BOOST, by Kathy Mackel posted by Mrs. Schauer

BOOST
by Kathy Mackel
AR: Yes
Interest Level: Middle and Upper Grades

I bought this book over spring break when I was at Barnes and Noble browsing for titles that reached out and GRABBED me...this one did, and man...the book grabbed hold of me from the first page! When I saw the cover, I immediately thought of Shannon, one of our own sophomore basketball players right here in Pettus--because I knew it was a book she'd be drawn to immediately. (By the way, I was right--as soon as I finished it, she snatched it away from me!)

BOOST is about Savvy, a 6"2 thirteen year old who eats, sleeps, breathes...LIVES...for basketball. Even though she's still in junior high, she decides to try out for the U-18 girls' elite basketball team. The older girls are pretty rough on her, but it doesn't take long for her skill and natural born talent to make everyone sit up and take notice--soon, she's starting at Center.

During a pivotal game against their arch-rival team, a bag of pills is found in Savvy's gym bag--and an investigation ensues. The pills are tested and found to be anabolic steroids. Could someone really resent her that much, to set her up this way? Even worse...could Savvy's basketball career mean so much to her, that she'd go to any length to succeed? You'll have to read the book to find out!

I have to admit there's a LOT of basketball jargon in here, that flew right over my head--I'm not too great about understanding sports--but I know there are LOADS of kids out there who will absolutely love this book. So...when Shannon's done...check with Mrs. Staples (she's signed up to read it next) or Mrs. Schauer to see about getting on the waiting list for it.

Oh--I'm creating a book trailer for this one--but it won't be posted for a week or so.