About This Book
Reach for this book when you have a talented preteen or teen who is struggling with the transition from individual achievement to team cooperation. It is especially useful for the child who is frequently in the doghouse due to an attitude problem or a refusal to follow the rules, despite their obvious skill or intelligence. The story centers on Bobby Haggard, a high school basketball star whose hot temper and ego threaten to derail his team's shot at a state championship. Through the lens of competitive sports, the novel explores the consequences of selfish behavior and the difficult process of earning back trust once it has been broken. Dygard provides a realistic look at the pressures of high school athletics and the social dynamics of small-town stardom. This is an excellent choice for a reader who resists traditional self-help or guidance books but loves sports. It frames personal growth not as a chore, but as a necessary step for achieving a shared goal. While the setting is a basketball court, the lessons on accountability and impulse control are universal for any adolescent navigating the shift toward maturity.
