Million-Dollar Throw

About this book

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of HEAT and TRAVEL TEAM. Everyone calls Nate Brodie "Brady" because he's a New England quarterback, just like his idol, Tom Brady. And now he's got a chance to win a million dollars by throwing one pass through a target at halftime in the Patriots; Thanksgiving night game. More than anything, Nate's family needs the money—his dad's been downsized, his mom's working two jobs, and they're on the verge of losing their house. The worry is more weight than a 13-year-old can bear, and it's affecting his playing for his own football team.

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See all books like Million-Dollar Throw→ — matched on theme + reading level.

Why widely assigned

This Sports Fiction title, typically at grades 5–8. Written in the 2000s; pairs with curriculum units on football and pressure; cited across 2 curriculum frameworks.

Where this book is assigned

• Blue Hen Book Award

  • recommended·5th grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·6th grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·7th grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.
  • recommended·8th grade · Delawaresource: Blue Hen Book Award — Delaware's statewide children's-choice reading program (grades 4-8): students read the annual nominees and vote for their favorite. Winner list verified from the award's published record.

• Kentucky Bluegrass Award (KBA)

  • recommended·5th grade · Kentuckysource: Kentucky Association of School Librarians — Kentucky Bluegrass Award Winner's Circle (grades 3-5 + 6-8; annual since 1983)
  • recommended·6th grade · Kentuckysource: Kentucky Association of School Librarians — Kentucky Bluegrass Award Winner's Circle (grades 3-5 + 6-8; annual since 1983)
  • recommended·7th grade · Kentuckysource: Kentucky Association of School Librarians — Kentucky Bluegrass Award Winner's Circle (grades 3-5 + 6-8; annual since 1983)
  • recommended·8th grade · Kentuckysource: Kentucky Association of School Librarians — Kentucky Bluegrass Award Winner's Circle (grades 3-5 + 6-8; annual since 1983)

Common questions

What grade level is Million-Dollar Throw?

Million-Dollar Throw is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 5–8. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.

What curricula assign Million-Dollar Throw?

Million-Dollar Throw appears on reading lists for Blue Hen Book Award, Kentucky Bluegrass Award (KBA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.

Is Million-Dollar Throw banned in schools?

Million-Dollar Throw does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.

What themes does Million-Dollar Throw explore?

Central themes in Million-Dollar Throw include football, pressure, friendship. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.