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Who would like this book? People who like basketball and/or love words would like this book. It’s a book for 5th grade and up.

The goods on this book: The words in this novel-in-verse move and flow with whatever action is happening at the time. It might be when Josh, 13, is making seriously great plays on the basketball court. He’s so good, especially with his crossover, that he earns the name “Filthy McNasty.” He’s tight with his twin brother, Jordan, who is also great at basketball. Not surprisingly, their dad had been a professional player when he was younger, until an injury and a refusal to have surgery ended his career. Some significant changes in Josh’s family complicate his life, and following these events and the change in Josh makes for very worthwhile reading. Add in the vibrant poetry and word play, and you’re in for a rich experience!

The details: 237 pages; 2014   Review by Samrarian

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Who would like this book? Anyone, grades 7 and up, who likes murder mysteries, basketball action, social issues, relationship issues, and/or meaningful history.

The goods on this book: In this ambitious book, Brian struggles to come to terms with the violent deaths of his girlfriend Amanda, her brother, and her mom. Their father has been charged with shooting them to death, but Brian saw another person close to the scene of the crime. He assumes that those in charge are following up on his lead, and he continues his senior year as leader of a basketball team that are tight as brothers but must work to keep their grades up. A unique assignment from their history teacher connects Brian with Todd, an outsider who has been the target of their bullying. They must research the 1913 Leo Frank murder case, which turns out to have disturbing parallels to the current murder trial of Amanda’s father. Another significant layer of this book’s engaging plot involves Julian, the star of the basketball team who encounters trouble only because he is African-American. The author does a great job of pulling all the different parts of the plot together, and Brian is an engaging, empathetic narrator. As the book drives toward its thrilling climax, I couldn’t put it down!

The details: 360 pages, 2006    Review by Samrarian

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Review by Jack T.

Who would like this book? I would recommend it to ages 11-15. It’s a great sports fiction book. I recommend it to sport fiction readers.

The goods on this book: Nate Brodie, an eighth grade star quarterback is going through a lot of problems. His golden arm is not so golden anymore. His friend Abby starts to go blind. His dad loses his job and works two times a day. Nate’s mom has to work, and Nate never sees his father much. Nate loses his starting spot at quarterback and plays wide receiver. Nate gets picked to throw a million dollar throw on Thanksgiving at a Patriots game. Now he has a chance to help his family and Abby. He is on the field and Tom Brady gives Nate some last second tips before he throws it. Will he make the throw? Mike Lupica does a great job again.

The details: 244 pages; 2009

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Review by Jack T.

Who would like this book?  I think that sport fans would like this book.

The goods on this book: Drew Robinson, a high school basketball star, moves to Los Angeles from the Bronx. Drew likes to go to this one park at night and sees someone there. The thing was wearing a grey sweatshirt. It was jumping high and dunking the ball. It was old and Drew thought he was a ghost. Drew does this research project at school about him. Drew asks what his name is, and he said Donald. He didn’t say a last name. Will Drew find out if he is a ghost or is he just some ordinary person? Mr. Gilbert takes care of Drew when he needs something and gives his mom a job. He also gives Drew free things, but Drew gets into an awful accident. Will he be suspended from basketball?

The details: 292 pages; 2012       Review by Jack

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Review by Jack T.

Who would like this book? People who like basketball and are ages 11- 15 would like this book.

The goods on this book: Danny, a middle schooler, is one of the smallest kids in his grade. He tries out for the Travel Team but doesn’t make it. Ty, his best friend, makes the team. Danny might have to make his own team. His dad comes back and says he will be the coach. Will Danny’s dad follow through with his plan? Danny has some trouble getting people on his team. Will he have his team? I have read a lot of Mike Lupica’s books, and this book is one of my favorites.

The details: 274 pages, 2004          Review by Jack T.

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Review by Jack T.

Who would like this book? People who like basketball.

