Rivals

February 1, 2021
This basketball saga critically redefines "love of the game." In Walthorne, middle school sports revolve around the storied rivalry between the Walthorne North Middle School Cougars and the Walthorne South Middle School Panthers. North is captained by point guard Austin Chambers, whose well-off parents provide him with everything he needs to succeed--in part because his father is a Penn State basketball legend. Things aren't so rosy for Carter Haswell, captain of South. As far as his parents are concerned, basketball is his job, as an athletic scholarship could relieve financial strife. What could be a tale of haves and have-nots swerves, instead examining the pernicious effects poor judgment, vicarious living, and outright self-interest can have on the physical and mental well-beings of student athletes. Peer relationships cause problems: Austin pressures wounded teammate Clay to play a high-stakes game, exacerbating his injury. Best intentions go awry: Alfie Jenks, a die-hard hoops fan and aspiring journalist, learns the importance of oversight, diligence, and context as her reporting sparks scandals. Egocentricity reigns: Carter's coach encourages him to cheat in class, leading to the player's suspension and the coach's resignation. When misconduct brings their season screeching to a halt, North and South settle their differences without adult interference. Most characters are White; racism and socio-economic status come in for critical evaluation. A crucial, necessary reminder: Sports should be fun! (author's note, reading list) (Sports fiction. 10-14)

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February 26, 2021

Gr 5-7-The start of a new basketball season ignites old rivalries for Carter and Austin. The boys are star captains of their town's two middle school teams: Austin plays for Walthorne North, Carter for Walthorne South. The 14-year-olds, both white, once played pickup games together before increasing attention, and expectations at school and home made them wary strangers. Fueled by simmering resentment between the schools-North is wealthy, South is not-it isn't long before the rivalry between them gets out of hand. Carter's classmate and sports reporter Alfie (also white) covers the rising tensions; her character effectively embodies the media's power and influence. Told in first-person narration, texts, social media posts, and Alfie's radio interviews (similar to Greenwald's Game Changer) this is a fast-paced cautionary tale condemning adults' tendency to prioritize winning at all costs over allowing kids to simply enjoy the game. Scenes of action on the court are vivid and exciting but take a back seat to Austin and Carter's struggles to cope with the burdens placed upon them while determining their own future. Give to fans of Jason Reynolds and Kwame Alexander's sports novels. VERDICT Recommended for middle grade collections; a good choice for a community-wide reading initiative.-Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem P.L., Holbrook, NY

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