Half-Court Trap
by Kevin heronJones
Included in the Social Emotional Learning collection
A Black teen learns to deal with stress, anger, rivalry and body image issues in the context of basketball.
"Explores boyhood challenges and the value of teamwork, thoughtfully delivering realism and hope for reluctant readers." — Kirkus Reviews
Short-listed for the Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award - 2022
The issues of male body image and rivalry come together in Half-Court Trap, set in racially diverse Brampton, Ontario. Thirteen-year-old Nigel is teased and belittled at home because of his weight, so an opposing player’s trash talk enrages him and he vows revenge. When his enemy becomes a teammate, Nigel plots to make him look bad and get him off the team. As Nigel finds out more about his rival, he not only learns empathy but comes to a new perspective on himself and acceptance of his body shape.
About the Author
Kevin heronJones is a youth basketball coach, author, journalist, actor, lecturer and award-winning performance poet. He has numerous spoken word recordings and his poetry book titles include Vision, I AM a Child of the SUN and Telephone Love. He lives in Milton, Ontario.
Reviews
"Explores boyhood challenges and the value of teamwork, thoughtfully delivering realism and hope for reluctant readers."
"Half-Court Trap would be an excellent addition to any collection."
Awards
Subjects (BISAC)
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