Justin #1
-
- $6.99
-
- $6.99
Publisher Description
An action-packed basketball series from author LJ Alonge set on the courts of Oakland, CA.
Justin has a list of goals stashed under his mattress. Number 1 is "figure out life plans." Number 5 is "earn Zen Master rating in WoW." Nowhere on that list is "play the crew from Ghosttown," but that's the type of trouble that always seems to finds him.
The debut title from LJ Alonge's new basketball series pulses with action on and off the court. With wit, humor, and honesty, Justin unfolds over one hot summer.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
One of two books kicking off the Blacktop series, written at a fourth-grade reading level, Alonge's first novel taps into the conflicted voice and emotions of 15-year-old Justin Shaw, a talented African-American basketball player trying to find his way. After accidentally burning down a local corner store in a misguided attempt to impress some guys in his Bushrod Park neighborhood of Oakland, Calif., Justin tries to assemble a ragtag basketball team to play against a tough team from nearby Ghosttown ("They show up to your neighborhood like Vikings ready to conquer, pillage, and plunder"). It's a coming-of-age story with hard edges and heart, and Justin's strained relationship with his estranged, alcoholic father is especially well-handled. Another player on Justin's team stars in Janae, available simultaneously. Ages 12 up.
