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Something for Joey is based on actual events in the lives of John Cappelletti, the football player, and his kid brother Joey, a victim of leukemia. As a rising football star at Penn State, John became Joey’s idol, and Joey lived for football weekends when he could see his big brother star in the field. But the older brother was in turn inspired by Joey’s courage in dealing with pain every moment of his life. In accepting the1973 Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the best college football player, John Cappelletti startled an audience of dignitaries and celebrities with a moving tribute to Joey, who died in April, 1976. This book tells the true, courageous story of the football hero and his heroic young brother.

Readers’ Comments -

It’s wonderfully written and emphasizes the bond between the brothers and the entire family.
- D.G. Aurora CO

This book put me into reading.
- G.M. NYC

One of my favorite books.
- A.R. Amazon.com

The most inspirational book I have ever read.
- T.Q. Rochester NY

Reviews -

I first read this when I was just a little older than Joey. It has been one of my favorite books ever since. Be warned, if the picture of the football player on the cover is what turns you on to this book, you will NOT like it. This book is NOT about a macho tough guy football player. It is about the love that a kind, gentle college player has for his little brother who is suffering from lukemia, and the special closeness they share. It is about a close knit family dealing with a devastating illness with faith and love. It is about a very brave little boy who is fighting for his life. Through this book John Cappeletti becomes someone to admire, not for being a good football player, but for being a good, loving person. In his speech accepting the Heismann Trophy, John minimizes his own accomplishments and tells a room full of people how much he admires his little brother and that his brother shows courage way beyond what John shows on the field. If you are looking for a touching, inspirational story about a real family dealing with a real problem, this is an excellent choice. If you want to read about football, look somewhere else.. Something for joey (bantam starfire books) is a an all time favorite.
- Amazon Reviews

I first read this book my junior year of high school and the story has stayed with me for 12 yrs now. This is such an inspirational story about a young boy suffering from leukemia and his older brother who plays college football. The older brother finds a way to make his brother’s life a little brighter, by making touchdowns. I laughed, I cried throughout this book. It’s wonderfully written and emphasizes the bond between the brothers and the entire family. I think this should be required reading for all high school students.. Something for joey (bantam starfire books) is a awesome, awesome, awesome.
- Amazon Reviews