These two books do an outstanding job of focusing on the value and importance of friendship and family well being. The book references small towns in West Virginia (i.e., Williamstown, Ripley, Ravenswood, St. Marys) where high school sports bring communities together. Freshman Randy Bowman is behind the title of this series, as he has flaming red hair and is "red hot" on the basketball court. He is an outstanding basketball player, but is also a role model to 7th grader Ethan Thomas throughout the books. Fleming has always been a football town, where football standouts often feel a sense of entitlement. When Randy's family moves to Fleming, that culture is about to change. As a freshman, Randy is a force on the basketball floor, but Fleming culture prevents him from playing with the varsity team, where football players also manipulate the gym floor. The book shares a lot about coaching and parallels two completely different coaching styles and personalities. Similarly, the story demonstrates through realistic and relatable experiences, how teenagers provoke and also handle bullying incidents. Randy is well grounded and gains respect from his teachers and classmates for the way he handles the bullying of the "popular athletes" in his school. 7th grade neighbor Ethan, is a target for bullying. With his poor eyesight and thick glasses, his small stature and non-athletic qualities, school days are often miserable for him. This series follows Randy and his family as they befriend Ethan's family. The across-the-street-neighbor families support each other as they cope through some times of heartache and despair, but also times of celebration and good times. The author injects a good dose of humor in the series, making the stories enjoyable reading. Middle schoolers, high schoolers and adults will learn a lot about human interaction from following the two families.