Review A Junior Library Guild Selection "Deuker creates a textured cast of parents, coaches, and teens and deftly handles themes of personal ethics, teamwork, burgeoning friendships, and coping with an abusive adult." --Booklist "A largely well-executed exploration of team spirit, friendship and the devastating impact of untrustworthy adults." --Kirkus "Basketball fans will love the realistic hardwood action." --The Horn Book Magazine "The novel includes descriptions of many basketball plays and strategies, which should make this book particularly appealing to fans of the game." --Publishers Weekly "This is solid Deuker turf, populated by good kids trapped between conscience and goals. Expect fans to grab this title as soon as it hits the shelf."--Bulletin "Short, action-packed chapters make for a quick read, but the story's underlying messages will linger. . . . What makes this story special is the careful handling of an incredibly difficult topic."--VOYA, 5Q 4P J S "Deuker's ability to create fully realized characters who wrestle with moral dilemmas while incorporating plenty of game action raises his novel above typical sports fiction by several notches. This one will satisfy the author's longtime fans and win him many new ones."--School Library Journal About the Author Carl Deuker is the popular, critically acclaimed author of Payback Time, Gym Candy (a Texas Lone Star title), and Runner (a Booklist Top 10 Sports Book). He lives with his wife and daughter in Seattle, Washington. Visit his website at www.membersauthorsguild.net/carldeuker.
J**Y
I am so disappointed in this book
I am so disappointed in this book! I purchased 4 Carl Deuker books for my boys for Christmas because of the amazing reviews. I have 5 sons and was so excited to find books with great sports appeal. My boys were enjoying the books and I was thrilled to think I finally found an author that was writing intelligent books for boys who love sports. That was until my son came to show me a part he was uncomfortable with. It was a scene where kids were given alcohol by an adult and then being allowed, by the same adult, to watch disgusting adult movies very degrading women. Another son was reading a different Carl Deuker book that talked about a boy reading disgusting pornographic magazines, without his clothes on, and trying to get other kids to look at the magazines with him. Nothing in the reviews, and I read almost all of them, said anything about this. He should never have that kind of material put into his hands...especially by his mother. I am disgusted and saddened by the fact that these well written books stooped to such a level. I wanted to leave this review to make it very clear what you are buying. We teach the exact opposite values in our home. I wish I would have had some warning. Wish I could get my money back.
W**.
Donated to school library
Popular author and book. Student lost this so I bought this to replace it in our school library
E**R
Excellent
Highly recommended for the young and old alike. Characters are relatable and realistic. Plot is almost a must read for every young adult making their way in this world and contemplating hard choices.
Y**E
Five Stars
mo sons love these book 12 yrs old
S**N
Deuker's away
such a good story with a good moral to it. I do believe this is a true story and I so enjoyed it so much that I went and got 2 more of his books...Well worth the read...
Trustpilot
2 months ago
1 day ago
