Back when my boys were young, and NOT following in my book-steps (reluctant readers all five) I was trying to keep a number of books on hand that I thought might interest them ... or at least make the most of required reading. All the boys liked basketball (three of them playing high school ball, the youngest currently playing college ball) and they, and I, read a number of the sports books out there. By Lupica, Feinstein, Deuker ... I didn't read The Crossover by Kwame Alexander until this year, but had it on my shelf). 

I didn't get to Fast Break until now ... #middlegradeMay challenge.

Like a few other middle grade books I've read this month, we have a young boy (12 years old) who ends up alone, abandoned by his mother (father never in the picture). Trying not to let anyone know because he's afraid of the foster care system. While I hear a lot about the school provided breakfast and lunch, I never really thought about it being the main/only food for some kids (while this is fiction, and there probably aren't many kids ALL alone, I'm now realizing that I just may not be aware of the importance of this food for some). Forced to steal to survive ... food, and then shoes, and he's caught in that attempt. 

In a bit of a twist to the stereotype - Young Jayson (white) is fostered by a black couple. Other than just the initial "they're black, they live in this nice neighborhood!" the race issue doesn't play into the story that much. 

As my boys were growing up, at times I'd have them "write up" experiences for journals, the family blog, etc. At times, they'd go a little too in depth describing basketball. I actually love watching them play and love anything they would write up, but knew that for other family, they'd probably skip over some of the play-by-play.  I felt similarly about some of the game descriptions here. It's hard enough to just keep track of the main characters, add in all the teammates and those on the opposing team, and then the running play-by-play of what's happening (he dished to him, and he faked him out, he posted up and then stole the ball ...) Because I have a pretty good familiarity with the game, I think I was able to follow, to visualize some of the games being described ... but wonder if it would be a little too much for many more casual readers? 

I enjoyed Jayson's story and growth ... comfortable where he was, struggling on the "wrong side of town" and not fully appreciating how much he lucked out in foster care with a caring and wealthy couple taking him in and supporting him. A new school and team than he is able to integrate in fairly easily. The usual "sports" challenges, but also his struggles trying to hide where he came from and things in his past (understandably, he's afraid of what people would think of him if they knew he'd been caught stealing). He makes some great personal strides, in life, in the game. 

Even though my boys are older know, I'd still love to have them read this, I'd like to know what they think of the story. That probably is not going to happen ... ;) But I give it a thumbs up to any other mothers with teen boys, encourage them to give it a go.