Hoop Rat (Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels)

Gr 3-6—Standard sports cliches play out in both titles. In Hoop Rat, Griffin Henshaw, 14, joins the Spartans but doesn't receive a warm welcome—he's the former captain of the archrival Goliaths, and his new teammates wonder where his true allegiance lies. In Scramble, reluctant backup QB Ben Paulson, 14, must step into the big shoes of suspended golden boy Wes Blake. Both books build tension, leading to high-pressure games at their climaxes. Brisk pacing should keep readers interested, but the stories have fairly abrupt conclusions. Themes of self-confidence, loyalty, and friendship come across loud and clear. Characters are flat, with a minimum of development. Design plays a key role, as each book opens with an ESPN-style "special report" featuring main character bios and a "ticker" at the bottom of the page. The stylized, vaguely anime-inspired art employs bright colors and dramatic shifts in perspective to keep the excitement high. While both titles have generic plots, sports-loving reluctant readers will likely be sucked in.—Travis Jonker, Dorr Elementary School, MI