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Dean's Playbook: The Hit He Hid
Paperback
Series: Dean's Playbook, Book 2
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Sep 22 2026
Pages: 244
Weight: 0.57
Height: 0.61 Width: 5.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
Everyone sees Dean Blake get back up.
No one sees what the hit takes from him.
At fifteen, Dean has already earned what most freshmen only dream about: a starting position on the varsity football team. As a defensive end wearing number thirteen, he is finally proving that he belongs. His teammates depend on him. His family believes in him. Even college scouts are beginning to watch.
Then one late hit sends his helmet crashing into the turf.
Dean stands up, finishes the game, and tells everyone he is fine-even though he cannot remember the down.
When the game film exposes what Dean tried to hide, a concussion forces him away from the field while another player takes his reps. But football is not the only place where pressure is building. Stolen quiz answers, locker-room silence, a reckless night at the stadium, and prescription pills passed around as shortcuts begin testing Dean's friendships, integrity, and courage.
His best friend, Ashton, is moving closer to a decision neither of them can undo. Speaking up could cost Dean the friendship. Staying quiet could cost far more.
As Dean fights his way back, he must decide what kind of leader he wants to become-not when the crowd is cheering, but when telling the truth has a price.
Dean's Playbook: The Hit He Hid is a gripping young adult sports novel about concussion awareness, peer pressure, academic integrity, friendship, recovery, and the courage to ask for help. Powerful without becoming preachy, it is an engaging read for teen athletes, families, coaches, counselors, and classrooms.
Because getting up does not always mean you are okay.
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