 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Hoops
- By Walter Dean Myers
- Genre: Sports
Common Sense Media says
A hard-boiled depiction of life in the ghetto.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a hard-boiled depiction of life in the ghetto and the world of basketball, as the main character hovers between crime and a scholarship. Poor grammar adds to the realism. Compelling writing illuminates the life of a street-smart kid and a failed athlete. Suspense and great basketball action keep kids hooked.
What's the story?
Lonnie lives in Harlem with little hope for the future. He has one asset, his basketball game. His only chance for a scholarship depends on Cal, a failed pro who has hit bottom. Cal improves Lonnie's game, but disappears just when Lonnie needs him most. Fast basketball action and sensitive characterization combined with a suspenseful story attracts sports-minded readers.
Is it any good?
Fast, detailed basketball action combined with a realistic depiction of life on the streets of Harlem keeps kids who love sports enthralled. Seventeen-year old Lonnie wants to stay out of the violent organized crime in his neighborhood, but has no qualms about stealing a carton of scotch when the opportunity arises. He's in school, but his life revolves around basketball, in which he has real talent. His only chance to escape poverty comes with a basketball tournament for street kids -- Lonnie confidently expects to emerge as a leading player and get a scholarship.
Walter Dean Myers realistically reproduces the slang used by the characters, and gives readers a strong sense of life in the ghetto. Lonnie has little adult supervision but he has values, especially regarding basketball. He's appalled that Cal lost everything by participating in a gambling scheme. The re-emergence of the gamblers in Lonnie's tournament adds considerable suspense.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about values and ethical choices.
Do Lonnie's values vary depending on what's at stake?
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AGE
Great Message
The book told a story of an average black male living in Harlem on his way to playing professional basketball.
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AGE
good for teens
this book is good for kids 13 and up cuz they get to know th real world a lil
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AGE
Basketball is a good sport for kids
Basketball is the sport i grew up playing.Cause i grew up with two boys and my older sister, but while being the youngest in the family
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AGE
Not for children living in the 21st century
T-E-R-R-I-B-L-E book, a very hard read for a 13 year old who doesn't speak broken english or understand 1981 getto slang. I can't believe this book was given to a 7th grade class to read and take a test on. Written in 1981 using inappropriate getto slang, broken english, drugs, sex, violence, drinking, cheating, beating women, stealing, etc. Can't wait for the next classroom book project.... And they censored Huckleberry Finn for the "N" word......... If the word offends you, don't read this book.
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| Author: | Walter Dean Myers |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Sports |
| Publisher: | Bt Bound |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1981 |
| Number of pages: | 183 |
| Paperback price: | $5.50 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 14 |
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