Hoop Dreams
by Lorna Schultz Nicholson
Allie MacLean: the basketball player who won't let an injury destroy her dreams
Playing ball is what keeps Podium Sports Academy's basketball captain going when things get rough. When there's trouble back home, Allie turns to basketball. Ditto when her relationship is in trouble or when she's at odds with her friends. But then tragedy strikes when an old knee injury resurfaces and Allie is told she might not be able to play again. With her hope of a future as an elite basketball player gone, Allie is overwhelmed with dark thoughts and feels she has nothing left to live for. That is, until unexpected support comes from two unlikely sources: her folks back home and her friends at Podium, her home away from home.
[Fry Reading Level - 3.0
[Fry Reading Level - 3.0
About the Author
Reviews
"I'm really impressed with the writing and character development. Dialogue is realistic, and the pacing is exciting. Will be recommending more from the Podium series."
Jaime Tong,, Educator at Vancouver School Board
"Allie leads a cast of well-drawn, multicultural characters, some of whom have starred in other Podium books, giving a cohesive feel to this fictional high school. The action flows naturally, alternating between scenes of intense basketball action, solitary angst, and hanging with friends. Readers will identify with AllieÂs struggles and second-guess her choices, making this a valuable and worthwhile read for all teens -- elite athletes or not. Gripping, relatable and fast-paced, these books will appeal to a wide-ranging audience, particularly to teens reading below age level."
Penny Draper, National Reading Campaign
"Podium Sports Academy is a great concept. Take the pressures of a regular high school experience and dial them up tenfold -- and you have Podium Sports Academy."
Resource Links
Awards
Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens
Subjects (BISAC)
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