Box Out

Sophomore Liam Bergstrom just joined the varsity basketball team. His teammates made varsity because they're good. Liam's here because he's tall and Coach needs a guy who can grab rebounds. It's the chance Liam's been waiting for, but already he's playing catch-up. The other guys know what Coach expects, and they're willing to do things Coach's way, no matter what. So when Liam questions the team's practice of praying together before games, he's suddenly the odd man out. Now Liam has to find the guts to stand up for what he believes in--and take his game to a whole new level.

PRAISE FOR BOX OUT:

"The author of Crackback (2005) crafts an equally perceptive, triumphant tale--this one centered on a high school hoops player searching for, and finding, his own road. . . . plenty of breathlessly compelling game action, too." --Booklist, starred review

"The message that one must choose one's own road is certainly worthy, and the combination of basketball action, Liam's thoughtful responses to off-court issues, and the involvement--and final game--between the boys and girls will appeal to many hoops fans." -- School Library Journal

"Simple, present-tense prose, lively basketball action and the moral tenor of the novel make this a solid choice for sports fans." -- Kirkus Reviews