embe94's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a good book. It was gripping, suspenseful, and the characters were so vividly written. I really liked the alternating POVs. Definitely worth the read!
jenlabrador's review against another edition
5.0
This was so good! Definitely 5 stars for young adult. Loved how the book addresses:
1) Lost souls and trying to help when someone doesn't help themselves.
2) Racism and classism though it is a backdrop, not the main focus--a given that has to be dealt with while every day life still goes on.
3) Friendship and growing up. How to repair a friendship when hurt, jealousy, and loneliness get in the way.
4) Being used by the white system and how to still try to succeed as a person of color.
I love how Ribay brings sensitivity to these two boys and shows how they grapple with their emotional depths without shame in a traditionally macho and violent setting.
The writing style is light and a fast pace. I praise the author's ability to give it that air of lightness while losing none of the gravity of all the complex issues it addresses. The beginning is a little slow, but since it reads quickly it's easy to get through.
1) Lost souls and trying to help when someone doesn't help themselves.
2) Racism and classism though it is a backdrop, not the main focus--a given that has to be dealt with while every day life still goes on.
3) Friendship and growing up. How to repair a friendship when hurt, jealousy, and loneliness get in the way.
4) Being used by the white system and how to still try to succeed as a person of color.
I love how Ribay brings sensitivity to these two boys and shows how they grapple with their emotional depths without shame in a traditionally macho and violent setting.
The writing style is light and a fast pace. I praise the author's ability to give it that air of lightness while losing none of the gravity of all the complex issues it addresses. The beginning is a little slow, but since it reads quickly it's easy to get through.
yvesdot's review against another edition
5.0
Bunny has made it to private school on a sports scholarship. Nasir is betrayed at being left behind. Wallace's family is deep in debt—and he has a plan to fix it. National Book Award finalist Randy Ribay tells a riveting story about community, sports, and three teenagers involved in a scam to throw the biggest game of the season. I've yet to meet someone who wasn't emotionally torn apart by this one.
biblioemily's review against another edition
4.0
Did not expect that ending! Will definitely be book talking this one.
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
Bunny and Nasir were the best of friends, until Bunny basketball skills allowed him to attend a prestigious private school. Nasir feels left behind, especially because Bunny never talked to him about his decision. Nasir has begun hanging out more with his cousin, Wallace, who is going through a difficult time. Wallace and his grandmother are in danger of being evicted, so he must come up with a quick way to make money. Nasir thinks that perhaps Wallace is doing some not so legal things to come up with the money, but for whatever reason it continues to backfire. Maybe Bunny can use his new connections to help his old friends out.
I thought this was a realistic portrayal of this situation. I feel that it explored many sides of the issue and truly got to the heart of it.
I thought this was a realistic portrayal of this situation. I feel that it explored many sides of the issue and truly got to the heart of it.
andersonh92's review against another edition
5.0
Great book! Sports, minorities, violence, and race all play huge factors in the lives of Nazir and Bunny. Loved how this story is told from both of their perspectives and centers around a falling out between friends and the rebuilding of said friendship.
ptha2201's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
deezbutts's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
melindagallagher's review against another edition
4.0
This is a great book whether you love sports or not. I just happen to love basketball, so I definitely loved that addition. But it is not only about basketball. It is about friendship, betrayal, desperation, and consequences to choices. I loved Bunny and Nasir and the complicated choices that they had to make. They weren't perfect, but they tried hard to help those around them. There are many conflicts, both internal and external, so the book moves quickly. Told in alternating perspectives, you get to know both protagonists well. Give this book to those who love basketball, but also to those who like strong characters and stories of friendship.
Better the second time!
Better the second time!