No Slam Dunk

Gr 4–7—Wes Davies's father always taught him that in basketball, what mattered most was being a good teammate. However, when Wes's dad comes back from his last Navy SEAL mission in Afghanistan, he isn't there to cheer Wes on as his travel team, the Annapolis Hawks, compete for a championship. As things get harder with his teammate Dinero and his father's struggles, Wes relies on basketball more than ever. Lupica's on-court descriptions are accurate and fast-paced; readers' hearts will beat to the shot clock and cheer on Wes's every move. The chapters are short and alternate between basketball and Wes's home life, making this a fast read for reluctant readers. But while he achieves gritty realism on the court, the non-sports scenes and themes are not as well executed. Lt. Davies's has PTSD and issues with alcohol abuse. Wes speaks of it often to his school counselor and mother, but never gets angry or has any negative emotions about the situation. Wes's only concern is for his father and his father's feelings. There is no reckoning or much accountability, just an acceptance of wrongdoing. Many readers will likely be left waiting for a confrontation that never comes as Wes's hero worship is taken to new extremes.