Rivals

Tom Greenwald, 1962-

Book - 2021

In basketball-crazed Walthorne, rival middle school stars Austin Chambers and Carter Haswell are both feeling the pressure when school sports reporter Alfie Jenks reveals scandals that jeopardize the whole season. Told through flashbacks, newspaper reports, social media posts, and interviews.

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Location Call Number   Status
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Subjects
Genres
Sports fiction
Published
New York : Amulet Books 2021.
Language
English
Main Author
Tom Greenwald, 1962- (author)
Physical Description
306 pages : illustrations ; 21 cm
Audience
Ages 10 to 14.
ISBN
9781419748271
9781419748288
Contents unavailable.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

This basketball saga critically redefines "love of the game." In Walthorne, middle school sports revolve around the storied rivalry between the Walthorne North Middle School Cougars and the Walthorne South Middle School Panthers. North is captained by point guard Austin Chambers, whose well-off parents provide him with everything he needs to succeed--in part because his father is a Penn State basketball legend. Things aren't so rosy for Carter Haswell, captain of South. As far as his parents are concerned, basketball is his job, as an athletic scholarship could relieve financial strife. What could be a tale of haves and have-nots swerves, instead examining the pernicious effects poor judgment, vicarious living, and outright self-interest can have on the physical and mental well-beings of student athletes. Peer relationships cause problems: Austin pressures wounded teammate Clay to play a high-stakes game, exacerbating his injury. Best intentions go awry: Alfie Jenks, a die-hard hoops fan and aspiring journalist, learns the importance of oversight, diligence, and context as her reporting sparks scandals. Egocentricity reigns: Carter's coach encourages him to cheat in class, leading to the player's suspension and the coach's resignation. When misconduct brings their season screeching to a halt, North and South settle their differences without adult interference. Most characters are White; racism and socio-economic status come in for critical evaluation. A crucial, necessary reminder: Sports should be fun! (author's note, reading list) (Sports fiction. 10-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.