Reviewed by Grandma Bev for TeensReadToo.com
Nick Abbott wants his father's approval more than anything, but his brother Scott is always first in his father's eyes. Nick's father was a basketball star in high school, and he wants Scott to excel in that sport, but Scott just wants to play his trumpet. Nick's parents decide to go their separate ways, and the divorce is a big psychological problem for Nick, but he is determined to be a star on his high school basketball team and gain his father's approval.
The boy that lives across the street, Trent Dawson, is an angry and disturbed young man who doesn't get along with anyone, but the boys gradually form a tense friendship as they practice in Nick's new backyard basketball court. Nick convinces Trent that he could be an important part of the squad if he would bring his grades up and try out for the team.
Then Trent's brother shoots another boy and Trent feels compelled to go with his brother, who is in hiding. Nick's team is on the verge of a championship season, and with Trent's aggressiveness and Nick's leadership, they could win. Without Trent, the team may falter, and Nick is desperate to convince Trent to stay in school and on the team.
Teen angst and the emotional strain of high school relationships are realistic within NIGHT HOOPS. The excitement and descriptions of the games are well written. Deuker is a master at characterization and delivering a story with escalating suspense as the boys deal with real problems. Even reluctant readers, and especially sports-minded boys, will enjoy this electrifying novel.
Nick Abbott wants his father's approval more than anything, but his brother Scott is always first in his father's eyes. Nick's father was a basketball star in high school, and he wants Scott to excel in that sport, but Scott just wants to play his trumpet. Nick's parents decide to go their separate ways, and the divorce is a big psychological problem for Nick, but he is determined to be a star on his high school basketball team and gain his father's approval.
The boy that lives across the street, Trent Dawson, is an angry and disturbed young man who doesn't get along with anyone, but the boys gradually form a tense friendship as they practice in Nick's new backyard basketball court. Nick convinces Trent that he could be an important part of the squad if he would bring his grades up and try out for the team.
Then Trent's brother shoots another boy and Trent feels compelled to go with his brother, who is in hiding. Nick's team is on the verge of a championship season, and with Trent's aggressiveness and Nick's leadership, they could win. Without Trent, the team may falter, and Nick is desperate to convince Trent to stay in school and on the team.
Teen angst and the emotional strain of high school relationships are realistic within NIGHT HOOPS. The excitement and descriptions of the games are well written. Deuker is a master at characterization and delivering a story with escalating suspense as the boys deal with real problems. Even reluctant readers, and especially sports-minded boys, will enjoy this electrifying novel.
