Real Hoops (Fred Bowen Sports Story Series)

Teeming with basketball action, this Sports Story Series book from Washington Post KidsPost columnist and author Fred Bowen is perfect for fans of Mike Lupica and Tim Green.

"Capped by a tribute to some of New York’s playground-hoops heroes, this simply written tale in the Fred Bowen Sports Story series is chock-full of suspenseful game action.” ―Booklist

Can street ball and technical play mix it up on the court and score wins for the team?

Ben and Logan are looking for a new point guard for their team, and they are sure they’ve found one in Antonio “Hud” Hudson, the new guy at their school. But there’s one problem: Hud plays fast-paced pickup ball, and coach says that’s against the team rules!

So when Ben finds Hud playing pickup, he has to make a decision. As captain, can he help Hud balance his passion for the game with his dedication to the team?

Author Fred Bowen delivers another action-packed tale of skill, friendship, and teamwork as three boys work together to make the best of two worlds. In the afterword, readers can learn the real story of pickup ball and Holcombe Rucker Park, Harlem’s famous basketball court where many NBA greats―including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dr. J, Stephon Marbury, and Jamal Mashburn―got their start.

Discussion Guide available.