Overview

Eighth-grader Micah is psyched to have made the BC junior goalball team -- even though he gets the news while dealing with a flare-up of his degenerative eye condition. What he's not happy about is his parents' decision to get him a guide dog, and the possibility of losing his independence. When Liam, a new, first-rate player, joins the goalball team, Micah's frustration with his vision spills onto the court. He is rude to Liam and starts a fight with another teammate, Sebastian, after practice. It's only with the help of Cam, his Orientation and Mobility Specialist, that Micah starts to get a handle on his aggression and trust people enough to communicate how he feels. But with the team's big junior tournament in Richmond, B.C., quickly approaching, Micah has to reconcile his differences with Liam and Sebastian -- both on and off the court -- to become a real team player and help his team win the championship. [Fry reading level - 3.9

Full Product Details

9781459408517

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Reviews

Micah's snarky, conversational narrative is a great fit for reluctant readers, and the fast-paced action will satisfy sports fans, even if they have never heard of goalball. . . . [T]his insightful glimpse into the life of a visually impaired teen is . . . illuminating. --Sarah Hunter, Booklist (09/01/2015)

An enjoyable read. Recommended. --James Pilkington, NetGalley Reviewer (10/27/2015)

I've always loved stories that take me out of my own personal experience and genuinely put me into another's. Growing up with a disability, I sought out stories of other disabled kids growing up, and found precious few. Micah's tale in Shot in the Dark would have appealed to me back then and it touched that part of me that still seeks out those kind of stories. --Ellen Bergstrom, Educator (09/14/2015)

Readers will discover a new sport and learn that disabilities are obstacles that can be overcome...This is a great summer reading choice that works nicely with the #WeNeedDiverseBooks intiative. As with other Lorimer Hi-Lo selections, it's age appropriate and offers a deeper read, ready for reluctant and struggling readers who have worked on their skills and are ready for the next step. --Mom Read It, Children's Book Review Blog

[Micah's] story is engaging and his character is realistically drawn . . . Many of his daily struggles involve issues familiar to young readers: gaining independence from his parents, controlling his anger, and making friends. Shot in the Dark is a well-researched, insightful book. --Charis Cotter, National Reading Campaign (04/09/2015)

Author Information

JANET M. WHYTE is a former equestrian and the author of five books, including the Lorimer Sports Stories novel Rescue Rider. Janet lives in Vancouver, BC, where she works as a library technician at Langara College.

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