About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is struggling with a major life transition, specifically the loss of a parent or entering the foster care system. It is a powerful choice for preteens who express their emotions through sports or physical activity rather than words. The story follows Jayson, a twelve year old boy who has been living alone after his mother's death until he is placed with an affluent foster family in a new neighborhood. This book explores the friction between Jayson's past and his new reality, highlighting his internal battle with trust and his fear of betraying his roots. It is age appropriate for middle schoolers, offering a realistic look at grief and socio-economic differences while remaining grounded in the high energy world of competitive basketball. Parents might choose this to help a child process 'hidden' grief and the feeling of being an outsider.
