Half-Court Trap

"Explores boyhood challenges and the value of teamwork, thoughtfully delivering realism and hope for reluctant readers." — Kirkus Reviews

Short-listed for the Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award - 2022


The issues of male body image and rivalry come together in Half-Court Trap, set in racially diverse Brampton, Ontario. Thirteen-year-old Nigel is teased and belittled at home because of his weight, so an opposing player’s trash talk enrages him and he vows revenge. When his enemy becomes a teammate, Nigel plots to make him look bad and get him off the team. As Nigel finds out more about his rival, he not only learns empathy but comes to a new perspective on himself and acceptance of his body shape.