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Rivals

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
From the author of the award-winning Game Changer comes a gripping novel about two student-athletes searching for stardom, a young reporter searching for the truth, and a crosstown basketball rivalry that goes too far
 
The people of Walthorne love their basketballâand one of the things they love most is the special rivalry between the Walthorne North Middle School Cougars and the Walthorne South Middle School Panthers. As the season begins, two star players are feeling the heat: Austin Chambers, captain of Walthorne North, worries that heâs not good enough to live up to his fatherâs legacy, while across town, the brilliantly talented Carter Haswell, captain of Walthorne South, is already under pressure to get a scholarship that might ease his familyâs financial stress.
 
While both boys do whatever they can to make sure their team wins, Alfie Jenks, a school sports reporter, discovers that behind-the-scenes scandals are just as much a part of youth sports as on-the-court action. When she blows the story wide open, the whole season is jeopardized.
 
Told through a series of flashbacks, newspaper reports, social media posts, and interviews, Rivals will have readers tearing through the pages to see what happens nextâand asking themselves if winning has become more important than doing the right thing.
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  • Reviews

    • Kirkus

      February 1, 2021
      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(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    • School Library Journal

      February 26, 2021

      Gr 5-7-The start of a new basketball season ignites old rivalries for Carter and Austin. The boys are star captains of their town's two middle school teams: Austin plays for Walthorne North, Carter for Walthorne South. The 14-year-olds, both white, once played pickup games together before increasing attention, and expectations at school and home made them wary strangers. Fueled by simmering resentment between the schools-North is wealthy, South is not-it isn't long before the rivalry between them gets out of hand. Carter's classmate and sports reporter Alfie (also white) covers the rising tensions; her character effectively embodies the media's power and influence. Told in first-person narration, texts, social media posts, and Alfie's radio interviews (similar to Greenwald's Game Changer) this is a fast-paced cautionary tale condemning adults' tendency to prioritize winning at all costs over allowing kids to simply enjoy the game. Scenes of action on the court are vivid and exciting but take a back seat to Austin and Carter's struggles to cope with the burdens placed upon them while determining their own future. Give to fans of Jason Reynolds and Kwame Alexander's sports novels. VERDICT Recommended for middle grade collections; a good choice for a community-wide reading initiative.-Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem P.L., Holbrook, NY

      Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
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  • EPUB ebook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • ATOS Level:4.5
  • Interest Level:4-8(MG)
  • Text Difficulty:3

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