Gr 5–8—The basketball court is the only place Jayson Barnes feels in control. Growing up poor on the wrong side of town, he's left on his own after his mother dies. For a couple of weeks he gets by, stealing peanut butter and bread from corner stores so he doesn't go hungry. But when getting caught stealing basketball shoes lands Jayson with a foster family on the other side of town, he finds himself living a new life: new home, new school, new basketball team. Fortunately, basketball is the same no matter what court Jayson plays on and he has the chance to learn that the same hard work, determination, and teamwork that garner results when he's playing ball also make a difference in real life. MacLeod Andrews provides appropriately sensitive and suspenseful narration.
VERDICT This book filled with action and personal growth will appeal particularly to middle school sports buffs.
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