Common Sense Media Review
By Rachel Sarah
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poignant tale of Polish immigrant teen's struggle to fit in.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In HOOPER, 16-year-old Adam Reed, a recent Polish immigrant who was adopted by a single mom, first finds happiness in America on the basketball court. After getting tapped to play on a select AAU team along with some of the best players in the state, he wants to believe that basketball is his ticket to the good life. It's definitely a way to get closer to his new crush, Carli Anderson, a basketball star who smells like honey and feels empathy for Adam. But after a bullying incident turns violent and the police are called, Adam's future might be in jeopardy.
Is It Any Good?
This is a compelling coming-of-age YA novel about basketball, prejudice, privilege, and family. Hooper is raw, funny, and honest, and about so much more than basketball. There are many layers here about class, racial injustice ("being white and rich makes you think you have the keys to the whole damn world"), and what loyalty in friendship and family means. Teens will love all the basketball adrenaline-filled scenes on court, the short chapters and rocking chapter titles, and especially Adam's emotional insight and humor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Hooper explores the challenge of moving to a new country where you struggle to speak the language. What other books and movies can you think of that tackle a teen immigrating to the United States and starting a new life?
How would it feel to start at a new school in a small town where you don't know anyone? How might life be hard if you were the new kid who didn't know the rules? What wouldn't you want people to discuss about your family and life if you'd just been adopted and registered at a new high school?
How does forgiveness help in Hooper? Have you ever had trouble forgiving a family member? How did that affect your relationship?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Katherine Tegen Books
- Publication date : April 2, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle, App
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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