there are Marcus’ schemes to help Charlie, which sometimes go to ridiculous lengths. However, this story has heart. And as it shows the confusion and frustrations for both patient and family that come with Alzheimer’s, it breaks some hearts, too.