About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is navigating a friendship that feels lopsided or when they are starting to notice that people often hide their true selves behind social masks. It is a sophisticated choice for children who appreciate nuance and are ready to discuss the difference between technical skill and true honesty. The story follows Jerome Foxmoron, a brilliant and observant Black boy, as he forms an unlikely bond with Bix, a talented white basketball player who is struggling with his mother's mental illness. While basketball provides the backdrop, the heart of the story is an exploration of integrity and the 'moves' people use to protect themselves from pain. It handles heavy themes like race in the 1960s South and family trauma with a sharp, witty narrative voice that keeps the reader engaged. It is best suited for mature 11 to 14 year olds who are ready for a story that offers realistic, sometimes difficult, insights rather than a tidy happy ending.
