Foul Trouble

Gr 8 Up—A riveting, cautionary tale about behind-the-scenes, big-money pressures confronting talented high school athletes. Blending a breadth of basketball knowledge with an understanding of the vulnerability of young superstars, Feinstein deftly describes the on- and off-court friendships, dilemmas, and decisions made by Massachusetts seniors Terrell Jamerson and Danny Wilcox. When Terrell, the star forward, and Danny, the point guard, are invited to an elite summer camp, Coach Wilcox, Danny's respected and protective father, insists on coming, too-to coach and to keep an eye on the scouts, agents, and well-wishers who surround his players. Here, Terrell and Danny meet Bob Kelleher, a journalist whose personal mission is to expose the good guys and bad guys surrounding the teens. The camp is just the beginning of the media, marketing, and recruiting blitz that consumes nationally top-ranked Terrell. Danny encourages him to tell Kelleher about the backdoor propositions and manipulation that also engulf his mother and her boyfriend. After an emotionally grueling championship season, Terrell and Danny finally face the cameras and announce their college decisions. Teens will enjoy the vibrant court action, player repartee, budding romances, Danny's hot-tempered loyalty, and the realistic portrayal of Terrell's uncertainty. Harvard's Tommy Amaker, Duke's Mike Krzyzweski, and High School Basketball Illustrated's revered editor, Tom Konchalski, make cameo appearances, offering advice and promoting integrity. Meanwhile, two fictitious colleges are portrayed as emerging athletic powerhouses condoning illegal recruiting and kickbacks. Timely hot topics are embedded in this action-packed sports story. Readers will breathlessly await Terrell's final decision.—Gerry Larson, formerly at Durham School of the Arts, NC