Elijah’s commitment to his family, friends, community, and future is challenged by a neighborhood gang. He risks it all and takes a stand during an adult basketball tournament, learning about courage, consequences, and compassion. Wes’s Acknowledgements, Shawn’s Acknowledgements, About the Authors.

Great book about inner city kids trying to make something of themselves. The main character is not only a great basketball player, but also a great student. Things take a turn for the worst though when he gets caught in the middle of some serious gang activity. I wouldn't say that the ending was as strong as the beginning, but it might be a story that many students from urban areas can relate to. I might consider using this title as a possible discussion book. ( )

Seventeen year old Elijah Thomas lives for basketball, but dreams that someday he'll be playing and look up to find his long absent father watching with approval. Thus far that hasn't happened, but he, along with best friends Michael and Dylan mesh well together on the court and have reached a level where they're going to try winning the $3,000 prize in the summer tournament. Most everyone else is bigger and older, but Elijah is their secret weapon.
When Michael gets them expensive new shoes and specially designed jerseys with the local gang's logo, Elijah's bothered by what's likely involved in expected payment. So is his mom who talks him into not wearing the new items for the final tournament game. In the meantime, Mom also got him a job doing chores for Banks a crotchety middle aged army veteran whose daughter, Kerri, is extremely pretty and smart. The two of them click, even though she keeps telling him that their meetings are not a date.
When retaliation comes, Elijah is angry, his mother terrified, while Banks and Kerri are willing to help. How this plays out makes for a decent read. This is a book that will appeal more to urban and inner city kids, but the plot is strong enough to hold the attention of teens liking a story with suspense and interesting characters. ( )