The Playmakers

Gr 4-7–Jax and Nic are best friends who get cut from the seventh grade basketball team. Jax may be the shortest kid in their grade, but he and Nic have worked hard all summer to garner spots on the team. Luke is the tallest kid, but he’d prefer a spot in the school play over playing basketball. When his plans also don’t come to fruition, Jax and Nic decide to form their own team to challenge the school one, proving they deserve spots on the team. They enlist Luke, who begrudgingly joins them in exchange for their help with a theater competition. Miley may be the smartest kid in school, but she’s facing her own difficulties—her parents are threatening to homeschool her if she doesn’t make friends or join clubs. Miley believes the key to winning is math; if she can crack the statistical code of basketball, she can coach the boys (and girls who join the team of misfits) on how to pull off a win. The story unfolds with alternating first-person narratives from the three protagonists. Miley’s entries are doodle-filled and graphic novel style, including conversations with her therapist, and her statistical finds. Bullies, challenging family situations, and a mix of supportive and nonsupportive teachers, create a story with teeth.