Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
There's a phrase to describe the challenges of playing basketball on a team full of stars: There's only one ball. When two young hoop stars -- friends and friendly rivals for years -- begin facing the trappings of privilege that come hand in hand with early recruiting and fame, the fact remains:
There's only one ball. Miguel Dinero wants to dominate on the court because he's heard his whole life that it's his destiny. The country's #1 pre-varsity recruit with a pre-written path all the way to the NBA, rendering everything else, such as school, secondary. He expects the ball in his hand at crunch time, expects the spotlight, expects to win.
Wes, on the other hand, NEEDS all of this. For him, success in basketball, becoming the player his dad told him to be before dad shipped out to serve in the military, is a mission. No one on the court takes the game as seriously as Wes.
Both kids, friends and friendly rivals for years, are ready to take over the team. The problem? There's only one ball.
A middle-grade version of the storyline from the past few NBA seasons, with superstars teaming up with other superstars.
Praise for Mike Lupica:
-"Lupica is the greatest sports writer for middle school readers."--VOYA on True Legend
Synopsis
A fast-paced, heartfelt story for basketball fans that proves being a good teammate remains the most important quality in basketball--and in life, from New York Times bestselling author Mike Lupica. Wes' father always told him that there was only one ball in basketball. That you had to know when to take it yourself and when to give it up, that finding the right balance was key. So at every practice and game, Wes tries his best to be a good basketball player and, above all, a good teammate.
As the season kicks off, Wes finds that not everyone on his team has the same idea. All-star player and the Hawks' point guard, Danilo Dinero Rey seems determined to hold the spotlight and the ball, even if it means costing his team the game. If Wes is to lead the Hawks to the playoffs, he'll need to find new ways to dish out an assist--even if it means his most important one comes off the court.
In No Slam Dunk, #1 New York Times bestseller Mike Lupica demonstrates once again that there is no children's sports novelist today who can match his ability to weave a story of vivid sports action and heartfelt emotion. A touching story about teamwork and family, of selfishness and generosity, No Slam Dunk shows that even in the face of adversity, giving your best is the surest way to victory.
Praise for Mike Lupica:
-Lupica is the greatest sports writer for middle school readers.--VOYA on True Legend
-Lupica will win a Pulitzer for his sportswriting one day (he should have won it already).--The New York Times on Heat