Summer Ball by Mike Lupica has garnered praise for its engaging narrative and relatable protagonist, making it a hit among young readers, especially basketball enthusiasts. Critics commend Lupica's portrayal of teamwork and personal growth. However, some note that its plot can be predictable and characters stereotypical. Overall, it remains a compelling read for sports fans.

Readers aged 10-14 with a passion for basketball and underdog sports stories will enjoy Summer Ball by Mike Lupica. Fans of John Feinstein’s Last Shot or Kwame Alexander’s The Crossover will find this tale of friendship, competition, and personal growth captivating. Perfect for those who love dynamic characters and fast-paced plots.

In Summer Ball by Mike Lupica, 13-year-old basketball prodigy Danny Walker attends an elite summer camp called Right Way, where he must confront his insecurities about his height and prove himself against some of the nation's best young players. Danny faces various challenges, including strained relationships, bullying, and self-doubt, ultimately learning valuable lessons about perseverance and self-belief.

Adventurous / Playful / Inspirational / Exciting / Heartwarming

- Mike Lupica, the author of *Summer Ball*, is well-known for his engaging sports stories for young readers, with a successful career that spans sports writing, broadcasting, and novel writing.
- *Summer Ball* is a sequel to Lupica's popular book *Travel Team*, continuing the story of middle school basketball star Danny Walker.
- Mike Lupica often draws inspiration from his own experiences as a youth sports coach and parent, bringing authenticity to the sports scenes in his novels.

**Danny Walker**  
A 13-year-old basketball prodigy known as "the smallest basketball magician in America," who faces challenges related to his height but excels through his strategic intellect and supportive relationships.

**Richie Walker**  
Danny’s father, a former professional basketball player who stands as a model of hard work and perseverance despite being under six feet tall, sharing with Danny a strong moral code and a history of overcoming height-related challenges.

**Ali Walker**  
Danny’s mother, an English teacher known for her warmth and resolve, who supports Danny’s personal growth alongside his father, emphasizing emotional resilience over athletic achievement.

**Will Stoddard**  
Danny’s best friend and a teammate, whose humor and laid-back attitude often ease the tension and provide comic relief.

**Ty Ross**  
Danny’s other best friend and basketball teammate, recognized for his exceptional basketball skills and quiet support for Danny.

**Tess Hewitt**  
Danny’s tall, athletic friend with whom he shares a bond over sports, known for her intelligence, strength and no-nonsense attitude, playing a pivotal role in helping Danny maintain his self-confidence.

**Tarik Meminger**  
A friendly and witty new acquaintance from the Bronx who quickly becomes an ally with a positive attitude and a unique slang vocabulary that amuses Danny and his friends.

**Lamar Parrish**  
A highly talented but ill-mannered basketball prodigy known for his contentious personality, whose behavior often causes friction with others at camp.

**Zach Fox**  
A young basketball talent from Connecticut who, initially shy and lacking confidence, finds comfort and courage through basketball and friendship with Danny.

**Rasheed Hill**  
An exceptionally skilled basketball player with a calm demeanor, who commands respect on and off the court and shares a mutual understanding with Danny despite a rocky start.

**Coach Ed Powers**  
A retired college basketball coach known for his rigid coaching style and grudge against Danny’s father, often undermining Danny’s confidence.

**Nick Pinto**  
A college basketball player who befriends Danny, leading by example with integrity and encouragement for shorter basketball players.

**Jeff LeBow**  
The camp director recognized for his efforts to maintain peace at the camp, often excusing questionable behavior in favor of reputation management.

**Josh Cameron**  
A point guard for the Boston Celtics and the camp founder, admired by Danny for advocating fair play and fostering young talent.

Mike Lupica

Middle grade

Novel

Danny Walker

Fiction

Guide

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Chapters 1-2

Summer Ball Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-4

Summer Ball Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-6

Summer Ball Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-8

Summer Ball Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-10

Summer Ball Chapters 9-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-12

Summer Ball Chapters 11-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-14

Summer Ball Chapters 13-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-16

Summer Ball Chapters 15-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-18

Summer Ball Chapters 17-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-20

Summer Ball Chapters 19-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-22

Summer Ball Chapters 21-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-24

Summer Ball Chapters 23-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-26

Summer Ball Chapters 25-26 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Summer Ball Character Analysis

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Summer Ball

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