"No Backing Down" by Sean Stellato

291 pages; Published by Mascot Books ©2016

It's 1994, and what is to be another football season in Salem, MA is threatened to be interrupted by a teachers' strike. People living on the North Shore of Massachusetts will no doubt remember the events between city administrators and teachers, notably Ken Perrone, playing out in the daily newspapers and newscasts. The events that took place 30 years ago are chronicled by Sean Stellato, the quarterback of the Super Bowl-bound team who went on to play college football, professional arena football, and ultimately became a sports agent in the NFL.

Beginning in November, "No Backing Down" follows the infamous teacher's strike that pitted Salem teachers against the city's school committee and other city officials. Perrone, with a contract to teach and a separate contract to coach football, finds himself vilified by members of the school committee who try to pressure him into abandoning his coaching job.

Stellato's book looks at a tumultuous season that ends with a game for the Division 3 Championship. It is a story of football, backroom politicking, and family. The author praises his "Owa" for the support she provided for the teenage quarterback who, like the rest of his friends and teammates, just wanted to play football. "No Backing Down" tells of the struggles Perrone faced as well as those of student-athletes who are trying to raise their own children as teenagers, are homeless, or are trying to take care of themselves and their drug-addicted parents. There are numerous stories and storylines packed into this book. Even those who were there and remember that infamous strike will read it and wonder what happens next.