Maxed Out

by Daphne Greer

More than anything, twelve-year-old Max wants to play hockey like he used to. But since the death of his dad, his mom does more crying than mothering, and Max has to take his special-needs brother, Duncan, with him everywhere he goes. The team needs Max to win the upcoming game against the Red Eagles, but one practice with Duncan makes it evident that it's not safe to leave him unattended on the sidelines. With only a week to figure out how he can play in the big game, Max is feeling the pressure. Will he find a way to be a good teammate, a good brother and a good son, or is it too much for one kid?

Genres: Sports, Realistic Fiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

Reviews

[Andrew Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the story Maxed Out by Daphne Greer, a boy named Max wants to play hockey like he used to. But ever since his dad died, his mom has been working constantly and Max has to take his special needs brother, Duncan, with him everywhere he goes. The team needs Max to play in an upcoming game, but one time Max practices with the team, Duncan shows he can't be trusted with no supervision. Will Max play or will he have to watch Duncan?

I personally enjoyed this book. It was well written and it had a good plot. The book made me feel like I was there, in the book, experiencing what Max had been doing. "The smell of smoke from Mr. Cooper's fireplace means we're almost home,” (page 13). It is a good book for someone who likes hockey or sports in general. Maxed Out is written for all ages to enjoy. I didn't give this book five stars because it wasn't my favorite book of all time but I certainly enjoyed it. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys sports books.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been three years since I last read this, so I forgot a lot of the story. I felt bad for the MC having to have SO much responsibility regarding the care of his brother...because his mom couldn't handle it after losing her husband. I can see why he got angry when she promised to let him play the hockey game, but then failed to show up to care for the brother (she had to work, so I can see her side too). A good ending.

[Cody Teson]

In the book Maxed Out by Daphne Greer, Max loves to play hockey and would play it all day but ever since his dad died he cant. He has to take care of his special needs brother and take care for his mom who feels lonely. One day he wants to practice with his team on the pond, his mom says Duncan has to go with. It was perfectly fine until Cody shows up and starts bullying Duncan and some crazy stuff happen. you'll have to read the book to see what happens next. I Thought this book was ok. I would give it a 4 star review only because it didn't have as much detail as I thought it would. The theme of the book is be grateful for what you have because Max didn't get all the things he wanted when his dad died.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life hasn't been easy on Max since his dad died. Not only does he miss his father like crazy, but he also has extra responsibilities at home now that his mom has to work extra shifts. He has to pick up his handicapped brother Duncan every day, fix him his special snack, and keep him calm while mom sleeps. He is becoming more and more frustrated with his crazy work load, but the tension just builds as he can't bring himself to confront his mom. It's a tough situation I think many kids can relate to.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: The author is a friend of mine, so I feel I am a little biased!

This is a great starter chapter book for kids who aren't strong readers, as the language isn't complex, but they will quickly get drawn in by the story. I loved the perspective of the sibling struggling to support his grieving mother as well as navigate looking after his brother who has special needs (especially as I know the person who inspired Duncan and could picture him so well!). Definitely a great book to have in a classroom, and could be a good read-aloud as well.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a reread for me and I just finished it in an hour or so. Sometimes, a short book hits the spot.

I gave this 3 stars because although it has a core message, pretty much all the characters bugged me AND I would happily have given that mother a piece of my mind.

Still, good outline of what it is to lose someone you love - affecting everyone around.

Good writing and decent plot.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this rating because i liked it its a really good book but it just really wasn't a good book
for me because I am not into hockey but i loved the concept of the book

[MaryAnne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Characteristics of Duncan,

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having a young man with different abilities draws me to books such as this one. 3.5 stars ⭐️

[Trever Weisser]

12 year old Max loves to play hockey. When he was younger him and his dad played a lot. He would always go to the rink with his dad and play a game with his friends and dad. But that was before. What I mean by before is his dad died and his mom is a mess. It is hard for Max because he needs to take care of his older brother Duncan who has special needs. Max takes Duncan everywhere he goes. But his friends need him to play in the hockey tournament that is coming up soon. Will he find a way to take care of his brother and play in the tournament?

[Cole T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book!! My favorite part was when Max and his mom skated on the pond at the end of the book. This book was great. Although it actually got kinda sad in some places. I also like when they took a match and farted and fire blew every where. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes hockey, a funny story, or just a plane fun read. Enjoy this book, I know I did and I know you will too!!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hockey means just about everything to Max. However, since his dad died, Max has been helping care for his special-needs older brother and that does not include time for sports. With an upcoming game, Max is torn between his team and his family. A good fit for reluctant/struggling readers searching for a sports book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story! Daphne Greer gives a great voice to her young hero, Max, but it's his special needs brother, Duncan, who steals the show with his astute observations and hilarious comments. A heartwarming and funny book!

[Lavabearian (Jessica) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I fear this book, like Wonder, has a valuable story line, but it will only really relate to a few students. A NO vote for me.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good book