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Gr 7 Up—Derrick Bowen is ready to be the star of his high school basketball team. He was a hero in middle school, but senior Nick Starks isn't about to concede his starting point-guard position. Even when Derrick outperforms him, the coach continues to start Nick, and uses Derrick to sub for other starters. Derrick's uncle, a former Marion East player who still blames Coach Bolden for getting in the way of his own basketball dreams, tries to convince his nephew to transfer to Hamilton Academy, an elite school in the Indianapolis suburbs that is actively recruiting the 6-foot, 3-inch inner-city freshman. Derrick is tempted, especially since Hamilton is including a job offer for his dad. But as he gets to know Coach Bolden better, Derrick realizes that the old coach is pushing him out of his comfort zone to make him a better player. After a sloppy start to their season, the Marion East guys finally accept what Bolden has been trying to teach them: that as long as they're looking for individual glory, they're never going to play their best. The group slowly meshes into a team, and Derrick comes to appreciate the deeper camaraderie with his teammates over the flash that Hamilton offers. Readers will appreciate the fully fleshed-out characters and authentic dialogue. The blend of sports action and relationships holds tremendous appeal for basketball fans and reluctant readers, although those who are not familiar with the game may have trouble understanding the jargon. A solid choice for fans of Paul Volponi and Walter Dean Myers.—Kim Dare, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA