Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Sports journalist Shah (the Play the Game series) makes his comics debut in this confident graphic novel memoir. In 1995, 14-year-old Shah finesses a press pass from the school newspaper editor to gain access to the Chicago Bulls, who are practicing on his Orlando high school campus. Though Shah's main goal is to meet the Bulls, once he experiences the notoriety and praise that proper research--and the perfect question--can afford, he becomes obsessed with learning everything about sports journalism. While peers and adults alike are impressed by the Indian American teen's drive and resourcefulness, Shah's often-single-minded determination also sows tension between him and his friends. As Shah delves deeper into the sports journalism landscape, he also contends with prejudice about his ethnicity and physical stature. With support from his family, however, Shah doggedly pursues his dream. Artwork by Doucet (Art Club) prioritizes the fast-paced action and movement of sporting events through fluid, heavily inked line art. The career focused plot trajectory, and the events' effects on Shah's relationships, provides a relatable framework from which like-minded readers can model their own pursuits. Photographs and an author's note conclude. Characters are depicted with varying skin tones. Ages 8--12. Illustrator's agent: Jas Perry, Looking Glass Literary. (Aug.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5 Up--Shah's coming-of-age story of growing up in Orlando, wanting to play ball and get the girl, and how he eventually became a journalist, is an excellent example of what happens when passion is combined with hustle. This graphic novel captures the journey of falling in love with a sport, chasing a dream, stumbling through failures, and picking back up again to push forward. Through the narrative, readers discover that even if success isn't guaranteed, the memories become wins in their own right. While Shah glosses over some of the events of the time, both in sports and culture, his own story is thoughtfully and thoroughly explored with a diverse cast of friends, people who help him (including Shaq), and those who try to stop him. With so few graphic novels centered around basketball, this stands out as a refreshing addition to collections. Doucet's illustrations perfectly reflect the time period of the 1990s, blending the idea of the baller and hip-hop culture into the tale, all while keeping the book accessible to younger readers. The pages are fun and lively, with bright colors capturing the vibrancy of the basketball teams and Orlando culture. VERDICT This nonfiction coming-of-age story is a perfect example of trying, failing, and rising again; it would be an excellent addition to sports collections and/or graphic novel sections.--Richard Winters
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In this graphic memoir by sports journalist Shah, a ninth grader pursues his passion in the face of familial expectations pushing him toward a medical career, while also navigating the perils of high school social life. It's 1995, and Indian American Amar is desperate to meet the Chicago Bulls--Michael Jordan, in particular--when they stop by his Orlando, Florida, school. A lucky break leads him to his first sports interview, with Phil Jackson, and his tenacity takes him further, leading to multiple conversations with Shaquille O'Neal. But Amar's luck in journalism doesn't spill over to his relationship with his crush, blond Kasey Page ("like a mixture of Cameron Diaz, Tinkerbell, and heaven"), or his efforts to remain close with best friends Rohit and Cherian, who start spending more time with other classmates. The work relies on captions as much as plot developments to propel the story. It also follows a broad cast of characters--close and former friends, antagonists, supportive adults, and famous athletes--who appear in multiple storylines. The story accurately depicts the complexities of life as a young teen, though overlapping life challenges pull it in multiple directions, leaving some threads underexplored and hastily wrapped up. Doucet illustrates the characters using loose, disjointed outlines that give the artwork a sense of movement, and the colorful backgrounds use patterns and action lines to indicate a wide array of emotions. A tighter focus would make this fascinating life story even more intriguing. (author's note, photographs)(Graphic memoir. 9-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
