Second Impact by David Klass and Perri Klass

Second Impact is a novel coming out in August written by David Klass, a YA writer whose work I like very much and his physician sister, Perri Klass.

I read an electronic advanced reader copy of this novel.

From the publisher: Kendall is football town, and Jerry Downing is the high school's star quarterback, working to redeem himself after he nearly killed a girl in a drunk driving accident last year. Carla Jenson, lead reporter for the school newspaper's sports section, has recruited Jerry to co-author a blog chronicling the season from each of their perspectives. When Jerry's best friend on the team takes a hit too hard and gets hurt, Carla wonders publicly if injury in the game comes at too high a cost in a player's life—but not everyone in Kendall wants to hear it...

David Klass and Perri Klass's  Second Impact is an action-packed story will resonate with readers who have been following recent news stories are football injuries.


Strengths: I really enjoyed the use of creative formatting in this book.  Most of the story is told via emails and blog entries. I also appreciated that this book deals with an important and timely issue that more students should be made aware of.

Weaknesses: I didn't feel like some of the things that happened in the story were very realistic as far as the way schools deal with students. I also felt like the students were mature beyond their years and that some of the conversations they had were pretty unlikely.  However, since many high school students do know everything, it is unlikely to phase student readers.

An engaging story recommended for middle school and up.