I picked this one expecting it to be a "boy's book" that might be suitable for my library. Well, I was partially correct. The book definitely targets young male readers, who are statistically non-readers. But what I didn't expect was how much I would enjoy the writing and the story. Mike Lupica is rightly praised for his "lean prose." This story had me rooting for Jayson the whole time. I appreciated too how it included a twist on the "white savior" narrative by having this white boy from the ghetto be taken in by a stable, nurturing black family. So, yes, aspects of class and race are included but not overdone.

This is definitely one to include in my English language library in Mexico. I will now be on the lookout for a similarly engaging story with a budding futbol (soccer) star. I need to include titles on topics that will engage young male language learners. This fits that need.

Biblioteca Inglesa de Fortin
(English Library of Fortin)
Fortin de las Flores, Veracruz, Mexico
https://librosfortin.libib.com/ ( )

Kids who hate books, but love sports, need to be tied to a chair and forced to read Mike Lupica. Trust me. They will be better for it.

Mike Lupica is king of middle grade sports fiction. He always develops a great story around play by plays. Fast Break is about a basketball prodigy who grows up in the projects. After Jayson’s mom dies from drug-related causes, Jayson tries to evade Child Protective Services, living on his own. But a basketball star needs shoes that fit. When Jayson gets caught trying to steal shoes, CPS swarms in and places him in foster care. As you can imagine it takes a while for Jayson to realize the lucky break that’s been handed to him.

This book is anything but stereotypical. The foster parents are black and Jayson is white. Mrs. Lawton grew up in the same housing project as Jayson, but worked her way out. Jayson however is not impressed. He resists every bit of advice and kindness the Lawton’s offer. He’s madder than heck. He’s especially not impressed by the private school he’s enrolled at. Although he doesn’t want to be back in the projects, he would give up the good life in a second if he could be back at his old school, playing basketball with his boys.

Kids will relate wholeheartedly to this book, especially ones who have a tough life. But don’t think that kids from middle America won’t appreciate getting a glimpse at life on the other side of the tracks as well. This is a book for everyone. Lupica is a master at teaching life lessons through sports.

Coach to Jayson: “You’re allowed to think it’s a bad call, because nobody ever gets T’ed up for what they think. But I don’t want you to say another word to a ref the rest of the season other than ‘Yes, sir’ and ‘No, sir.’ Because if you do, I will sit you down for the rest of the game. Understood?”

Everyone could use a good coach.
( )

Jayson is struggling. With the death of his mom, he's living on his own trying to scrounge together enough to stay fed. His love is basketball. He plays everyday at his neighborhood court at the Jeff, practicing and always working to improve his game. When he gets caught stealing some new basketball shoes, his life changes. He finds himself in DCFS and gets placed with an affluent African-American family, Mrs Lawton also a product of the Jeff. He's angry. And he is suddenly playing hoops at a new school with new teammates.
A touching story with lots of basketball action. There are some loose-ends left, but the story of Jayson's growth and healing as well improvement of himself as a ball player is satisfying. ( )