69 pages 2 hours read

Walter Dean Myers

Hoops

Fiction | Book | Middle Grade | Published in 1981

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Hoops is about Lonnie Jackson, a young basketball talent from Harlem who juggles life between his mother’s house and a motel where he works. As he and his team compete in a basketball tournament under the guidance of their coach, Cal Jones, Lonnie navigates personal struggles and societal challenges, ultimately seeking success and happiness despite his turbulent environment. The novel addresses physical assault.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Walter Dean Myers' Hoops receives acclaim for its realistic depiction of inner-city life and the personal growth of its protagonist. Readers appreciate the authentic slang and basketball scenes. Some critics find the plot predictable and secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it is praised for its strong message and relatable themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Hoops?

A reader who would enjoy Hoops by Walter Dean Myers is typically a young adult with an interest in basketball, underdog stories, and coming-of-age narratives. Fans of The Crossover by Kwame Alexander or Slam! by Nick Hornby will appreciate the similar themes of personal growth, sports, and overcoming adversity.

Recommended

Reading Age

12-18years

Lexile Level

740L

Book Details

Genre

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Realistic Fiction

African American Literature

Topics

Sports

Race / Racism

Parenting

Themes

Identity: Race

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Relationships: Fathers