Every generation, seven families select a champion to compete in a tournament to the death for control of high magick--the most powerful resource in the world--but this year, a salacious tell-all book draws reporters, tourists, and government agents to Ilvernath to watch the bloody curse unfold and some of the champions are determined to thwart their destinies and rewrite their stories.

"The Big Cheese is the best at everything, and brags about it, too. When the annual Cheese-cathlon comes around, the Big Cheese is prepared to win, as always. But what happens when the quiet new kid, Wedge Wedgeman, comes out on top? Is a slice of humility all the Big Cheese needs to discover that some things are better than being the best?" --

Brendan, the best player on a losing baseball team, learns a lesson from a Chicago Cubs all-star about the true value of the game. Includes facts about pitchers, especially Ernie Banks.

Twelve-year-old Brent Mullen discovers that the new assistant hockey coach is teaching the defensemen on his team illegal moves to help them win at any cost.

Short-legged Cork is upset when tall Fuzz wins every game they play, until he learns that their friendship is more important than winning.

Hoping to cheer up his dad after a disappointing soccer game, Splat enters a Cat School Picnic father-son six-legged race that does not turn out quite as expected.

As a two-time Super Bowl champion, three-time Pro-Bowler, first round draft pick, and former Jim Thorpe Award recipient, Malcolm Jenkins knows a thing or two about winning. Over the course of his thirteen-year NFL career, the now retired defensive back's triumphs extend beyond that on the football field. As a successful entrepreneur he has seen the blossoming of his business ventures with an eponymous company named Malcolm Inc., and a media conglomerate...

Blaming herself for her parents fighting, twelve-year-old Aliyah takes out her anger and aggression in karate class, believing that winning is everything.

"Classmates enjoy the games and races on field day, but Stan needs to be reminded that winning is not everything"--Title verso page.

Sister Bear learns an important lesson when she enters a jump rope contest and competes with Mr. Frog.