In the Swish

Gr 9 Up—Less than a year after winning the state basketball championship, MVP Bennett Ryan is forced not only to move across the state of Oregon but also to attend her rival high school. Her mom's new principal position is supposed to be a good step for her family—especially after Bennett's father's death—but leaving her friends and teammates isn't exactly how she pictured the start of her senior year. Her rivals are not exactly welcoming, and Bennett has to work hard to be part of the team. With the help of a tough, no-nonsense coach, the teen begins to acclimate to her new environment. Just as she is feeling at home, accusations from her former coach send her back to the bench and force her to really look at her former team and new squad in a fresh light. Although sports novels with female main characters are always a welcome addition to a field dominated by male-driven plots, this one does not bring anything new to the table. It is full of technical basketball jargon, which may limit its appeal. While the story is set in the United States, the author is Canadian, and as a result, some of the word choices fit awkwardly into the setting. A decent amount of swearing and some partying make this book appropriate for high school audiences.