Rise Above (The Red Zone) - Softcover

Darius Burns is a second-stringer for the Troy Central High Trojans, but lately he's been stepping up his game. He even has a shot at the team's starting halfback spot. The biggest thing in his way is a guilty conscience. Because Darius hasn't improved through hard work alone. He's also getting "nutritional supplements" from an assistant coach.

Soon Darius is reading about nasty side effects and worrying about his health. But if he goes to Troy Central's head coach, will he blow his chance to play in the state championship—or even cost his team the victory?

Shannon Knudsen has written books for young readers about elephants, mayors, the explorer Leif Eriksen, the reporter Nellie Bly, and many other topics. She lives with her cat and her dog in Arizona.