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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
I didn't particularly care for this book. I thought it had a good message and might appeal to middle school students or struggling high school readers.
The two main characters narrated alternating chapters. However, I didn't feel that the author effectively developed either one of the narrator's voices. I also noticed that the black and white "symbolism" seemed extremely forced toward the end of the story.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to younger readers that are interested in a story containing basketball, friendship, racial issues, and moral dilemmas.
The two main characters narrated alternating chapters. However, I didn't feel that the author effectively developed either one of the narrator's voices. I also noticed that the black and white "symbolism" seemed extremely forced toward the end of the story.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to younger readers that are interested in a story containing basketball, friendship, racial issues, and moral dilemmas.
Reading some older ones that I missed. I know my students will enjoy this one. Very engaging and poignant story. It’s a quick read that won’t overwhelm reluctant readers. I appreciate that this was written before wokeness took over the genre.
My 8th graders loved reading this book. They could relate to it and found many connections.
inspiring
mysterious
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
Plot was vague and not cohesive enough to fit the overall topic that the author was addressing, and the ending felt very flat to me.
Two best friends make a horrible decision to steal the money they need for a school trip. One shoots a man, and their perfect friendship that seems to transcend racial divides falls apart. This book shows how very blind Justice can be when family status and money get involved. Volponi has worked with incarcerated teens and truly understands these characters. I loved the addition of the "Count of Monte Cristo" storyline...with best friends who ultimately betray their friendship, and one is left to pay an unfair price. My students and I have had good conversations about this book.
3 stars. This was a work read for me. Good for early high school readers who might enjoy a basketball book with some deeper themes. The first-person narration with authentic language is relatable for high schoolers. The substance comes from themes of racial injustice and the US judicial system, which can kindle some good follow-up discussion. My student enjoyed it for the action, the easy reading level, and the relatable dialogue. CW for gun violence, racial violence, and cursing.
Marcus and Eddie are referred to as Black and White due tot heir incredible partnership on the football and basketball teams - and in reference to their ethnic heritage/skin color. They live in a poor section of NYC and scramble to have enough money to participate in their school's senior activities. They decide to rob a few people to get the money they need - and they do it at gun point. However, the gun goes off during one heist and a man is injured, possibly even killed. Marcus is caught, but refuses to give up his partner.
Told in alternating chapters by each boy, labeled either Black or White, depending on who is speaking at the moment. This book is gritty and compelling. A good read for boys who like sports and/or are reluctant readers.
Told in alternating chapters by each boy, labeled either Black or White, depending on who is speaking at the moment. This book is gritty and compelling. A good read for boys who like sports and/or are reluctant readers.
This book failed to live up to its potential. I was excited to read this story but saddened to find its lackluster plot. The characters to me are underdeveloped and the author left out all of the parts I would have found most interesting such as the court scene and final dynamics of his severed relationships.
What I found most intriguing about this book was that it touched on how blacks are really treated in today's society. People want to believe that racism is dead and that blacks and whites are all equal, bt if you really think about it, it's not quite true.
It's not racism, but it's merely a fact. What is the majority of people who are in state cells? Blacks and hispanics.
I really like how the author adressed this in his book, and I would like to see more authors adress more problems like that. Not just petty problems that high-class white teenagers face every day, but real problems that effect a certain type of group just because they are different in society.
It's not racism, but it's merely a fact. What is the majority of people who are in state cells? Blacks and hispanics.
I really like how the author adressed this in his book, and I would like to see more authors adress more problems like that. Not just petty problems that high-class white teenagers face every day, but real problems that effect a certain type of group just because they are different in society.