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lilybear3's review against another edition
5.0
Seriously, take the step and read this book.
Graphic: Racial slurs, Xenophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, and Child abuse
this_momma_is_booked's review
4.0
My friends did warn me this was a "chonky" graphic novel and they were absolutely right. But it was so worth the read!
Graphic: Racism and Racial slurs
amiegold's review
3.75
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
calamitywindpetal's review
4.0
Moderate: Islamophobia, Xenophobia, and Racism
Minor: Sexual assault, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
kmclights's review
5.0
If you are a basketball fan then you will really enjoy this, but even if you are not then you are will still enjoy the story and the characters. The author does a really good job of mixing character study with the drama of a memorable season.
Minor: Racism and Adult/minor relationship
The former coach of the team being covered was suspended from the school in 2003 for an inappropriate relationship that he had had some thirty years prior. Although never convicted of anything, he never coached again and the author shows his own struggle with how to include this character in the story.basketballm43's review
5.0
Minor: Racism
k_stella's review
3.0
Graphic: Racism
audreylee's review
4.25
Minor: Racism and Sexual assault
serendipitysbooks's review
4.0
Dragon Hoops is a graphic novel written by a high school maths teacher and part-time comic writer. Searching for inspiration for his next book he decides to focus on his school basketball team’s upcoming season, an interesting choice given he doesn’t otherwise have much of an interest in sport. But the book ends up encompassing much more than that. We also get the history of basketball, a history of the team and an exploration of the backgrounds of the players and coaching staff, which then leads into the impact of racial and religious discrimination. An important ongoing thread is the life lessons the players learn through playing.
What caught my attention with this book was that way the author included himself and his writing process into the story. Things like his unease with not knowing how the story would pan out - would the team finally win the state championship or would they be disappointed yet again ? - how he balances teaching, writing comic books and being a husband and father, and if and how to include mention of a former coach who had been charged with child molestation. It makes this more than just a sports book.
Another aspect that caught my attention was the recurring use of the step motif to signify major changes for players, coaches or the team as a whole. It was interesting to see the different contexts this came up and could lead to really fruitful discussions.
This is not my typical go-to book but I saw @jen.loves.books post a review which caught my eye, and it proved to be an ideal change of pace.
Moderate: Racism
bookiecharm's review
Graphic: Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism