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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
A nice, well-written friendship story with clearly defined character POVs which give a strong "walk a mile in each other's shoes" perspective. I did wish that some of the issues which came up were handled a bit more comprehensively, mainly the hints regarding Isaac's grandmother's memory trouble, but Isaac's father's alcoholism and Marco's feelings about his father's distance are very well done.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Excrement, Car accident
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As a mom of boys I love kid bromance. Nothing like a friendship unworried about society's expectations of masculinity.
Isaac and Marco's are neighbors and best friends who would do anything for each other, even though they couldn't be more different.
Isaac is tall, athletic and popular but struggles a bit with organization and homework. Marco is short and brainy with little athletic ability or care for social standing.
Both of them have dads who aren't doing a great job in the parenting department, but that similarity seems to help them support each other through it.
Marco decides to try out for the basketball team like Isaac and surprisingly has defensive skills only made better by his determination. Isaac teaches him everything he can.
As their team enters a championship Marco is terrified to let the team down. Can they win?
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books - Quill Tree Books for the advance copy!
Isaac and Marco's are neighbors and best friends who would do anything for each other, even though they couldn't be more different.
Isaac is tall, athletic and popular but struggles a bit with organization and homework. Marco is short and brainy with little athletic ability or care for social standing.
Both of them have dads who aren't doing a great job in the parenting department, but that similarity seems to help them support each other through it.
Marco decides to try out for the basketball team like Isaac and surprisingly has defensive skills only made better by his determination. Isaac teaches him everything he can.
As their team enters a championship Marco is terrified to let the team down. Can they win?
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books - Quill Tree Books for the advance copy!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved the friendship between Isaac, who is a natural on the basketball court but struggles with schoolwork, and Marco, who is the opposite. They help each other out all throughout the book, and are both dealing with father issues. I liked the dual POV and occasionally we get to see the same situation from both of their points of view. Great friendship and basketball story about these two boys trying to be the best they can be.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Car accident
Minor: Vomit, Injury/Injury detail
Such a great middle-grade story. Loved the boys’ friendship and how they support each other despite their differences.