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May 24, 2019IndyPL_SteveB rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
A novel in verse, very creative, with slowly revealed depths that take the reader from the emotionally simple focus of a talented 7th grade basketball player on the excitement and art of his sport to dealing with the problems he creates in his family. Josh is one of two twin brothers who are the sons of a retired professional basketball star and who are themselves young prodigies. But when brother J.B. threatens their partnership by falling in love with a girl in their class, Josh’s jealousy and anger creates a rift between them. His father has a different set of problems, refusing to think about his own health and finances, instead focusing on turning his sons into stars. The boys’ mother, the Assistant Principal at school, tries to hold the family together and keep a balance in their lives beyond basketball. The poetry is done in different styles, from a bragging explosive hip-hop to quiet introspection to rhythmic dialogue between the brothers. Very impressive. It would be an interesting read-aloud, especially for two people.