Book Information

  • Series: Lorimer Sports Stories
  • Imprint: James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers
  • Publication Date: 1 January 2022
  • Copyright Year: 2022
  • ISBN: 9781459416376
  • Page Count: 128
  • Dimensions: 5" x 7.75"
  • Interest ages: 10-13
  • Reading level: Grade 3

Purchasing Information

Hardcover
9781459416376
$27.99 USD

Forthcoming

Also Available From

Hoopers

by Johnny Boateng

The story of a young Black teen who is too caught up in the basketball image to put in the work to play well.

Are you serious about ball or just playing?

Jojoā€™s got all the moves. Heā€™s got the look. Heā€™s got the fans. Heā€™s also got a new coach who doesnā€™t care what Jojo looks like or how good his social media followers think he is at basketball. What Coach P cares about is how much work his players put in and how serious they are about being real athletes. Can Jojo show Coach P he has what it takes to be a real hooper?

JOHNNY BOATENG played Division I basketball in Evansville, Indiana, and at Simon Fraser University, and has won the BC basketball provincial championship as both a player and a coach. He founded the Dream Hoops Basketball Academy and serves as a mentor for disadvantaged youth. He is the author of Hustle, which was named a Canadian Childrenā€™s Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens, and Two Strikes in the Sports Stories series. Johnny lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

About the Author

JOHNNY BOATENG played division basketball in Indiana and at Simon Fraser University, and has won the BC basketball provincial championship as both a player and a coach. He founded the Dream Hoops Basketball Academy and serves as a mentor for disadvantaged youth. He is the author of Hustle, which was named a Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens, and Two Strikes in the Sports Stories series. John lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Reviews

The overall themes and lessons of diligence and perseverance are clear and easy to grasp, and the plotlines, pacing, and length make this highly accessible to reluctant readers.

Kirkus Reviews

This story is filled with wonderful and diverse characters from many different backgrounds.

Mary Harelkin Bishop, CM Review of Materials

Subjects (BISAC)

JUVENILE FICTION / Boys & Men, JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship, JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Values & Virtues, JUVENILE FICTION / Sports & Recreation / Basketball

Similar Titles

  • Bad Shot

    Sylvia Taekema
    A small-town basketball player is bullied by a teammate from a wealthier family. Set against the realistic backdrop of a struggling small town, Bad Shot explores the emotional realities of performance anxiety, socioeconomic status, and bullying.
    $27.99, Hardcover
    Interest ages: 10-13
    Reading level: Grade 4

  • Tough Call

    Kelsey Blair
    Malia wants to be a good basketball referee, but can she make the right calls, especially against her sister's team?
    $27.99, Hardcover
    Interest ages: 10-13
    Reading level: Grade 3
    Lexile Reading Level: HL540L

  • Empty Net

    David Starr
    The story of a young girl who learns a different way of life and appreciation of her sport in a remote northern community.
    $27.99, Hardcover
    Interest ages: 10-13
    Reading level: Grade 3
    Lexile Reading Level: 670L

  • Run and Gun

    Eric Howling
    A young teen uses basketball to find a balance between his school teammates and his friends from a disadvantaged part of town.
    $27.99, Hardcover
    Interest ages: 10-13
    Reading level: Grade 3
Scroll to Top