The Rookie Bookie - by L Jon Wertheim & Tobias Moskowitz (Paperback)

About the Book

"When seventh-grader Mitch Sloan moves to Jonasburg, Indiana, he uses his exceptional skills in math, money, and sports statistics to make friends--but gets in over his head when he starts a football betting ring"--

Book Synopsis

Using the tips, truths, and stats they explore in their New York Times bestseller Scorecasting, two dads pack super sports savvy and important math and financial concepts into a fun and heartwarming first novel for kids.

New kid Mitch Sloan wants to fit in, but his nerdy love of statistics and making money isn't winning him any friends in his sports-loving town--until he finds the perfect way to attain instant popularity. But running a football betting ring at school eventually turns sour, and Mitch loses the only real friend he's made. He'll have to win her back by using his brainpower for good and helping the school football team achieve victory--if they'll listen to the advice of a former bookie!

Review Quotes

"A cleverly written story, with an astute take on what makes middleschoolers tick. Strong supporting characters, and a good balance of tension and humor keep the pages turning.... A thoughtful and highly entertaining read."--School Library Journal

"A rare offering for both the sports enthusiast and the kid who is always picked last for the team."--Booklist

"A relatable protagonist...and a fun venue for readers to learn a bit about business, football, and math.... This story hits its mark and should intrigue readers with information about how number-crunching can make an impact on the gridiron."--Publishers Weekly

"Wertheim and Moskowitz cleverly introduce elements of probability, economics and business.... The sports fan's alternative to The Lemonade War."--Kirkus Reviews

A Mathical Book Prize Honorable MentionA Maine Student Book Award Nominee

About the Author

Jon Wertheim is an executive editor for Sports Illustrated, a regular contributor to CNN and NPR, and the author of several books, including Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind How Sports Are Played and Games Are Won, which he co-authored with Tobias Moskowitz.
Tobias Moskowitz is a financial economist and a professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He was the winner of the 2007 American Finance Association Fischer Black Prize, awarded to a leading finance scholar under the age of forty.