Good YA story. Who should an athlete be true to: his girlfriend? his team? his brother? his future? The team, even if they have done something illegal? When the team is everything, it can be difficult to make the right choices. ( )

Mary Jo Edwards (Children's Literature)
A good rule of thumb is to write what you know. The central theme in this story is basketball, and that is what Kevin Waltman knows. Prior to a career in writing, Waltman’s unrealized ambition was to be the starting point guard for the Indiana Pacers basketball team. The story line is effective and exciting when it involves sixteen-year-old Nate and his teammates’ love of the sport. However, details regarding Nate’s relationship with his parents, brother, girlfriend and her parents are rather ordinary. Following practice one day, the team’s bully coerces his teammates into ripping-off a fraternity house, and Nate’s older brother just happens to be the lone witness. Eventually, the important people in Nate’s life learn about the theft which results in escalating tension and mistrust. Confused and lost, Nate does some soul-searching and then decides where his allegiance lies. The author commits a foul with his use of offensive language. 2005, Scholastic Press/Scholastic Inc, $16.95. Ages 14 up.

What a great book! There are so many layers to try to unravel. On the surface it is a great book about boys basketball in Indiana; but, the more complex issue is dealing with the consequences of bad decisions. I'm going to really push this book...I think it is an important read. ( )