John R. Tunis Criticism
John R. Tunis, an American novelist and journalist born in 1889, is renowned as the preeminent figure in the American juvenile sports novel genre. His works, including classics like The Kid from Tomkinsville and Schoolboy Johnson, are distinguished by their realistic sports settings, which draw from Tunis's background as a sportswriter and radio commentator. Beyond mere sports narratives, Tunis's novels delve into character development and explore moral and ethical themes, such as personal integrity and the impact of racism, as noted by Raymond Swing. Tunis is praised for his ability to engage young readers thoughtfully, addressing them as adults without condescension.
Critics like Ellen Lewis Buell have remarked on his didactic approach, particularly in novels like A City for Lincoln, where a student's assertion influences an entire town. Tunis also explores the harsh realities of war in works such as His Enemy, His Friend, as discussed by Alleen Pace Nilsen. His nonfiction works critique the contemporary sports world, echoing the themes of his novels by examining the societal implications of sports. Tunis's storytelling shines in its focus on the ethical decisions individuals face under pressure, contributing to a broader understanding of sports beyond mere competition.
Despite criticisms of his sometimes overwhelming delivery, as noted in a 1928 review by The Saturday Review of Literature, Tunis effectively captures the tumultuous and often harsh realities of amateur sports, making his works valuable for readers interested in the intersection of sports, ethics, and society.
Contents
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A Diva of the Courts
(summary)
In the following essay, S. L. Thomas argues that John R. Tunis's novel "American Girl," while ostensibly a sports narrative set against the backdrop of tennis, is in essence a tragic character study of its heroine, Florence Farley, exploring themes of individuality, success, and the complex realities of a sports career.
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The Tennis Racket
(summary)
In the following essay, Bruce Rae criticizes John R. Tunis's "American Girl" for overemphasizing tennis at the expense of character development, arguing that the novel's reliance on tennis to shape the protagonist's life lacks dramatic depth and sacrifices narrative coherence.
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Harvard Days
(summary)
In the following essay, Anne T. Eaton commends John R. Tunis's "The Iron Duke" for its refreshing departure from typical college stories by focusing on genuine character development and modern, relatable scenarios, rather than merely chronicling athletic achievements or offering critiques of collegiate education.
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A Baseball Story
(summary)
In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell argues that John R. Tunis's novel "The Kid from Tomkinsville" transcends its sports narrative by exploring themes of sportsmanship and team dynamics, appealing to readers regardless of their familiarity with baseball.
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The Young Tennis Champion
(summary)
In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell analyzes John R. Tunis's depiction of a female tennis champion in "Champion's Choice," highlighting the character's development beyond tennis through ambition and the realization of life's broader values, while praising Tunis for his realistic portrayal of the tennis world and its intrinsic challenges.
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With the Dodgers
(summary)
In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell evaluates John R. Tunis's "World Series," noting its focus on the dynamics of a baseball team during a crucial series and highlighting the depiction of the veteran manager, Dave Leonard, while comparing its thematic emphasis on teamwork over individual character development with his earlier work.
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Alice M. Jordan
(summary)
In the following essay, Alice M. Jordan praises John R. Tunis's "All-American" for its engaging portrayal of democracy, race, and social issues within a high school setting, highlighting its appeal to both boys and girls through its vigorous sports narrative and its emphasis on character development and citizenship.
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Ellen Lewis Buell
(summary)
In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell argues that John R. Tunis, while expertly depicting sports, also explores deeper social issues and values through his narrative in "All-American," revealing the complexities and moral challenges faced by American high school students.
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Margaret C. Scoggin
(summary)
In the following essay, Margaret C. Scoggin commends John R. Tunis for his engaging sports stories, particularly highlighting his novel All-American for its bold treatment of racial prejudice and its reflection on democracy in the context of sports, effectively engaging young readers with important social issues.
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May Lamberton Becker
(summary)
In the following essay, May Lamberton Becker praises John R. Tunis for his ability to craft baseball stories like "All-American" and "Keystone Kids," which not only evoke excitement for the sport but also address significant societal issues, marking his work as exceptional within sports literature.
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With the Dodgers
(summary)
In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell argues that John R. Tunis's works provide an authentic depiction of American sports and address significant contemporary issues, such as racial intolerance, as exemplified in "Keystone Kids," which explores themes of sportsmanship and democracy.
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A New Kind of Juvenile
(summary)
In the following essay, Arthur Hepner argues that John R. Tunis effectively challenges young readers to confront issues of anti-Semitism and discrimination through the dramatic narrative of "Keystone Kids," advocating for storytelling that does not condescend to its audience and highlights the importance of teamwork in overcoming prejudice.
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May Lamberton Becker
(summary)
In the following essay, May Lamberton Becker argues that John R. Tunis's "Rookie of the Year" provides an immersive and suspenseful look into professional baseball through the experiences of Spike Russell, capturing the excitement and human elements of the sport without focusing on any particular social issues.
