This books was really cute and tackled so many different issues that young teens go through. Gender stereotypes and expectations, difficulties with fitting in, learning how to feel comfortable in your own skin. I will say that I am no much of a sports fan, but this book isn't just for sports lovers. And honestly, it was awesome this book took place in my home state of Delaware. I am always excited when that happens! Overall this was a nice book and I highly recommend it. ( )

This is a great book for kids to read. Elle is six feet tall and is a great basketball player but is also nervous and having to dance at her upcoming school function because the boys will be shorter than her. This is a great book to show students the power of being positive and showing girls (especially in middle school when they need it most) that we are all different and need to embrace our differences and changes. ( )

Elena Delle Donne's life inspires this first book in the Hoops series about Elle Deluca. If you have a reader who loves sports and is struggling to find her place in the world this book is a must-read. My son loved sports and had the opposite problem of Elle, he was small for the sport that he wanted to play, however, it didn't stop him from playing and doing well. I truly believe that what a parent teaches their child about attitude helps them to learn to deal with their struggles with a more healthy approach. In this book, Elle's parents and friends try to help her with her outlook as she struggles to adjust to her fast-growing height.

I do appreciate the lessons that are taught in this book. I appreciate the fact that a middle-grade reader has fears, and hopes of what they should expect while going to 7th, 8th and 9th grade. This book helps readers to see that everyone is going through the same struggles, just not always talking about them or reacting to them where someone else can see the struggles.

This book reminds me of Matt Christopher's sports series that came out starting in the 50's and decades into the 2000's when my son read some of his posthumous released books.

Ms. Donne's writing is youthful, easy to read and great from your daughter or son. I think that this is a worthy book purchase.

I give this book 4 stars for middle-graders and younger who like sports.

I'd like to thank Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read this book via Edelweiss+ in lieu of my honest opinion. ( )

This isn't only a book about a girl who plays basketball, but it dives into problems many sixth through ninth graders face.

Elle has a problem after summer break. She's tall. Super tall, and while her basketball team sees this as a chance for a great season, she's trying to figure out how to handle her changing body. Not only does she seem to have troubles handling her long legs and big feet, but a new challenge comes at her when she's faced with ballroom dancing.

There aren't many books out there, which center around middle grade girls and basketball. So this one is a treat in that sense alone. But this one goes a step further than that. Elle is a pretty average girl, except for the fact that she's a giant when compared to other girls her age. Her uncertainty and self-criticism is something very common for the age group, as kids try to figure out what to do with their developing bodies and where it puts them. But it's so much more than that. Even seemingly ridiculous things like ballroom dancing for a class pose problems as she has to find a dress and deal with dancing with someone much shorter than her. It's these types of 'little' problems kids will connect to and understand Elle's difficulties and uncertainties.

Elle isn't alone in this but has friends and understanding parents at her side. It's a wonderful balance between figuring things out for herself, while having the extra support when needed. The friendships are inspiring. . .not always perfect. . .but as they should be.

The author brings across a realistic, middle grade world. The concerns, actions, reactions and hopes fit the age group well. Some of the dialogue is a little unnatural at times, but not enough to bother the flow of the story. There's always something going on, and it's easy to empathize with Elle as she figures things out. The basketball scenes and how the age group views the sport are spot on, which will please basketball fans.

Girls who like basketball and tales of the troubles of growing up during middle grade are sure to enjoy this tale. ( )