Basketball on and off the court packs every page, making this a true read for young, basketball fans.

Chris's older brother is the star of the high school basketball team, something Chris is proud and a bit jealous about, especially since his junior high's team is just starting their own season. Chris is determined to show the new coach that he should be one of the starting five, which isn't easy considering the good players on his team. But he knows he can't be ignored. He might not be as good as his older brother, but he's not bad. When the coach uses him as the first sub instead placing him under the starters, Chris is disappointed but determined to prove his worth...if he can.

I was happy to see that this read does center around basketball, meaning that it isn't about school drama, family issues, or any other side themes. Chris lives and breathes basketball. His friends live and breathe basketball. Even his family lives and breathes basketball. While this did almost seem suffocating, it comes across realistic as there are many sport families, who really love the sport that much...every single member. And the practices, games, and such of all siblings makes every aspect of life seem to rotate around that one theme. So, it was refreshing to see things from this point of view.

With all the concentration on basketball, this book is a definite read for basketball fans. The practice and game situations will come across very familiar, and even the few plays illustrated in the pages will have readers nodding their heads in recognition. The home scenes with concern about schedules, talk of the sport, and shooting hoops with family and friends not only sticks to topic but shows a supportive, understanding, and encouraging environment. This family might be about sports, but they don't take that in a competitive way, and rather, support one another in many aspects...even when there is the occasional jealous moment or two.

Then, there's an inspiring message for those, who play basketball. The words of the coach, older brother, teammates, friends, and family offer wise insights, which will have readers, who also play sports, thinking about their own positions and attitudes. These aren't preachy and stay in a reality-based position, so that players can really use them in their own practices and games.

I do see sport orientated readers enjoy this one quite a bit. I received a DRC through Edelweiss and enjoyed the quick, easy read. ( )