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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
Very thought provoking book - two basketball teammates and best friends, one black, one white. For reasons unknown other than teenage stupidity and a desire for quick cash, they decide to start robbing people at gunpoint, using the white kid's grandfather's gun. During the 3rd robbery, they shoot the victim.
What ensues is an examination of character and the justice system. The black kid gets arrested first, and his journey through the justice system mirrors what poor, black defendants often experience. The white kid eventually gets arrested, too, and his experience mirrors what a middle class to wealthy white kid would go through. Won't tell you who is the better character throughout all of this, nor how it ends. The notion of friendship and team loyalty is explored - how far do you take this when you have done something very wrong?
Racial issues come to the surface, which would make another very interesting discussion in a HS English class, with the right teacher and group.
Volponi taught incarcerated kids for many years and works with at-risk kids, so he has the expertise.
What ensues is an examination of character and the justice system. The black kid gets arrested first, and his journey through the justice system mirrors what poor, black defendants often experience. The white kid eventually gets arrested, too, and his experience mirrors what a middle class to wealthy white kid would go through. Won't tell you who is the better character throughout all of this, nor how it ends. The notion of friendship and team loyalty is explored - how far do you take this when you have done something very wrong?
Racial issues come to the surface, which would make another very interesting discussion in a HS English class, with the right teacher and group.
Volponi taught incarcerated kids for many years and works with at-risk kids, so he has the expertise.
A book about two teenage boys and basketball is the last story I ever thought I’d find riveting, but i did. This novella hits on a lot of themes that are so relevant, especially In The current climate.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Paul Volponi is a really good writer in general, i have a soft spot for the way he uses symbolism and parallels
I enjoyed reading it and I love the fact that it's not a cliche.