✰ 3.5 stars ✰

“Play like you want it, with fire.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Inspirational, motivational, recreational. There's such a vindictive thrill cheering for the underdog, wanting and hoping that they'll triumph over their adversity and reign supreme and defy the odds of all those who looked down upon them. In their own area of talented expertise, seventh-graders Jax and Luke wanted to shine and be their best - give it their all and prove that whether it's on the basketball court or the theater stage - they belong here. 🏀🎭 That they've worked their butts off to earn the right to be in the spotlight - 'getting your head in the game is critical.'. But when that feeling is stolen from them, there is that combative urge that rises up to defeat those odds - to prove to the naysayers that they're just as capable and talented, even with their shortcomings. And they may be in completely different fields, but they each have something the other wants - well, needs to triumph in glory. It'll only take a lot of patience, a lot of skill, and a lot of learning from both sides if they want to join forces and prove to the school and themselves that they are The Playmakers that are here to stay. 😤

“Sometimes those who are overlooked turn out to be better than those who get all of the attention. Patience, my friend. Good things are coming your way.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I loved that when Jax was recruiting kids to be on his team to go up against the varsity-selected teammates that he and his best friend, Nic, failed to make the cut, there were girls on their team. Even though they did meet some confrontation, Miranda and Charlotte didn't waste any time whipping them into shape and putting them in their place at their rather myopic views on how to treat a lady. A lady-killer on the court, no less. ⛹️‍♀️👍🏻 'All I want is a shot.' Jax's optimism, enthusiasm, even daring to go up against the challenges was also really heartwarming and quite inspiring. He wasn't easily daunted, nor easily intimidated; despite his reservations about his short height, he stoutly was convinced that he could put together a winning team. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to have Luke on their side; with his 6'3 frame, he'd be a shoo-in for a perfect center. If only he could let go of his idea of being a theater star. 🥺

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Luke's perspective was interesting and a lot more heartbreaking. I liked how he grew to respect basketball, as he drew similarities to acting. 'The crowd. The players. The energy. The scoreboard was all lit up. It was a big deal.' His loneliness of being the odd man out from his theater peers - the singular dislike from his drama teacher - he'll need Jax and Nic on his side so he can prove to her that he has what it takes to be a star. 😅🤝 Enlisting their help may be more difficult than he signed up for, especially when neither of them are putting in as much heart for their pantomime skit as they do win shooting the hoops. But, through hard work and grit, through arguments and quarrels, and most importantly, dedication and teamwork to put their whole heart and energy into it by being 'bigger, braver, crazier,' they might just make it work. 🙂‍↕️

“It takes timing, a willingness to do huge, fearless things. You can’t be scared about what other people think of you. You’ve got to really own it. Be in all the way.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I loved that the authors showed that boys cry. Yes, I know they do, but they were not afraid to show their tears of frustration or sadness or even that emotional vulnerability that allowed them to express their feelings honestly and openly. The bitter resentment of being rejected, when all they want is just the chance to be one of the team. 'This was so wrong. I was supposed to be there.' 😢 The humor and snark between Jax and Luke was on point of two complete opposites - butting heads, stubbornly resilient, but still finding that common ground that they were all in this together. 👌🏻 Even when they behaved pettily or childishly, it felt real. Jax and NIc's friendship, though, really was so wonderful. There was so much heart and trust to their loyalty to one another - the fierce solidarity that shined in their words and actions. That one poignant moment where Nic returned the kindness in such a caring and convincing manner really was very touching. ❤️‍🩹🫂

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The authors shed light on heavy and difficult matters with a gentle touch without allowing it to overtake the story. Bullying, insecurities, determination, and loneliness - the impending struggle of feeling left out. Kids with absentee parents in all forms, kids with devoted single parents with their own personal struggles, kids with teachers who can be the best of them, or the most disappointing of sorts. 😟 Mr.Juma, their English teacher and designated b-ball supervisor was truly a class act - supportive, inspiring and believing in them and learning from them how beautiful it is not to give up. Even though he may have delivered the weirdest pep talk to a basketball game ever, it is what invigorated everyone into a tour de force that was determined to remind everyone that they had proved they belonged here - even striking a fire within me. ❤️‍🔥😆

“Sometimes, with things like the game tonight,” Mr. Juma said, “if you win, your fire burns really hot. And if you lose, you might be tempted then to let your fire burn out.”

“Don’t burn out. No matter what happens tonight.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ What I struggled with was Miley's perspective, their introverted classmate, who joins them as a strategist and analyst, in the hopes that her parents won't make her go into home-school, if they know that their quiet and withdrawn child is finally making friends - that she has a place to belong. It's not the story-line I had issues with and how her role was an important one, but rather the interactive way in which it was shown; drawings and notes and such. 😕 Maybe it was to fit her personality, or to add like intervals for Jax and Luke's alternating perspectives, but I think if it had been written the same way, it would have impacted me more. 🤷🏻‍♀️ It also, imo, affected Luke's perspective a bit, because I did not feel as wholly satisfied with how his own personal insecurities were resolved. I wanted a bit of a confrontation, or even a real acknowledgment from his teacher that he had proven himself worthy; but I guess, that would have been too unrealistically soon to believe. 😔

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Despite my qualms with the written portrayal, I had no issue with the character, Miley. So many kids at this age feel lost and uncertain where they fit in, second-guessing everything! 😣 And to see her find her place is definitely something to celebrate. Just as heartwarming it was to cheer on Jax and Luke, as they worked hard to earn a second chance, as they fought to claim their rightful place - even if it didn't come with the triumphant results they wanted, it's truly a memorable example of how the struggle is the glory. 🌟

*Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.