On the Line

April 1, 2000
Gr 4-7-Basketball fans will empathize with an eighth-grade star center's struggle to make his foul shots. Despite high-scoring performances, Marcus Devay dreads the crucial moment when he can win or lose the game at the free-throw line. A history project introduces him to the local high school championship basketball team of 30 years ago where he discovers that the school custodian, once known as "Hot Rod Dunn," lost his team's championship at the free-throw line. When Marcus experiments with Mr. Dunn's suggestion to try the Rick Barry underhand foul shot, he scores. His desire to improve and win overcomes his embarrassment at using a "granny" shooting technique. Although character and plot development are simplistic and predictable, Marcus learns a valuable lesson about self-image and open-mindedness. Fast-paced court action, vivid game descriptions, and an upbeat ending will lure middle-school and reluctant readers. Black-and-white drawings depicting the games, scorecards, and old newspaper clippings are scattered throughout. Bowen scores again with a satisfying blend of historical sports commentary and fiction.-Gerry Larson, Durham School of the Arts, NC

Copyright 2000 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.