I discovered this series earlier in the year, Training Camp, and gobbled it up! I recommended it for parents of budding young ballers who also like fantasy and English teachers in middle school looking for excellent examples of literary point of view, as each book is written from the perspective of a different boy on the Badgers team.
And then I found this one, and I knew I had to offer it for my review-a-day holiday bonanza!
Here's the premise: Coach Rolabi Wizenard takes over the team and gets the boys, all 11 of them, in touch with their grana in the many ways it manifests, from a living gym that tries to squash them to their shadows playing against them.
They've all made the team, and this is the first (and last) story set during a game, or actually several games, from player Reggie's POV. He's got so much working against him -- a sick grandma, his own self-doubt, an obnoxious little sister. He sat on the bench all last season and he figures that's good enough this year. But he gets tapped to go in, and his grana -- the magic Rolabi helps the boys get in touch with -- won't let him shoot from where he knows he can make a basket, not even during games! He rages against it, puts in double and triple the amount of time practicing, and doesn't seem to get anywhere.
But before the prologue even starts, there's a quote from the late Bryant, one that resonated with us soooo much: To young athletes who commit to doing the hard work. The process always pays off.
This is Reggie's tale of hard work. And it's absolutely wonderful!
This is a great read for fantasy fans, fans of Wesley King's wonderfully powerful writing, and basketball fans of all ages! Great for under the tree or just any time of year (birthdays, etc.). Enjoy!
