​Ivan Korske and Bobby Zane couldn't be more different...

They come from different backgrounds, with different lifestyles, and have different ways of looking at the world.

Ivan is the pride of Lennings, a town tucked away in the farmlands of western New Jersey. For Ivan, a state championship fulfills a promise he made to his mother before she passed away nine months earlier. But mostly, Ivan hopes the championship will secure a college scholarship--and a chance to escape his dreary hometown.

In a wealthy town on the other side of the state, Bobby Zane protects his younger brother Christopher from the fallout of their parents impending divorce. Seeking comfort from his girlfriend, Carmelina, Bobby sees the coveted state title as his only hope for salvation from his family's problems.

Both boys have the drive, determination, and willingness to sacrifice anything to become a state champion. In the end, however, only one will raise his arm in victory and have the championship gold medal placed around his neck.

Selected Reviews

  • “A great show of the drive and intensity necessary to be a champion.”--Rulon Gardner, 2000 US Olympic Greco-Roman Wrestling Gold Medalist

  • “Pinned relates to the roller coaster ride of life's highs and lows. It captures the essence of setting goals and the obstacles some encounter in sport and in life. I recommend this book for any who know and appreciate the sport. Read it!”--Gene Mills, 1980 US Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Team, 1976 NJ State Champ
 
  • “When the wrestlers embark on a quest for the New Jersey state wrestling championship, it reminded me of my high school years on the Paramus (NJ) wrestling team.”--Matt Ghaffari, 1996 US Olympic Greco-Roman Wrestling Silver Medalist
 
  • “Pinned is a great story. I recommend it for teenage wrestlers and anyone who enjoys an interesting storyline about life’s challenges.”--Ken Chertow, 1988 US Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Team
CLASSROOM GUIDE (pdf)
AWARDS & HONORS
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  • Junior Library Guild Selection
  • YALSA's 'Best Books For Young Adults' Nominee
  • YALSA's 'Popular Paperbacks For Young Adults' Nominee
  • Texas Library Association's Tayshas Reading List
  • The Quills Awards Nominee - Teen/YA Category
  • A Kirkus Reviews 'Book of Special Note'
  • Brodart Co.'s 'Top Young Adult Titles' List
  • 'Richie's Picks' Selection
  • AudioFile Magazine's 'Earphones' Award (CD Version)
  • ForeWord Magazine's 'Audiobook of the Year' Award - Silver Medalist (CD Version)