Showing posts with label Hoops. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hoops. Show all posts

Monday, June 12, 2023

Graphic Novel Review: Hoops



Indiana 1975 is the start of a ladies' high school basketball team and the start of a state championship.  Judy has always wanted to play basketball but there was never a ladies' team before. She skips cheerleading practice to try-out. But with only 8 ladies interested, everyone makes the team.

At the first game, they find out there are no uniforms. They don't have a bus. They don't have much of anything. But what they do have is heart. The inequality bugs them. But until they have people watching their game, they're forced to deal with it.

So, they try to fill the seats, but it doesn't quite work. How can they move forward when everyone else is holding them back?
My Thoughts: I loved this graphic novel, I couldn't put it down. I loved the struggle these girls faced - both in basketball and in getting respect. I loved their struggles as a team and how they worked through them and showed up for each other. I loved the funny moments - like seeing the camper for the first time. A very inspiring read full of heart, determination, hard work, and friendship. This book is a great introduction to Title IX and equality. 

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My library
Library Recommendations: A must have graphic novel for your school or public library collection!

Monday, June 18, 2018

Review: Elle of the Ball

Elle of the Ball
Elle's in the seventh grade but a recent growth spurt has made her life miserable. She's nearly six feet tall already. Her basketball game's suffering because of her new height.

She's also forced into a dance - a school tradition. She's so tall that she has a hard time dancing with the boys. She also can't find her rhythm. She's dreading the dance - from her lack of skills to her terrible partner to the dress she's forced to wear.

Why can't life be easy?
My Thoughts: A fun middle grade - about sports, fitting in, and trying to be yourself. I really enjoyed the first book of this series and I'm looking forward to more. I felt terrible for Elle - being at that awkward stage in her life and being so tall. While I was never that tall, I was also tall for my age. Plus of course, I loved the basketball parts of the book. And who didn't hate being told what to do by the school. I love how that worked out.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public and school libraries; it's perfect for your sporty readers