is for Athlete

Tommy is a super athlete, playing football and baseball for his middle school.

He also develops a love for skateboarding.

is for Boston, Brighton, Bears

The setting for the novel is the city of Boston, Massachusetts. Tommy’s family lives in a suburb called Brighton. His middle school football team is called the Bears.

is for Catholic

The setting for the novel is the major city of Boston, Massachusetts. Tommy’s family lives in a suburb called Brighton. His middle school football team is called the Bears.

is for Defense

Tommy’s main position on the field was as a defensive back, sometimes as a cornerback, safety, or linebacker.

is for Emotions

This novel explores a wide range of emotions. Tommy grieves the loss of his dad. He feels anger, sadness, and depression. He takes out his frustrations on the football field.  

He feels happiest when he is playing sports.

is for Firefighter

Tommy’s family is a family of firefighters. His dad, Patrick, was one of the best firefighters in Brighton. Everyone respected him.

is for Gallagher

This is Tommy’s family name.

is for Hat, Heart, Hero

Tommy’s dad always called a football helmet, a hat. He always reminded Tommy to play with your heart and not to be a cheap hit player. His dad died a hero firefighter.

is for Irish

Tommy's ancestors are from Ireland and his family's nationality is Irish.

is for John Fisher

Coach John Fisher was Tommy’s football coach who said that Tommy’s best position was “wherever the ball is.”

is for Killed

Tommy’s dad was killed in the line of duty, fighting a house fire, where he saved two children and their mom.

is for Lead

Tommy’s dad raised Tommy to “always lead with your heart.”

is for Monster Back

Basically, Tommy was a “monster back” football player, according to his dad.

Tommy reminded his dad of Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu.

is for New England

The story takes place in Massachusetts, which is in the region of New England.

is for Overcome

Tommy struggles to overcome the death of his father and all the emotions he feels as he has to learn to live and support his family without his dad.

is for Patrick

Patrick Gallagher is Tommy’s dad. Tommy thinks about all the lessons his dad taught him about sport and life.