Karate Countdown

When Kenny's anger problem gets out of control, his father signs him up for karate lessons. But even in karate class, Kenny can't get a grip on his temper. He's getting a reputation for being angry. With help from his karate teacher, will Kenny be able to calm down long enough to focus and win?
 
With a winning combination of fast action and intense personal drama, this chapter book in the Jake Maddox Sports Fiction series will draw even reluctant readers. On the first page, Kenny is in big trouble at school again, and his dad has been called in to see the principal. Ever since his mother died, Kenny gets angry very easily; he even yells at teachers. He is furious when Dad signs him up for karate class, and the full-page, comic-style pictures in gray wash show him seething, and then slowly gaining control as he practices the technical moves and also learns calming exercises from Sensei, his karate teacher. Readers will enjoy the details of Kenny's meltdowns as much as the karate specifics, which build to the climax, in which Kenny overcomes his anger and wins the class tournament. Back matter includes discussion questions, writing prompts, a glossary, and more information about karate.-- "Booklist Online"