library_kb's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Part sports history, part memoir, part journalism, this is another sports book (like Crossover by Kwame Alexander) that will appeal to more than just sports fans. It is a thick graphic novel--around 400 pages, which will really engage some students who just whip through graphic novels! From a teacher's perspective, I would love to use parts of this as a mentor text, because there are some really great scenes depicting authorial decisions and what goes into making those, as well as some really thoughtful use of pacing and format (for example, great discussions could be had about why he chose to put certain panels next to each other and what the reader can understand because of that). There are a couple instances of swearing on the page and a character in the story (or on the sidelines of the story) that deals with a beloved coach accused of inappropriate relations with a student, but for 7th/8th grade readers, there will be a lot of fans!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Racism, and Religious bigotry
More...