Janice Repka

It also has been nominated for 4 additional state reading awards:
The Sunshine State Young Reader Award;
The Young Hoosier Book Award;
The Great Stone Face Award; and
The Keystone to Reading Book Award.

Check out the “First Books” section of the 2006 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market guide published by Writer’s Digest Books. On pages 85-86, is a wonderful article which focuses on me and my book, The Stupendous Dodgeball Fiasco. Thanks Writer's Digest Books!

I have visited more than two dozen elementary schools and have been able to share my love of writing with over 2,000 enthusiastic kids! I am now busy scheduling school visits for the current school year.

"With lots of silliness, plenty of action, and a universally despised villain (if dodgeball can be called a villain), this is sure to be a hit with fifth-grade boys, and then some."
---------- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books


"...young readers will enjoy the funny lines and situations and will come away admiring the spunky central character."
----------------------------------------------Booklist

"Have you ever wanted to run away and join the circus? Well, Phillip wants to run away FROM the circus! Phillip doesn't want to be just a circus act like his parents. He wants to do something normal. He moves in with his aunt and uncle. However, he finds out that this new town is a not-so-ordinary place. Dodgeball has consumed activities and lives of the townspeople. Phillip tries to fit in but ends up being a misfit again. He doesn't mean to get into trouble but he just does. The biggest trouble he faces is when he stands up to the school bully after a dodgeball game. As a result, he ends up taking on the whole town in court! This brave boy uses some unique ways to make a town learn about responsibility, fairness, and what is best for everyone. Read about how the whole town is suddenly "hit" with the truth about dodgeball. Phillip and his friends learn a lesson about what really matters to them. This book will keep the reader interested from one chapter to the next to see what new escapades Phillip will get into. This well written book will keep children fascinated and anxious to know what will happen next. Children will love reading this for fun. Teachers may want to use it to help teach diversity in their classrooms."
----------------Children's Literature - Cathi I. White

“With unexpected and hilarious twists on every page, this book is sure to delight anyone ever subjected to the ups and downs of playground sports.”
------------------- Max Biringer, Harrisburg Magazine

“... couldn’t be more appealing to kids, and the humorous situations will keep the pages turning. ... readers will cheer Phillip’s desire to stand up for others and improve his school’s morale.”
------------------------------ School Library Journal

“’Dodgeball’ will score with middle-grade readers.”
--------------- Jo-Ann Greene, Sunday News, Lancaster

Considering this is Repka's first book, I am very impressed. This has all the makings of a very popular book, both with students and teachers, but also with parents. The book is written very simple, with lots of different values going on. For instance, lots of information about circuses is presented, especially as a little sidebar at the beginning of each chapter. The trivia is interesting. The feelings that Philip has as being the new kid at school are universal. The ways in which he is teased can have a profound effect on kids--running away, hiding, getting angry, etc. However, he deals with it in a way that lets him rise from victim to hero. How bullying is perpetuated from generation to generation, and how painful it is. This book deals with growing up, making friends, moving around alot, trying to fit in, family relationships, and more. It is written in an upbeat, clean style that will appeal to many students. I can't wait for more from this budding writer. -----------------Reviewer Carol Hahn