Product Description

Josh Cameron is MVP of the championship Boston Celtics and a media darling with a spotless reputation. He has it all . . . including a daughter he never knew. When twelve-year-old Molly Parker arrives in his life, claiming to be his daughter, she catches him off guard. Molly says her mom, Jen, revealed his identity before losing her battle with cancer. Josh isn’t so sure about this girl—she must be trying to scam him for his money. Still, there’s something about Molly that reminds him so much of Jen. But as Molly gets to know the real Josh, the one the camera never sees, she starts to understand why her mother never wanted her to know her dad. Josh has room in his heart for only two things: basketball and himself. Does Molly really want this man for a father? Together, these two strangers learn that sometimes, for things to end up the way you want them to, you have to fire up a prayer at the buzzer and hope it goes in.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #104451 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9–Molly Parker, 12, lives in Boston with her recently deceased mother's best friend and family. She is on a mission to meet the Celtics' star player, Josh Cameron, to tell him that she is his daughter. With the help of her friend Sam, she sneaks into the athlete's car so that they will have the opportunity to talk. Self-centered Josh is skeptical of her claim, yet spends time with her. However, his sinister agent, Bobby, worries that knowledge of Molly's existence will destroy his client's clean-cut image, and he tells her to get lost. She almost despairs of ever convincing Josh of their relationship before she moves to California with her new family. But after finding an encouraging note her mother had left, she travels to New York, where Josh has a game, and the two reconcile at the Rockefeller Center skating rink. Lupica creates intriguing, complex characters in Molly, Sam, and Josh, and he paces his story well, with enough twists and cliff-hangers to keep the pages turning. Molly's relationships with others in Josh's life, such as a teammate and his housekeeper, contrast nicely with her up-and-down relationship with her father. In spite of a few implausible events, some sentimentality, and a bit of predictability, this is an entertaining work. The strong female character and the basketball tie-in will expand its appeal.–Jeffrey A. French, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
When 12-year-old Molly Parker returns to America from England following her mother's death from cancer, she harbors a secret: her father is the star point guard of the Boston Celtics, Josh Cameron. Molly confronts Josh, who reacts with ambivalence to the sudden news that he is a father, but as their relationship grows, he seems to want to make Molly part of his life. Still, he also seems worried about his good-guy, bachelor image. Adding further pressure to the situation are his warmhearted housekeeper and greedy, image-conscious agent. Despite a sentimental ending, Lupica delivers a winning novel, creating a realistic character in Molly by authentically capturing both her fragility and pluck. Young readers will also enjoy the look inside Josh's pampered sports-superstar world. Ostensibly sports fiction, this could attract a wide range of readers. Todd Morning
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
Lupica delivers a winning novel, creating a realistic character in Molly by authentically capturing both her fragility and pluck. -- Booklist

Customer Reviews

Riley from Lake Tapps says," This book is awesome.
The clock is running down as Josh Cameron makes a move on his guy. He jukes him out, squares up and shoots. He makes the basket and the crowd goes wild. The refs had to review the play because they didn't know if the ball left his hand before the buzzer or not. Would they win the game or not? Read Miracle on 49th Street if you want to know if it left his hand or not before the buzzer.
Molly, the main character, told her caretaker she was going to her best friend Sam's house after school. Instead, she went to the Celtic's gym to find Josh Cameron, the basketball superstar. Just before her mom passed away, Molly was told some interesting information about her dad she did not know. She was told Josh was her dad. Molly told Josh that day in the parking lot after practice that he was her dad. Josh said, "I'm not your dad." Sadly, Molly said, "Yes, you are.
The part I liked the best in this book was when Molly showed up the NBA superstar L.J. Brown. After practice, L.J. came over to Molly and said, "Okay, Miss Miss, Let's see how much game you brought today." Molly went on the court and dribbled for a little bit, then went up and layed it in. Molly dribbled back out and L.J. came in as a prop to make Molly look good. Molly drove in and created space by bumping into L.J. Great play!
Even though I usually don't like to watch movies, I think this book would become a great movie. This book is written by Mike Lupica a #1 New York Times best selling author so people might have read some of his other books. If people like the books, they probably want to watch the movie so that they can see the characters come to life. Also, when most people read, they paint pictures in their minds, so if there is a movie of the book, they can see if the pictures in their minds are similar to the movie pictures.
Molly, the main character in the story, is a character that people would wish the best for. Molly doesn't have a family of her own, just a family that has chosen to take care of her since her mom died. She really wants a dad of her own. Molly is one of those people that can't get enough time in the gym watching Josh Cameron and the Celtics. She is like their number one fan, making excuses to get to the gym any way she can.
I would recommend this book to people that like reading about basketball. Even though the main character is a girl, both boys and girls would like to read this book.

Heartwarming and Humorous
This heartwarming 'classic' is such a magnificient book.
I spotted it at our local library one saturday, and judging by the cover I just couldn't pass it up.
After reading it I realized how great a book it really was.
(And before this boo, I had never even heard of the author Mike Lupica)
THis book contains, humor, emotion, and an amazing plot that would capture anyone...no matter what the age.
Actually I realized that the movie 'The Game Plan' seemed to have copied this novel.
I saw that movie... and let me tell you, this book is way better.
Better script, better plot, better everything.
So if your considering wether or not you want this book to be your own.
The answer she undoubtedly be YES!

The Most Heart-Warming Book Ever!
'Miracle on 49th Street' is definitely a worthwhile book to read.
I stumbled across this book in the library one saturday and debated wether I should take it home to read it or not.
I'm so proud of the choice I made that day(which was taking it home with me), because turns out it was a brilliantly written book with a heartwarming message to it.
The twelve-year old girl immediately caught my attention- especially since I was twelve years old myself- and you might be thinking "Oh...this book must be fit for a younger crowd" but actually it's a great book for all ages.
There was much humor, emotion, and not to forget an amazing plot to this novel... which are the proper ingredients fit to make a book so great.
I hope you choose to read it soon!
Infact, I think the movie 'The Game Plan' , was copied from this better written novel.
If you enjoyed 'The Game Plan' you'll undoubtedly enjoy this book.
Gie it a chance...

Signed,
A Miracle On 49th Street Fan