It is most unfortunate that predatory adults exist and work with children and youth, but ignoring it will not prevent. Only awareness can, and Carl Deuker not only brings the reader's attention to these issues, but provides a positive example of how to handle such a situation. The characters are incredibly complex, and have many unexpected revelations that relate to how people are in the real world.

The library can feature this novel along with other basketball oriented sports novels during March Madness to promote readership in athletically inclined student population. This would also be a great book to suggest to reluctant readers because of the short chapters. ( )

As always, Carl Deuker doesn't just write sports novels. Integrity always looms large for his characters, usually ordinary kids caught up in extraordinary circumstances. Not a bad message for teens. The three-page chapters are ideal for reluctant readers, the pacing is brisk and Jonas comes off as a relatable, regular guy. ( )

This novel has lots of basketball action and some pretty good life lessons, too. Jonas Dolan plays basketball and when he realizes there is a chance that he can play college ball -- on a scholarship -- he focuses like a laser on his dream. However, his father loses his job and the family is forced to move from California to Seattle, Washington. Slowly, Jonas rebuilds his skills and reputation as a ball player. He meets quiet, religious Levi and together they refine their game. We follow Jonas through his senior year where he is trying to win a scholarship, impress a hard-to-please, old-school coach, and make friends. Despite some setbacks, Jonas seems destined to do it all when he learns of a devastating secret. He does the right thing --in the end-- but it costs him almost everything, except his pride.

Deuker has done it again. The teens are believable, the sports action well-scripted, and the moral dilemmas palatable and gut-wrenching. Jonas is the best kind of hero: a real one.

Recommended for all teen readers with an interest in basketball, esp. boys. The sports action will hook them, the moral will keep them remembering. ( )

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktoXrrBISw8

Always looking for books with a male voice. Deuker's books are very popular with teen boys. This book deals with basketball, family issues and making hard choices. ( )