By Randall Bolding, age 16
Oxon Hill High School, Oxon Hillx@$>
@Text.dropcap.rag: “Summer Ball” is a delightful portrayal of friends, basketball and life in general. The main character, Danny Walker, signs up for Right Way, a prestigious basketball camp, along with two friends, Ty and Will, and the adventure begins.
When Danny gets to the camp, immediately there is a problem. His friends are sent to Boston Garden, a cabin for 13-year olds, but by mistake, he is sent to Gampel, a cabin for 11-year-olds. Although Danny has to sleep in the 11-year-olds’ cabin, he still is on the Celtics team with the other 13-year-old boys.
The cabin mix-up is not Danny’s only problem, however, as he has met the coach of his nightmares, Coach Powers. Coach Powers and Danny immediately butt heads. The coach thinks Danny is too small to get much playing time — and not only that, but he also practically declares that Rasheed Hill, Danny’s rival, co-leader of the Celtics.
Off the court, Danny has other problems. He gets into a fight and gets suspended for two games. In addition, he gets caught going across the lake to visit his friend Tess at her uncle’s house. None of these troubles throws Danny off his game, though; his team goes on to win the house championship.
This book was very inspirational. It teaches you that no matter how big or small you are, you can overcome all challenges. It teaches you never to give up and not to let anyone kill your dreams. It also teaches you that if you believe in yourself, it does not matter whether anyone else believes in you.
My favorite part of the book was when Danny’s team won the championship. It was heart-warming. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes basketball.
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