The goods on this book: Jonas, a high school basketball star, is trying to make it into a Division 2 college. His parents have to move from California to Seattle for work. It makes life a lot tougher for Jonas. His new coach likes playing at a slow pace. Jonas is sitting on the bench, but he has a great connection on the basketball court with Levi, his new friend. This book deals with a lot of basketball and problems. This book was great and one of my favorite sport books.

The details: 297 pages; 2013               Review by Jack T.

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Who would like this book? For fans of basketball, this book is a natural fit for anyone grades 6 and up. The book also works as a story of what happens when a person is too full of themselves.

The goods on this book: Drew Robinson, a junior in high school, has earned the nickname “True” because of his phenomenal talent on the basketball court. Seth Gilbert, a wealthy owner of a prep school in California, has moved Drew and his mother across the country from New York and has given his mother a good job and lavishes Drew with anything he needs, including access to his posh house. Drew possesses plenty of talent and perks but is clueless when it comes to understanding the value of others. When his self-absorbed approach to life, both on and off the court, begins to take a toll, Drew is thrown off balance. Drew also meets a mysterious older man with amazing basketball skills late at night at the local playground court. Getting to know this “playground legend” just as Drew’s own inflated sense of self has been punctured leads to some illuminating plot twists and discoveries. True Legend is not only a riveting basketball book, it is a strong character-driven story of friendship, loyalty, and lessons learned.

The details: 2012; 292 pages   Review by Samrarian

This book is a 2014-2015 Battle of the Book selection.

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Who would like this book: Anyone who is interested in the risks of concussions and brain trauma in football needs to read this book. Actually, anyone who plays or knows someone who plays football or other contact sports needs to read this book.

The goods on this book:  When football got started in the 1890s, it was so violent that ten players were killed in a single year. Even with this carnage, its popularity soared, though slowly changes were made that made the sport somewhat safer. In straightforward prose, this book presents football’s rough beginning and then goes on to explain the continuing risks of concussions and brain trauma. With striking stories about specific players – professional, collegiate, and younger – McClafferty puts a face on what happens when players get hit too often and too hard. She also presents the facts of what happens to the player’s brain as the impact causes it to slam against the skull and helmet. The ongoing research and information about how to prevent serious brain trauma is invaluable. It’s a short book and a quick read, making it a wise investment for anyone involved in contact sports.

The details: 96 pages; 2013    Review by Samrarian

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Who would like this book? Of course, people who like skateboarding and surfing might very well like this book, but it would also be good for anyone looking for an adventure-mystery with a main character trying to find where he belongs.

The goods on this book: Omar Grebes is just turning 15, and he is still deeply affected by his dad’s disappearance two years before. His dad, an amazing surfer, had gone out to catch some big waves one day and never returned. That mystery is not the only one that encompasses Omar’s world, but he is doing his best having a good time surfing, boarding, and hanging out with his friend, Tommy. When Omar almost gets killed attempting a stunt that Tommy has set him up to do, Omar has to begin thinking twice about Tommy. The stunt does, though, wash Omar right up to Neelu, the surfer girl he’s had his eye on. It turns out that there is more to her than meets the eye, and soon Omar is involved with a mission that is dangerous and powerful. Drop In is the first book in a series based on the premise that Tony Hawk’s skateboard has been shattered, and that when the pieces are reassembled, the board will have a lot of power. The members of the 900 Revolution need to find the pieces before they are found by others who would misuse the power.

The details: 119 pages; 2012   Review by Samrarian

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Review by Hunter A.

Who would like this book? If you like sports, then this would be a good book for you especially if you’re into football.

The goods on this book: Unstoppable is a story about a boy who gets adopted and grows up on a farm. After a couple of major changes come along, he ends up in the city with a football coach and a teacher. Right after the boy gets there, he starts playing football for the local high school. Then he gets an injury that changes his whole life. If you like heartbreak, a little action, and maybe a few “WOW moments,” then this is the book for you.

The details:   343 pages; 2012                        Review by Hunter A

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