Boxed Out

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC! I am giving this one 5 stars because I was truly impressed with the readability and positive message for young readers. This story follows twin brothers who are basketball players, and one brother-Mike-makes the varsity team, leaving his twin-Murph-feeling left out and dejected. Murphy learns a great lesson about working hard and sportsmanship and even learns to appreciate and support his brother more. While it, at times, felt a little TOO easy and happy and positive the way the story went, it did not ruin it for me. I read it with the eyes of my son who loves basketball but struggles to find things to read (and is not the strongest reader) and with the eyes of my reluctant teen readers in middle school. I am definitely buying this one and looking into the school library buying it as well. I see there are more Hoops Academy books, and they are all available on pre-order from Target, so I will be placing an order to get them in january. The best news is it looks like the books all follow different kids at Hoops Academy, and some of the books focus on female basketball players, which is so rare. I am really excited for this option for a clean YA/middle grade book that was an easy read, clean, and had positive messages!