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Good Old Dodgers
(summary)
In the following essay, Mary Gould Davis critiques "Rookie of the Year," arguing that while it lacks the compelling drive of "Keystone Kids," its true merit lies in its depiction of thrilling baseball games, particularly the pivotal Dodger-Cardinal pennant race.
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Ellen Lewis Buell
(summary)
In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell contends that John R. Tunis's "A City for Lincoln," while departing from his usual sports narratives, effectively weaves themes of democracy into American life and skillfully renders politics as engaging and meaningful for young readers.
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May Lamberton Becker
(summary)
In the following essay, May Lamberton Becker argues that John R. Tunis's work, "A City for Lincoln," combines the excitement of sports with a moral narrative, emphasizing the importance of responsibility among youths through a basketball coach's guidance in a juvenile court setting, praised for its earnest and powerful storytelling.
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Ralph Adams Brown
(summary)
In the following essay, Ralph Adams Brown argues that John R. Tunis's The Kid Comes Back transcends traditional sports stories by portraying the protagonist's psychological struggle and ultimate triumph over fear, elevating it beyond a mere action narrative.
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Ellen Lewis Buell
(summary)
In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell argues that while John R. Tunis's "Highpockets" presents a superficially unsympathetic protagonist, the narrative succeeds in eliciting sympathy and understanding through its dynamic style and compelling baseball scenes.
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Mary Gould Davis
(summary)
In the following essay, Mary Gould Davis examines John R. Tunis's "Highpockets," highlighting its character-driven narrative that explores the maturation of Cecil McDade, a baseball player, whose personal growth is catalyzed by a tragic incident, fostering a nuanced portrayal of ambition and human development within the sports world.
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Louise S. Bechtel
(summary)
In the following essay, Louise S. Bechtel highlights John R. Tunis's "Son of the Valley" as a compelling exploration of character and citizenship, particularly focusing on the dramatic consequences of the Tennessee Valley Authority's impact on one family's life and the deeply moving portrayal of the young protagonist and his sister's experiences.
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Tennessee Farmer
(summary)
In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell critiques John R. Tunis's "Son of the Valley" for its compelling exploration of democratic ideals through the Tennessee Valley Authority, but notes that the novel's emphasis on conveying a message compromises its character development and narrative depth.
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Drama on the Diamond
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In the following essay, Howard Pease argues that John R. Tunis's Young Razzle transcends typical sports narratives by focusing on the complex personal dynamics between a father and son, set against the backdrop of professional baseball.
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Hitchhiker
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In the following essay, Henry B. Lent praises John R. Tunis's ability to captivate young readers with engaging and instructive stories, as demonstrated in "The Other Side of the Fence," which portrays the thrilling and sometimes surreal experiences of a teenage hitchhiker, Robin Longe.
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The Boys' Mr. Tunis
(summary)
In the following essay, Raymond Swing commends John R. Tunis for his ability to blend engaging sports narratives with themes of fair play, racial discrimination, and personal integrity, emphasizing that Tunis's work transcends mere excitement to instill enduring values in young readers.
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For the Boys
(summary)
In the following essay, Anne Izard highlights John R. Tunis's ability to weave compelling storytelling with an insightful critique of sportsmanship and professionalism in athletics, emphasizing his concern for the commercialization of sports and its implications for society.
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But Is It a Game?
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In the following essay, Robert Daley examines John R. Tunis's "The American Way in Sport," highlighting Tunis's strong and controversial convictions about the detrimental impact of competitive sports on young people and society, and his suggestion to eliminate competition among children under 13.
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Big Business in the Ball Park
(summary)
In the following essay, Dan Wakefield critiques John R. Tunis's view that the commercialization and overemphasis on victory in sports threaten the moral values of American youth, advocating for a return to a more authentic form of athletic engagement.
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John R. Tunis: A Commitment to Values
(summary)
In the following essay, William Jay Jacobs argues that John R. Tunis's sports stories not only engage young readers with vivid realism and complex characters but also inculcate values such as courage, persistence, and a sense of proportion, challenging the "victory at any cost" mentality and addressing broader societal issues like prejudice.
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Gilbert Millstein
(summary)
In the following essay, Gilbert Millstein examines John R. Tunis's novel "His Enemy, His Friend," highlighting its moral exploration of conscience against the backdrop of World War II and commending its successful engagement with young readers despite relying on coincidental plot developments.
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Gerald Gottlieb
(summary)
In the following essay, Gerald Gottlieb critiques John R. Tunis's His Enemy, His Friend for its portrayal of a German soldier's moral crisis during World War II, noting its effective depiction of war's impact and the tension of a World Cup soccer match, while pointing out flaws in melodrama and coincidences.
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Alleen Pace Nilsen
(summary)
In the following essay, Alleen Pace Nilsen praises John R. Tunis's His Enemy, His Friend as a compelling narrative that transcends typical sports stories by addressing profound moral conflicts between personal conscience and societal expectations.
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Zena Sutherland
(summary)
In the following essay, Zena Sutherland critiques John R. Tunis's novel Grand National for its predictable plot, mediocre writing, and limited appeal beyond steeplechase enthusiasts.