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A review by theespressoedition
Shot Clock by Justin A. Reynolds, Caron Butler
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Shot Clock is so much more than just a "basketball book."
Shot Clock is so much more than just a "middle-grade book."
Shot Clock is something so special, so needed - and I'm still not over the impact it made in my own life.
I initially wanted to read this book because A) it's by Justin, whose books I have absolutely adored and B) it's about basketball, which is something I'm really passionate about. I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of this book during the NBA playoffs, which just feel like the most perfect timing.
I'm not sure why I wasn't expecting to be emotional while reading Shot Clock. I mean, every other book I've read by Justin has made me choke on my own tears with laughter at some point or another, so why would this be any different? However, there was something about this that touched a different part of my heart, in a way other books rarely have in the past.
(I find it important to state that my review is not OwnVoices). This might be middle-grade, but it didn't pull punches in the slightest. Shot Clock dealt with subjects like police brutality, underage crime and juvenile detention, depression, and other heavy topics that make it stand out among its peers. These are the hard-hitting topics that I've seen more and more in young adult fiction, but haven't noticed much in MG. Every single challenging moment is handled with such finesse and such grace that rather than it feeling harsh or abrupt, it comes across as an opportunity to learn and grow. This is the kind of book that I would have benefitted from so much during my middle and high school years (though let it be known that even adults can still benefit from it. I know I did).
Now, I don't want you reading this review and thinking, "Oh, it's just another sad/hard/challenging book." Trust, it doesn't hold back from the challenging subjects, but it's also filled with Justin's signature humor and family vibes, making it such a well-balanced story! While reading it, I felt as though I was part of Tony's (slightly chaotic) and absolutely precious family. I expected to find myself sitting next to Big Mama or hearing Munka tapping away on her phone. Every moment of heartache or struggle was balanced by a moment of laughter and camaraderie.
Shot Clock is absolutely exceptional when it comes to the basketball moments as well! What, did you think I'd forget to talk about that? Nah, I love the sport far too much to miss my chance to rave about the phenomenally detailed chapters with vivid descriptions of the games. I felt like I was watching it happen, rather than reading it. If you're a basketball fan, you will love this aspect so much. It actually made me learn even more about how the game works and now I can say that I wholly respect the role of the statistician!
My thoughts as I set down this book were twofold:
1) There need to be more books like this.
2) I want to turn back to page one and read it all over again.
Thank you Justin. Thank you Caron. Shot Clock is on another level entirely.
Shot Clock is so much more than just a "middle-grade book."
Shot Clock is something so special, so needed - and I'm still not over the impact it made in my own life.
I initially wanted to read this book because A) it's by Justin, whose books I have absolutely adored and B) it's about basketball, which is something I'm really passionate about. I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of this book during the NBA playoffs, which just feel like the most perfect timing.
I'm not sure why I wasn't expecting to be emotional while reading Shot Clock. I mean, every other book I've read by Justin has made me choke on my own tears with laughter at some point or another, so why would this be any different? However, there was something about this that touched a different part of my heart, in a way other books rarely have in the past.
(I find it important to state that my review is not OwnVoices). This might be middle-grade, but it didn't pull punches in the slightest. Shot Clock dealt with subjects like police brutality, underage crime and juvenile detention, depression, and other heavy topics that make it stand out among its peers. These are the hard-hitting topics that I've seen more and more in young adult fiction, but haven't noticed much in MG. Every single challenging moment is handled with such finesse and such grace that rather than it feeling harsh or abrupt, it comes across as an opportunity to learn and grow. This is the kind of book that I would have benefitted from so much during my middle and high school years (though let it be known that even adults can still benefit from it. I know I did).
Now, I don't want you reading this review and thinking, "Oh, it's just another sad/hard/challenging book." Trust, it doesn't hold back from the challenging subjects, but it's also filled with Justin's signature humor and family vibes, making it such a well-balanced story! While reading it, I felt as though I was part of Tony's (slightly chaotic) and absolutely precious family. I expected to find myself sitting next to Big Mama or hearing Munka tapping away on her phone. Every moment of heartache or struggle was balanced by a moment of laughter and camaraderie.
Shot Clock is absolutely exceptional when it comes to the basketball moments as well! What, did you think I'd forget to talk about that? Nah, I love the sport far too much to miss my chance to rave about the phenomenally detailed chapters with vivid descriptions of the games. I felt like I was watching it happen, rather than reading it. If you're a basketball fan, you will love this aspect so much. It actually made me learn even more about how the game works and now I can say that I wholly respect the role of the statistician!
My thoughts as I set down this book were twofold:
1) There need to be more books like this.
2) I want to turn back to page one and read it all over again.
Thank you Justin. Thank you Caron. Shot Clock is on another level entirely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Police brutality, Murder, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders