Basketball (Or Something Like It)

Basketball clinics, a revolving door of coaches, incensed parents, and the importance of the right sneakers—is that what the game is about? Told from the perspective of four unlikely friends, Nora Raleigh Baskin’s poignant novel focuses on the action, drama, and fun of playing ball and explores what it takes to be a winner of the game—both on the court and off.

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Description

 

• Connecticut Book Award Finalist 2006
• Louisiana Young Reader’s Choice award nominee ’08
• Garden State Book Award nominee 2008
• NBA Golden State Warrior website, official book choice
• ALA Shooting, Scoring, Sparring, and More: Recommended Sports Novels
Kirkus Reviews
Publishers Weekly
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

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…those who play on sports teams will recognize these characters and be





rooting for them.

Kirkus Reviews

… they do learn something about friendship, trust and loyalty during the course of the season. Without coming off as heavy-handed, this highly accessible novel takes a hard, honest look at society’s obsession with sports and its effect on young athletes. The author’s gentle criticism of elitist leagues, coaching ethics and overzealous parents will leave a lasting impression on readers.

Publisher’s Weekly

…the author’s point comes through loud and clear.

School Library Journal

The final chapters focus on the players’ friendship through high school and their relationship with the game, which yields a surprise or two at the end. This is a surefire hit–a sports book with a larger focus, told in an original way.

Booklist

(Baskin) ends on a hopeful note as the kids rally to support one another and a couple of parents actually open their eyes to their sons’ integrity, but the adult drama in the bleachers, parking lot and parent meetings leaves a bitter, authentic taste that lingers past the sweetened conclusion.

The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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